The Xbox Wireless Gamepad, which includes the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller and Xbox Elite Core Controller, works with more than just Xbox consoles. You can also use it with Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers.
To set up the gamepad for your PC, make sure your PC has Bluetooth or the Xbox Wireless Adapter. Then, turn on the gamepad by pressing the Xbox button and press the Sync button until the Xbox logo flashes.
- Make sure your PC has Bluetooth or the Xbox Wireless Adapter.
- Press the Xbox button to turn on the gamepad.
- Press the Sync button until the Xbox logo flashes.
- On your PC, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Select “Add Bluetooth or other device,” then choose “Bluetooth.”
- Select your Controller of Wireless Xbox from the list.
- Once connected, start playing your favorite PC games with the Xbox gamepad. Enjoy the wireless gaming!
Figure out Your Xbox Controller
If you recently got an Xbox controller, it’s likely the newest version. Even if it’s a few years old, it should still be good.
The newest Xbox Wireless Gamepad comes with Xbox Series S/X. It can connect using Xbox wireless or Bluetooth.
Most Xbox Wireless Gamepads made after the first Xbox One consoles have Bluetooth. That’s handy if you want to connect without wires.
To know which Xbox controller you have:
- If you just bought a new Xbox controller, you have the latest version.
- Most Xbox Wireless Gamepads for Xbox One and newer have Bluetooth.
- Original Xbox One controllers don’t have Bluetooth and need a dongle for PC.
- To check if your Xbox One controller has Bluetooth, look at the plastic around the Guide button.
- If the plastic matches the face of the controller, it has Bluetooth.
- If the plastic matches the bumper buttons, it doesn’t have Bluetooth.
- Xbox Series controllers have a Capture button, USB-C port, and Bluetooth.
If your controller has a Capture button between the Menu and View buttons and a USB-C port, it’s a current Xbox Series controller with Bluetooth.
Connect Your Xbox Controller to PC With a Wire
To link your Xbox controller to your PC using a wire, you’ll need a USB cable. Here’s what to do:
- Connect one end of the USB cable to your controller.
- Plug the other end into your PC.
That’s all! Your controller should set up automatically on Windows 10 or 11 and function with almost any PC game.
To Connect your Xbox Controller to your PC using Bluetooth
You’ll follow a similar process as connecting it to an Xbox console. First, turn on the controller by pressing and holding the Guide button. Then, hold the Pairing button until the Guide button flashes, indicating it’s in pairing mode.
To connect your Xbox Controller to your PC using Bluetooth:
- Turn on the controller by pressing the Guide button.
- Press and hold the Pairing button until the Guide button flashes.
- Click the Bluetooth icon on your computer’s taskbar with your right mouse button.
- Choose “Add a Bluetooth Device.”
- Select “Add Bluetooth or other Device,” then choose Bluetooth.
Now, your Xbox Wireless Controller can be used with your PC for many modern games that work with controllers.
However, the headset jack on the controller won’t work when connected via Bluetooth to a PC, similar to Sony’s DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers.
Connecting Your Xbox Controller to PC Using a USB Adapter
To connect your Xbox controller to your PC with a USB adapter, you’ll need the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10.
This small device plugs into your PC’s USB port, enabling a seamless connection with your Xbox controller without relying on Bluetooth technology.
Simply plug in the adapter, press the Pairing buttons on both the adapter and the controller, and you’re ready to go.
This method is particularly useful for those with older Xbox One controllers or for gamers who prefer Microsoft’s proprietary wireless connection for enhanced features like headset connectivity.
Sadly, this adapter is no longer available. You might find it online for $40 to $75 instead of its original $25 price, but it could be hard to find.
This adapter lets you use up to eight gamepads together, unlike Bluetooth, which Microsoft suggests for only one at a time. If you use the adapter, the headset jack works, and you can adjust settings in the Xbox app.
Alternatively, you can use an 8bitdo USB Wireless Adapter with your Xbox gamepad. But since it uses Bluetooth and not Microsoft’s wireless connection, the headset jack might not work properly.
The good news is that 8Bitdo’s Ultimate Software lets you customize and adjust your gamepad’s controls, something you can’t do with the regular Bluetooth connection.
