How to Use an Xbox One Controller on PC
:
Install
Wired
wireless adapter
Bluetooth
Update
(Image credit: Microsoft)
If you want to use a controller on PC, you can't beat the convenience of the Xbox gamepad. If you want an ultra-simple plug-and-play experience, the Xbox controller is the obvious choice, and it's definitely the 'one of
best pc controllers
Anyway, Microsoft revised its controller after the launch of the Xbox One, improving the feel of its bumpers and adding Bluetooth connectivity.
Thanks to the built-in Windows driver, you won't need any special software to get your PC (and most games) to recognize your tablet immediately. So what's the point of a guide?
Well, there are several ways to connect the Xbox One controller wirelessly, and a few things you should know about the different iterations of the controller and how exactly they work with your PC.
Install
What do you need
Material
Xbox One controller
Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows
(optional, for wireless)
Bluetooth adapter (optional, for wireless)
Micro-USB cable (optional, for wired)
AA batteries
Software
Xbox Accessories app (optional, for software updates)
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Wired
Use your Xbox One controller
Using a wired Xbox One controller on PC is as easy as it gets, if you don't mind a tether. Plug your micro-USB cable into the controller and into a USB port on your PC. Windows should install the driver needed, the Xbox Guide button in the center will light up, and you're in business!
Windows version note: In Windows 10 you can connect up to eight Xbox One controllers, while in Windows 7 and Windows 8 you can connect up to four. In Windows 10 you can only connect four controllers whether you also connect an Xbox chat headset to the controller or two with the stereo headset. Audio bitrate is not supported on Windows 7 and 8.
Note on troubleshooting:
the vast majority of micro USB cables carry data without issue, but some manufacturers offer cheap cables and can only charge. another.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
wireless adapter
How to Connect with the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows
This process is almost as easy as connecting with a USB cable and is basically the same as connecting the controller to an Xbox console.
1. Connect the
Xbox wireless adapter
in a USB port.
2. Turn on your Xbox One controller by holding down the Guide button in the center. Now press the small sync button on the top of the controller until the Guide button starts flashing.
3. Press the small sync button on the side of the Xbox Wireless Adapter for a few seconds. Watch the Guide button flashing on the controller. When it turns solid, you're connected!
Bluetooth
How to Connect Xbox One Controller via Bluetooth
This is where things get a little tricky. Some Xbox One controller models can connect to any old PC Bluetooth adapter. Others can't. Here's how to tell if your Xbox One controller has Bluetooth integrated:
The shape of the plastic molding at the top of the controller is your clue. The first iteration of the Xbox One controller doesn't 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 has a smaller plastic molding on top. It also adds a 3.5mm headphone jack to the bottom of the controller, another easy giveaway. In addition to that headphone jack, it has also integrated Bluetooth!
1. Press the Windows key and type "Bluetooth" until the search shows the Bluetooth and other devices settings option. Click on it to open this settings page. Here you should see that your Bluetooth is set to “On” and is detectable.
Note on Windows version: 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 down the Guide button. Press the sync button on the top of the controller until the Guide light begins to flash rapidly.
3. In the Bluetooth settings menu, click "Add Bluetooth or other device", then select Bluetooth from the menu options. After a few seconds of searching, your Xbox controller should appear. Click it to pair. thread !
Headset Note: Only one Xbox One controller can be paired via Bluetooth. Headsets not supported.
Update
How to update and configure the Xbox One controller
CONTROLLER SETUP GUIDES
How to use one:
PS4 controller on PC
PS3 controller on PC
Nintendo Switch Pro controller on PC
Xbox One controller on PC
It's not just games that have updates these days. Controllers do too! While it's not necessary to update your Xbox controller, if you want to, the process is quite 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 Anniversary Update applied.
2. Connect your Xbox One controller with a micro-USB cable.
3. Click the "More options" button to check if there is 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 mappings, swap and reverse sticks and triggers, and turn rumble on or off.
If you have an Xbox One Elite controller, you can also use the Accessories app to configure options such as trigger and analog stick sensitivity. You can save different configurations to the two profiles supported by the controller.
Not a controller?Here is an overview of
best gaming keyboards
, and
best gaming mouse
.
Wes Fenlon
When he doesn't have 50 hours in an opaque ASCII JRPG or roguelike, Wes is probably playing the hottest games from three years ago He oversees features, researching the personal stories of PC gaming's niche communities .50% pizza by volume.
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