How to connect Xbox controller to a PC: Wired, wireless & more

Need to connect your Xbox controller to your PC? Well, there are a few ways to go about it and it turns out, it’s gotten much easier over the years.

Be it a single-player, adventure title to get lost in, or a racing game where you’ll compete with the rest of the world, many players prefer to utilize a controller due to its more compact size — and it’s typically much easier to control on the whole, too.

However, if you’re confused about how to connect an Xbox controller to a PC, keep reading, as our guide has got your back on connecting Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers.

Contents

• How to connect a wired Xbox controller to a PC
• How to connect a wireless Xbox controller to a PC
  • Connecting via Xbox Wireless Adaptor
  • Connecting via Bluetooth

How to connect a wired Xbox controller to a PC

Connecting a wired controller is incredibly easy. As Microsoft has moved away from providing its own brand of wired controllers, apply this to things from third-party manufacturers. Plugging in your wireless Xbox One or Series X/S controller is as simple as using the USB-C or MicroUSB connector on the top to the PC as you normally would with any other device.

However, if you own a wired Xbox 360 controller and noticed that you’re missing the USB part, you might need to buy a new breakaway cord.

Once everything is in place, just plug it in and Windows, or whichever OS you’re on, will recognize it.

How to connect a wireless Xbox controller to a PC

If you want to get rid of the cables but still enjoy games from the comfort of a controller, a wireless Xbox controller may be your preferred choice.

Again, the 360 doesn’t use Bluetooth for its wireless signal, so you’ll need to track down an adapter to get it going wirelessly. While you might want to continue using this controller, we’d recommend picking up a new one for simplicity’s sake.

If this is your first time using a wireless controller, here’s a simple guide on how to connect it to your PC:

Connecting via Xbox Wireless Adaptor

• Plug the Xbox Wireless Adaptor into your PC.
• Turn on your controller by pressing the Xbox button.
• Press and hold the Pair button on the Xbox Wireless Adaptor. A small light will flash for several seconds.
• Again, press and hold the Pair button until the light flashes more rapidly.
• After it gets connected, the small light will stay lit.

Connecting via Bluetooth

• Turn on your controller by pressing the Xbox button.
• Press and hold the Pair button for three seconds (the Xbox button will start flashing rapidly).
• Go to the Bluetooth settings on your PC and turn it on.
• Select Add Bluetooth or other device.
• Select your Xbox Wireless Controller.
• That’s it! You can now enjoy your wireless controller on your PC.

So, there you have it — that’s everything you need to know about connecting an Xbox controller to your PC.

Here are some of our guides to help you out with other hardware related issues:

How to connect a PS4 controller to PS5 | How to fix Xbox Controller error