You can use Xbox Wireless Gamepads like the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller and Xbox Elite Core Controller with Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers. This lets you play PC games without cables. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your PC has Bluetooth or the Xbox Wireless Adapter.
- Turn on the gamepad by pressing the Xbox button.
- Press the Sync button on the gamepad until the Xbox logo flashes.
- On your PC, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Select “Add Bluetooth or other device,” then choose “Bluetooth.”
- Pick your Xbox Wireless Controller from the list.
Now your gamepad is connected to your PC. You can start playing your favorite PC games with it, no wires needed! Enjoy playing!
Connect Your Xbox Controller to PC With a Wire
To link your Xbox controller to your PC using a wire, you’ll need a USB cable. Here’s what to do:
- Connect one end of the USB cable to your controller.
- Plug the other end into your PC.
That’s all! Your controller should set up automatically on Windows 10 or 11 and function with almost any PC game.
Connect Your Xbox Controller to PC With Bluetooth
To connect your Xbox controller to your PC using Bluetooth, follow these steps:
- Turn on the controller by pressing the Guide button.
- Hold the Pairing button until the Guide button flashes.
- Right-click the Bluetooth icon in your system tray.
- Choose “Add a Bluetooth Device.”
- Select “Add Bluetooth or other Device” and pick Bluetooth.
- Look for “Xbox Wireless Controller” and select it.
- Wait until the Guide button stays solid white and the Bluetooth menu confirms connection.
Now your Xbox Wireless Gamepad is ready to use with your PC for gaming. Keep in mind, you can’t use the headset jack on the controller when connected to a PC via Bluetooth, similar to Sony’s DualShock controllers.
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Connecting Your Xbox Controller to PC Using a USB Adapter
If you’re using an older Xbox One controller or prefer Microsoft’s proprietary wireless connection over Bluetooth, the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10 is essential.
This USB dongle allows direct connection to your Xbox gamepad without the need for Bluetooth setup or pairing.
To connect, simply plug in the dongle and pair it with your controller by pressing the Pairing buttons on both devices.
The Xbox Wireless Adapter provides a more stable connection compared to Bluetooth, which is especially useful for gaming where input lag can be crucial.
Additionally, it enables headset connectivity, allowing you to use your favorite headset for both game audio and voice chat.
Overall, the Xbox Wireless Adapter is a convenient and reliable solution for connecting your Xbox controller to your PC, offering seamless compatibility and enhanced performance for your gaming experience.
Unfortunately, the adapter is no longer available. You might find it online for $40 to $75, but it’s tough to find.
If you manage to get one, you can connect up to eight gamepads. Microsoft suggests using only one via Bluetooth. Using the adapter, you can also use the headset jack with adjustable settings in the Xbox app.
Alternatively, you can use an 8bitdo USB Wireless Adapter. It uses Bluetooth, so the headset jack won’t work as usual.
The good news is you can customize your gamepad with 8Bitdo’s Ultimate Software, which isn’t possible with the standard Bluetooth connection.
Identify Your Xbox Controller
If you recently got an Xbox controller, you’re good to go. The latest one is already yours. If you got one in the last few years, you’re probably set too.
The current Xbox Wireless Gamepad is what comes with the Xbox Series S/X. It works with Xbox wireless and Bluetooth.
Most Xbox Wireless Gamepads from the Xbox One era have Bluetooth. So, you can use Bluetooth or a cable with these.
Older Xbox One controllers don’t have Bluetooth. They only work with Xbox wireless, not PCs. You can use them with a PC, but you need a wireless dongle.
For older Xbox One controllers, check the plastic near the Guide button. If it’s the same as the controller’s face, it’s Bluetooth. If it matches the bumper buttons and has a seam, it’s not Bluetooth.
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To find out which Xbox controller you have:
- If you just got a new one, it’s the latest version.
- If you got it recently, it’s probably the latest too.
- The current Xbox Wireless Gamepad works with Xbox Series S/X and has Bluetooth.
- Most Xbox Wireless Gamepads for Xbox One have Bluetooth.
- Older Xbox One controllers don’t have Bluetooth, but use Xbox’s wireless standard.
- You can use an older Xbox One controller with your PC but need a wireless dongle.
Check the plastic around the Guide button:
- If it matches the controller’s face, it’s Bluetooth.
- If it matches the bumper buttons, it’s not Bluetooth.
- If it has a Capture button and USB-C port, it’s a current Xbox Series controller with Bluetooth.
If your controller has a Capture button, and a USB-C port instead of micro USB, it’s a current Xbox Series controller. It also has Bluetooth.
