Sony's Dualshock 4 may be our go-to controller this generation, but it's hard to beat the convenience of the Xbox One controller. If you're PC gaming with a pad and want a dead simple plug-and-play experience, the Xbox controller is the obvious choice, and it's definitely among the best PC controllers. With a driver built into Windows, you won't need any special software for your PC (and most games) to immediately recognize your pad. So what's the point of a guide at all?
There are a couple ways to use the Xbox One controller wirelessly, and a few things you should know about different iterations of the controller and what how they'll work with your PC.
Open the Device Manager. In Device Manager choose Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows option and Right Click on it. Select the Uninstall option from the menu. When the driver has been uninstalled successfully, restart your computer. When your computer restarts, Windows 10 will automatically install the missing drivers. First, click “Windows key” + “X” together. Then you will see an option stating “Device Manager.” Click on it to open Device manager. After opening device manager expand and locate the Microsoft Xbox one controller. Now right-click on the expanded Microsoft Xbox one controller and choose update driver software.
What you need
Hardware
- Xbox One controller
- Xbox Wireless adapter for Windows (optional, for wireless)
- Micro-USB cable (optional, for wired)
- AA batteries
Software
- Xbox Accessories app (optional, for software updates)
Using your Xbox One controller
1. Using a wired Xbox One controller on PC is as simple as it gets. Plug your micro-USB cable into the controller and into a USB port on your PC. Windows should install the necessary driver, the Xbox Guide button in the center will light up, and you're in business!
Windows version note: On Windows 10, you can connect up to eight Xbox One controllers, while on Windows 7 and Windows 8, you can connect up to four. On Windows 10, you can only have four controllers connected if you also connect an Xbox chat headset to the controller or two with the stereo headset. Audio throughput isn't supported on Windows 7 and 8.
Troubleshooting note: the vast majority of micro-USB cables carry data no problem, but some manufacturers cheap out and produce cables that can only charge. If you're using a random USB cable from a drawer and having trouble, try a different one.
How to connect with the Xbox Wireless adapter for Windows
This process is nearly as simple as connecting with a USB cable, and is basically identical to connecting the controller to an Xbox console.
1. Plug the Xbox Wireless adapter into a USB port.
2. Turn on your Xbox One controller by holding the Guide button in the center. Now press the the small sync button on the top of the controller until the Guide button begins flashing.
3. Press the small sync button located on the side of the Xbox Wireless adapter for a couple seconds. Watch the flashing Guide button on the controller. When it goes solid, you're connected!
How to connect the Xbox One controller via Bluetooth
Here's where things get a little complicated. Certain models of the Xbox One controller can connect to any old PC Bluetooth adapter. Others can't. Here's how to tell if your Xbox One controller has built-in Bluetooth:
The shape of the plastic molding at the top of the controller is your clue. The first iteration of the Xbox One controller does not support Bluetooth and has a few other annoyances. Its bumpers have a narrower click range, making them less comfortable depending on where you position your fingers.
The redesigned controller launched with the Xbox One S console and has a smaller plastic molding along the top. It also adds a 3.5mm headphone jack to the bottom of the controller, another easy giveaway. On top of that headphone jack, it also has built-in Bluetooth!
1. Press the Windows key and type 'Bluetooth' until search brings up the Bluetooth & other devices settings option. Click it to open that settings page. Here you should see your Bluetooth is set to 'On' and is discoverable.
Windows version note: Using the Xbox One controller via Bluetooth only works on Windows 10 with the Anniversary update applied.
2. Turn on the Xbox One controller by holding the Guide button. Press the sync button on top of the controller until the Guide light begins to flash rapidly.
3. In the Bluetooth settings menu, click 'Add Bluetooth or other device' and then select Bluetooth from the menu options. After a few seconds of searching, your Xbox controller should show up. Click it to pair. And you're wirelessly connected!
Headset note: Only one Xbox One controller can be paired via Bluetooth. Headsets not supported.
How to update and configure the Xbox One controller
It's not just games that have updates these days. So do controllers! While it's not necessary to update your Xbox controller, if you want to, the process is pretty simple.
1. Open the Windows Store and search for Xbox Accessories. Install the app and open it.
Windows version note: The app only works with Windows 10 with the Anniversary update applied.
2. Plug your Xbox One controller in with a micro-USB cable.
3. Click the 'More options' button to check if there's a firmware update for your controller.
Instead of configuring controller options on a game-by-game basis, you can also use the Accessories app to change button mapping, swap and invert sticks and triggers, and enable or disable rumble.
If you have an Xbox One Elite controller, you can also use the Accessories app to configure options like trigger and analog stick sensitivity. You can save different configurations to the two profiles the controller supports.
Not a controller person? Here's a round-up of the best gaming keyboards, and best gaming mouse.
On Bluetooth-supported controllers, the plastic around the Xbox button is part of the face of the controller. On controllers without Bluetooth, the plastic around the Xbox button is part of the top, where the bumpers are.
Notes
- Bluetooth requires a PC running the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. See Windows Update: FAQ to learn how to get the latest Windows update.
- For best performance, update your controller. See How to update your Xbox One Controller on Windows 10.
- Bluetooth is supported on PCs, tablets, and laptops. It is not supported on mobile devices.
- Bluetooth does not support any attachments, such as headsets, chatpads, or the Xbox Stereo Adapter.
- We recommend connecting only one controller at a time using Bluetooth.
Follow these steps to pair your controller to your PC using Bluetooth:
Windows 8 Xbox 360 Wireless Controller Driver
- Make sure you have updated your PC to the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. See Windows Update: FAQ to learn how to get the latest Windows update.
- For best performance, update your controller. See How to update your Xbox One Controller on Windows 10.
- Turn on your Xbox Wireless Controller by pressing the Xbox button.
- Press the controller Connect button for three seconds and release.