You will need an Xbox One controller that entered production alongside the Xbox One S (so the newer version of the controller) or an Xbox Series X|S controller. This method will not work for Xbox 360 or original Xbox One controllers. That said, you will need to buy a specific controller.
Remember: Since you're connecting your controller wirelessly, you'll need a steady supply of AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack to keep your controller working.Ĭonnect an Xbox controller to your PC via Bluetooth Controllers with the design on the top do NOT have Bluetooth, while those with the bottom design do.Ĭonnecting your Xbox controller via Bluetooth requires the most steps, but it's also the only method that doesn't ask you to buy anything other than the controller-no cables or adaptors are needed. If the controller hasn't successfully synced after that, something may be wrong with your controller and/or the adaptor. It shouldn't take more than two or three attempts. If the flashing slows down and goes back to the slow blinking from before, just repeat the process.If the Xbox button on your controller eventually stops flashing and remains on, then the controller has successfully synced to your PC. Hold it down for a few seconds (like three or four). Once the Xbox button has begun flashing, go to your adaptor and hold down the identical sync button.Press the sync button on the top of the controller, which will cause the Xbox button to start rapidly flashing.
The Xbox button will start blinking, signaling that the controller is on but not synced to anything.
To connect an Xbox controller via an adaptor, you'll (obviously) need an adaptor-specifically, the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10. You'll need an Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S controller to make this work. The process isn't all that different from syncing an Xbox controller to a console, so if you've done that before, you have an idea of what to do here.Īs an added note: This process won't work with Xbox 360 controllers. And that's it! You don't even have to worry about batteries-the micro-USB or USB-C cable will pull a charge from your PC, keeping your controller constantly juiced.Ĭonnect an Xbox controller to your PC via wireless adaptorĬonnecting your Xbox controller to your PC via an adaptor isn't much harder than using a wired connection, but it does incorporate a few more steps. When the Xbox button on your controller lights up, you're good to go.