Xbox controllers can be used across many platforms and devices. This includes PCs, laptops, and even iPhones. You just have to pair it with a device and you can play all the compatible games with the controller. Today, let’s see how to connect an Xbox controller to your PC.

Which Xbox controller do you own?

First, you know need to know which Xbox controller you have. This is because depending on the controller type you have, the type of connection can be wireless or Wired.

Both Xbox series X and Series S consoles come up with wireless controllers while the original Xbox One controllers have wired connections. However, Xbox One S and all the later versions have wireless communication. If you have purchased the controller within the last four years chances are most likely your controller is wireless.

 How to connect Xbox controller to PC with Bluetooth

If you own a wireless Xbox controller, you can connect it to a PC with Bluetooth. This is similar to connecting your controller with the console. First, you need to turn on the pairing mode in the controller. Then the PC will identify the controller as a Bluetooth device and you will be able to pair the controller without any trouble.

Before you begin make sure you have turned on Bluetooth on your PC. If you are using windows 10, go to start > type “Bluetooth and other devices”> Turn on Bluetooth. If your PC does not have built-in Bluetooth you may want to plug in an external Bluetooth adapter for the connection.

1. Turn on the controller by holding the Guide button.
2. Hold the pairing button until the pairing mode is enabled (The guide button will flash).
3. Now go to the Bluetooth menu on your PC. (Click on Start, search for “Bluetooth and other devices”)
4. Click on “Add Bluetooth or other devices”, select Bluetooth.
5. If your controller is discoverable, it will be shown in the menu. Click on it to pair.
6. Wait until the word “connected “appears in the controller name.

Now you are ready to play the games with your controller on your PC. However, keep in mind that when you connect your controller to your PC with Bluetooth the controller attachments such as headsets will not work with the controller.

How to connect Xbox controller to PC without Bluetooth

If you have a wired controller you will have to simply plug in the controller to the PC using a USB cable, and it will be discoverable as a device. Your PC will install all the device drivers automatically. You also can connect wireless controllers to the PC using this way.

If your computer does not recognize your controller, try pressing the Xbox button to turn the controller on or try to unplug it and plug it in again. Or maybe you want to update the drivers for the controller manually from the device manager, which is explained in the notes section.

Also Read: How to Play Split Screen on Fortnite on Xbox

How to connect Xbox controller to PC with Xbox wireless adapter

Xbox wireless adapter is a USB adapter that is designed to connect your Xbox controller to the PC. This adapter is similar to a Bluetooth adapter. So if your PC has Bluetooth you can connect to the Xbox without this adapter.

1. Plug the wireless adapter into the PC
2. Turn on the Xbox controller then wait until the Xbox button flashes
3. Press and hold the pair button on the wireless adapter which is connected to your PC. A light will flash when the adapter is in pairing mode.
4. Now press and hold the pair button in the controller until it discovers the adapter and connects to it. The Xbox button will stay lit when it is connected to the wireless adapter.

Notes

• Always make sure your controller firmware is updated to get the best performance.
• Connect only one controller with Bluetooth at a time
• When connecting the controller to the PC via Bluetooth make sure you have turned off the console to pair the controller to the PC fast.
• If your PC does not recognize the controller when you connect it via a wired connection, you may need to update the device drivers for the controller. To do this,

1. Go to start. then search for “device manager”.
2. In the device manager, locate the Xbox controller. This should be under the “universal serial bus controllers” section if your PC does not identify the device.
3. Expand the section, then right-click on the controller’s name.
4. Click on update driver.