How to use an Xbox One controller on PC
:
Configuration
Wired
wireless adapter
Bluetooth
Update p>
(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 a super easy plug-and-play experience, the Xbox controller is the obvious choice, and it's definitely one of the
best pc controllers
, anyway—Microsoft overhauled its controller after the Xbox One launched, improving the feel of its bumpers and adding Bluetooth connectivity.
Thanks to the built-in Windows driver, you won't need any special software for your PC (and most games) to immediately recognize your pad. 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 will work with your PC.
Configuration
What you need
Material
Xbox One controller
< p>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)< /p>
Wired
Use your Xbox One controller
Using an Xbox One wired controller on PC is as easy as it gets, if you don't mind having a tether. Plug your micro-USB cable into the controller and into a USB port on your PC. Windows should install the necessary driver, the Xbox Guide button in the center will light up, and you're in business!
Note on Windows version: On Windows 10 you can connect up to eight Xbox One controllers, while on Windows 7 and Windows 8 you can connect up to four. In Windows 10, you can only connect four controllers if 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.
Troubleshooting Note:
the vast majority of micro-USB cables carry data without issue, but some manufacturers offer and produce low-cost cables that can only charge. If you're using a random USB cable from a drawer and you're having trouble, try a different one.
(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. Plug in the
xbox wireless adapter
on a USB port.
2. Turn on your Xbox One controller by pressing and holding the Guide button in the center. Now press the small sync button on 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. Look at the flashing Guide button on the controller. When it becomes solid, you are connected!
Bluetooth
How to Connect Xbox One Controller via Bluetooth
Here's where things get a little complicated. Some Xbox One controller models can connect to any older PC Bluetooth adapter. Others cannot. Here's how to tell if your Xbox One controller has built-in Bluetooth:
The shape of the plastic molding at the top of the controller is your clue. The first iteration of the Xbox One controller lacks Bluetooth support 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 also has built-in Bluetooth!
1. Press the Windows key and type “Bluetooth” until search shows the Bluetooth & 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 discoverable.
Note on Windows version: Using Xbox One controller via Bluetooth only works on Windows 10 with Anniversary Update applied.
2. Turn on the Xbox One controller by holding down the Guide button. Press the sync button on 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. And you are connected wirelessly!
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 too! While there's no need 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 like trigger and analog stick sensitivity. You can save different configurations in the two profiles supported by the controller.
You are 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 personal stories from PC gaming's niche communities. 50% pizza by volume.
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