How to Connect Xbox Controller to PC Wired

If your Xbox Series X or S controller has Bluetooth functionality, you can use it with Windows. Just press and hold the Pair button on the controller for a few seconds until the Xbox button starts flashing rapidly.

However, you may face a few issues while connecting via Bluetooth. This can be due to several reasons like interference, distance, or old drivers.

Bluetooth How to Connect Xbox Controller to PC Wired:

Many modern Xbox controllers are Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to connect wirelessly to your PC.

The process is fairly simple – just plug the USB cable into the small port on top of your controller (it’s to the left of the disc tray on an original Xbox One and below the power button on the Series X/S) and into a USB port on your computer. Windows should then recognize the device and install any necessary drivers for gaming.

If the connection isn’t working, it could be due to interference from other devices or simply because your drivers are broken. Using the troubleshooter in Windows may help identify and fix the issue.

How to Connect Xbox Controller to PC Wired USB Cable:

If your computer doesn’t support Bluetooth or you just want a more reliable connection, you can use a USB cable. Just plug one end of the cable into the controller, then the other end into an available USB port on your computer.

Windows will automatically install the drivers for the adapter. Make sure that the location where you plug in the USB cable offers a line of sight between the adapter and your controller for best results.

All Xbox Series X and S controllers support wired connections via USB or Bluetooth, as well as a 3.5mm headset jack. They also come with rechargeable batteries, removing the need to buy single-use AAs.

To connect your controller, first power it on and press the Guide button (Xbox logo button) to enter pairing mode.

The button will start flashing rapidly. Then, open the Bluetooth & devices menu on your computer and click Add device.

Windows will automatically find and connect your controller, which should now show up as an Xbox Wireless Controller in the list of available devices.

Adapter:

Xbox controllers are a popular choice for PC gaming, giving players the ability to customize buttons and create macros.

While many people are able to successfully connect their Xbox controller, others run into problems that prevent them from playing games. Fortunately, there are some troubleshooting tips that can help fix the issue.

The first step is to plug the adapter into an open USB port on your computer. Next, press the Guide button on your controller (the Xbox logo is to the left of the disc tray on the original Xbox One systems and to the bottom right of the front panel on Xbox Series X|S consoles). The Guide button will flash quickly while the device searches for a connection to the computer.

If your computer recognizes the Xbox Wireless Adapter, a new window will appear asking you to pair the devices.

Select “Bluetooth” from the prompt and follow the steps for Bluetooth pairing (but choose the “Everything else” option when prompted, as this will search for an Xbox controller). The LEDs on your controller and adapter should remain lit once they are connected to each other.

Troubleshooting:

If your Xbox controller won’t connect to your computer, first check the USB cable for damage. Also, try another port on the motherboard if possible.

Also, remove items like laptops, metal shelves, and cell phones from the area between your controller and the gaming system to avoid signal interference.

If the controller is still having trouble, you may have a problem with the firmware on the controller or your computer. In this case, you’ll need to update the controller and your Windows system.

If the controller still doesn’t work, you may need to replace the battery contacts or the USB cable.

A broken cable won’t work, so you can usually tell it’s bad by looking at the USB-A end of the wire. It has a special USB symbol that looks like a dot with a straight line coming from it, instead of the standard flat arrow end. You can find a replacement cable at most electronics stores.