More and more players are making the switch to PC gaming and leaving consoles behind entirely. Gamers feel more comfortable investing in a multi-functional computer than whatever the latest console happens to be, which volition have to exist replaced to play the all-time stuff in a petty nether a decade. But what if you however have controllers from your console hanging around the house?

There are lots of reasons to employ your Xbox controller on a PC. Maybe you are playing a game from your childhood that yous're used to using a controller for. Or, you might simply prefer the push mapping on a controller to the keyboard. If you're a new PC gamer, you may need some time to get used to playing with the mouse and keyboard, so y'all'll occasionally have advantage of a controller. Whatever your reason is, this guide volition walk you through connecting an Xbox Series 10, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, or Xbox I 10 controller to a PC or laptop.

Connecting Your Controller Through Wired USB

The wired method of connecting a controller to your PC will work on controllers from the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series South, Xbox 1, or the Xbox One Southward.

Step 1: Discover A Micro-USB Cablevision For The Controller

Split Image of a Micro USB Cable on left, USB type C Cable on right

Xbox One controllers, whether they came with the original panel or the Xbox 1 S version, accept a port on superlative, above the Xbox push (too known as the guide push), for a Micro USB Cable. When the Xbox One commencement came out, the Micro USB cable was standard for smartphone chargers (other than Apple) and it was easy to find one. Still, now most modern phones (other than Apple) have switched to using a newer charger, the USB Type C Cablevision. If yous don't have an quondam charger lying effectually you can use, you lot'll need to pop out to a tech shop and take hold of one. The Xbox Series X and Xbox Serial S, which came out much more recently, apply a USB Type C Cable. The port can be constitute in the aforementioned identify as the previous generation, though!

Step Two: Plug Into A USB Port On Your PC

Xbox - Diagram of connecting an Xbox controller to a laptop

Plug the modest finish of the cable into your controller and pop the USB stop into a port on your PC! Proceed in mind that you'll need to naturally hold the controller while it's plugged in, then try to use a port that will give you lots of slack - something on the front of the figurer is platonic.

Pace Iii: Game!

Xbox - Image of Xbox controller plugged into a laptop
via WPXbox

From hither, it's pretty simple! Boot upwards the game you want to play using the mouth and keyboard, then take hold of your controller and jostle the sticks. If it'south connected correctly, the game should register that you lot've plugged in a controller to use and automatically give your controller buttons control over the menu afterward a moment or 2 of trying to use the command sticks. Nearly modern games will support your controller use - but do a quick Google search to double-check if y'all're confident near the connection but are still having trouble.

Connecting Your Controller To PC Wirelessly

The Wireless method can be used on Xbox Series X, Xbox Serial S, and Xbox One S controllers. Controllers from the original Xbox 1 will not exist able to connect wirelessly.

Step 1: Preparing Your PC

Gaming PC Building via JamesTheBard on Imgur
via JamesTheBard on Imgur

You'll need to ensure that your PC is running the latest version of Windows (Windows 10, as of this writing).

The PC likewise needs to have Bluetooth capabilities. If you discover that information technology doesn't, you tin can purchase a USB dongle to do it instead.

Stride Ii: Pair Your Controller

Xbox One - Diagram of where the Pairing Button Is
via Lifewire

Once Your PC is prepped, take hold of your compatible controller.

First, concord the guide button down until it lights up and the controller is on.

Then, yous can hold down the pairing button (the small, circle button with iii rounded lines beside it, found next to the USB C or Micro USB port) for three seconds, and the guide button volition flash to indicate that it'southward in pairing mode.

Step Three: Connecting On Your Computer

Windows 10 - Bluetooth Menu with Xbox Wireless Controller in the middle of connecting

One time that's done, return your focus to the computer. Yous'll need to reach the Bluetooth settings. Some people have a Bluetooth icon in their system tray, but yous can reliably reach these settings on Windows ten by clicking on "Settings" in your primary menu, choosing the option labelled "Devices," so click on the tab on the lefthand side that'due south called "Bluetooth & other devices."

At the top of that bill of fare, click the option that says "Add Bluetooth or other device." When it asks what kind of device you're adding, select "Bluetooth."

A menu will pop up and begin to search for nearby Bluetooth devices. Ensure your controller is still in pairing mode and it should appear on this list as "Xbox Wireless Controller." Click on that, and then wait for the guide button to shine a solid white - the card should as well tell you that your controller is paired.

Pace Iv: Game!

Xbox One - Person playing video game by using Xbox controller on their PC
via Pocket-lint

Your Xbox controller is now paired with your computer! One time you boot up a game, you should be able to utilise the controller immediately. Nigh modern games are compatible and tin can be played with a wireless controller.

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