Wondering how to connect an Xbox One controller to your PC? While a keyboard and mouse is superior for many genres, other types of games piece of work ameliorate with a controller.

Every bit you'd look, connecting an Xbox controller to a Windows PC is easy since Microsoft handles both platforms. Hither's how to use your Xbox controller to play PC games—this works for both Xbox I and Xbox Series S|Ten controllers, since they're about identical.

There are three ways to pair an Xbox controller to your PC. Nosotros'll encompass each method in plough.

1. How to Connect Xbox Controller to PC via USB Cable

The nearly straightforward way to connect your Xbox controller and PC is with a micro-USB cablevision (or a USB-C cablevision for Series S|X controllers). Simply plug the slim terminate into your Xbox 1 controller and the other end into a USB port on your PC. Hit the Xbox button to plough the controller on if it doesn't practise so on its own.

Connect Xbox One Controller to PC Wired

On Windows 10, your computer should recognize the controller instantly. On before versions of Windows, the Bone should automatically download drivers and your controller will be ready in a few moments.

Note that even when plugged into a computer, the batteries in your Xbox controller will drain. We recommend picking upward the Xbox One Play and Charge Kit (or the Xbox Rechargeable Battery for Serial S|10 controllers) to requite your controller recharging capabilities. With it, your controller will charge when continued to your PC, eliminating battery life concerns.

When y'all want to disconnect your Xbox controller from the PC, just unplug it. It may flash for a few seconds as it's looking for other devices, merely it will plough off before long.

ii. How to Connect Xbox Controller to PC Using Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a user-friendly mode of connecting your Xbox One controller and PC. However, to use it with an Xbox One controller, you must have the newer model, equally shown in the image below. All Xbox Serial S|X controllers support Bluetooth.

Xbox Controller Comparison

If your Xbox One controller has the plastic casing effectually the Xbox push, as shown in the top analogy, then it is not Bluetooth-compatible. You'll need to use the Xbox Wireless Adapter (explained below) if you lot want to connect your Xbox controller to your PC without Bluetooth. The bottom model, where none of the plastic surrounds the Xbox button, supports Bluetooth.

To use Bluetooth, head to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices in Windows 10. Enable the Bluetooth slider (if information technology isn't turned on already), then cull Add Bluetooth or other device. Select Bluetooth from the list.

Next, press the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on. And so printing and hold the Pair button on meridian of the controller (the small button side by side to LB) for a few seconds, and the Xbox button will start flashing rapidly.

From here, your Xbox controller should show upwards in the Bluetooth pairing menu on your PC. Select it and complete the steps to pair them. If you have trouble, refer to our guide on setting up Bluetooth in Windows 10.

three. Use the Xbox Wireless Adapter to Pair Xbox Ane Controller to PC

Microsoft has a standard called Xbox Wireless that's built into a few computers, but in that location's a skilful hazard it's not part of yours. So to sync your Xbox One controller and PC wirelessly without Bluetooth, you'll need to buy the Xbox Wireless Adapter. This adapter lets you connect your Xbox controller to your PC wirelessly, through the same proprietary connection used by your Xbox panel.

Plug it into a USB port on your PC and allow Windows install drivers. Once it'southward done, press and hold the button on the adapter and you'll encounter a light flash.

Next, hold the Xbox push on your controller to plow it on, then press and hold the Pair button on meridian of the controller. Subsequently a few seconds, the controller and adapter should see each other and connect.

From hither, you tin enjoy your Xbox 1 controller on your PC wirelessly, just like using Bluetooth. We but recommend this method if you lot have an Xbox One controller that'due south non Bluetooth-enabled. Otherwise, you could add Bluetooth to your computer with an adapter that's cheaper than the Xbox Wireless Adapter.

How to Reconnect Your Xbox Controller to Your Console

When using your Xbox controller wirelessly, you can turn the controller off past property the Xbox button on it for effectually five seconds. When the calorie-free goes out, the controller is off.

Continue in mind that if your Xbox controller is already paired to your console, pressing the Xbox button volition turn the system on. You should nevertheless be able to pair it wirelessly using either of the methods above, merely you'll probably want to turn your console off later on y'all practice so (or close down and unplug it before you lot start).

Later you connect your Xbox controller to a PC using any method above, you'll demand to re-pair the controller with your Xbox next time you want to use information technology there. To do this with the wired method, connect the controller to your Xbox using a USB cable, and then press the Xbox push button to pair.

To pair the controller wirelessly, press the pairing button on the arrangement. It's to the left of the disc tray on the original Xbox One, and at the bottom-right of the front panel under the power button on the Xbox One S and Xbox Ane X. On Xbox Series S|X, it's next to the USB port at the front of the system.

Afterwards hitting this push, plough on your controller by hit the Xbox button, then hold the Pair button on the top to pair it.

If you have an Xbox Series S|X controller, at that place'south a convenient shortcut for switching paired devices. When you accept it connected to a Bluetooth device, printing the Pair button on tiptop of the controller twice to immediately switch to the last Xbox Wireless connection (commonly your console). Then, press the Pair push twice again to reconnect to the Bluetooth device you were simply using.

Connect an Xbox Controller to Your PC Easily

You have enough of options for connecting an Xbox Ane or Xbox Serial South|X controller to your PC. Whether you desire to connect with a USB cable for the simplest pick or prefer to connect wirelessly with Bluetooth, now yous empathize the bachelor methods.

Meanwhile, a Windows PC isn't the just device y'all can connect an Xbox controller to.