How to Pair Xbox Controller with PC? Replace your mouse and keyboard with a PC controller. Using a keyboard and mouse to play PC games is almost a rite of passage for new PC gamers. However, there are also those who prefer to use an Xbox controller, especially for games such as platform games or racing games that require precise joystick movement. Since both Windows and Xbox are owned by Microsoft, support for Xbox controllers on Windows PCs is excellent, here's how. This guide covers both Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X controllers
The great thing about Xbox controllers is that it's incredibly easy to connect them to your gaming PC. You can connect via USB or wirelessly using Bluetooth or the official Xbox Wireless Adapter. Note that the original Xbox One controller does not support Bluetooth, but all modern controllers do.
If you prefer to use a PS5 controller on PC, check out our guide on how to connect it to a PC here.
Connect via USB
We'll start with the wired USB connection, which is the easiest way to connect the Xbox controller to the computer.
- Plug the USB cable into the computer.
- Plug the other end into the Xbox controller.
- Press and hold the Xbox button on the controller until it lights up.
- Windows 10 and Windows 11 will automatically detect the game controller and you can start using it immediately.
Connect with Xbox Wireless Adapter
- First, make sure you have the Xbox Wireless Adapter or buy one from Amazon. Some computers, such as the Surface Studio, Surface Book 2, Lenovo IdeaCentre Y710, Lenovo Legion Y720, and Asus G703, have the Xbox Wireless protocol built-in, so there is no need for a separate dongle.
- Plug the adapter into an open USB port and follow the instructions here to set it up.
- Turn on the Xbox controller by pressing and holding the middle Xbox button. Locate the sync button located next to the left bumper (LB). Press and hold until the light starts flashing.
- Press the corresponding synchronization button on the wireless adapter until it starts flashing. When it finds the control unit, the light will stay on. After this you should be able to use the controller to play games.
Connect via Bluetooth
Many modern computers already have built-in Bluetooth radios, but if you need them, USB Bluetooth dongles are also available, some as cheap as $6.
- On your computer, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
- As with the wireless adapter, turn on the Xbox controller and hold down the sync button until the light starts blinking.
- Go back to the PC and click “Add Bluetooth or other devices”, then click on Bluetooth options. This will open a window showing the devices that can be paired. You should be able to see “Xbox Wireless Controller” as one of the options.
- Once you select the controller, your computer should successfully pair and allow you to use the controller.
What Should You Do If Your Controller Won't Connect?
If you're wondering what to do if your controller won't connect, there are a few options to explore before investing in a new controller. Below we've detailed some steps worth taking to check your controller's connectivity.
- Don't wake up your controller – The Xbox controller automatically turns off after 15 minutes of inactivity. To turn it back on, press the middle Xbox button until it lights up.
- Charge the controller – Sometimes a dead battery is the culprit. If the battery level is low, the battery indicator light on the front of the controller will turn orange. At this point, charge it with a cable or new batteries.
- Get closer to your Xbox or computer – The maximum recommended range for wireless controllers is 19 ft (6 m), so make sure you're within that distance. Interference from walls and other wireless devices can also affect the connection. This brings us…
- Remove objects between the controller and the Xbox or PC – remove anything that might block your signal.
- Power cycle your Xbox or restart your computer – If none of the above works, try restarting your computer or power cycling your Xbox (this is done by pressing and holding the power button on the front of the console for 10 seconds, letting it turn off, then turning it back on).
- Reconnect your controller – For console, this is done by pressing and holding the pairing button on the back of the controller until the Xbox button flashes, then pressing the pairing button on the console. For PC, do the same on the controller but then press the pairing button on the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10 plugged into your PC.
- Connect a USB-C cable – Plug one end of the cable into the back of your controller and the other end into the console or PC. The connected device should automatically detect the controller and charge it if necessary.
- Update your controller – Similar to the point above, connecting your controller to a console or PC may indicate that it needs an update!
- Remove accessories from your Xbox or computer – Some USB devices, including incompatible or faulty ones, may block wireless signals. Remove them, restart your device, and then try connecting the controller again.
- Count your connected controllers – only eight controllers are allowed to be connected at a time. If there are eight, you will need to disconnect one to connect a new one.
- Try a different controller – If the above fails, try connecting a different controller. If this one works, it might be time to replace the other one.
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