For some, a controller is the only way to play. If you’re not of the keyboard and mouse generation, or you just don’t like how floaty a mouse can feel and how stiff keyboard controls can feel, then a controller is the only way to go. There are hundreds of third-party controllers on the market, but if you have an Xbox, you can use the Xbox One controller on your PC.
Since Microsoft owns both Xbox and Windows 10, it’s not surprising that the two work well together. Microsoft is aware that many people prefer to use a controller even when they’re not playing on a console, and they’re actively bringing Xbox and Windows closer together with UWP apps, Xbox mode in Windows 10, and Xbox updates that will make it work great with Windows. . It also helps to include the XInput API in the Windows core.
Both wired and wireless Xbox One controllers will work on a Windows PC, so even if you only have one or the other, you can still try this out.
What you need to use an Xbox One controller on a PC
To use your Xbox One controller on your PC, you’ll obviously need a controller, a PC connected to the Internet, and ten minutes of your time. The controller will be USB, wireless or Bluetooth. Everything will work with Windows.
Use a wired Xbox One controller on a PC
The wired controller is the easiest to use with a PC. The controller comes with a USB cable for charging, so all you need to do is connect one end to your PC and the other to the controller. If you are using Windows 10, it should automatically detect the driver and prepare it for use.
My Windows 10 installation downloaded and installed the drivers automatically. It took care of everything and the controller was ready in seconds. This is because Windows 10 has Xbox drivers installed as part of the Xbox Accessories app.
If you use Windows 8, you will need to manually update Device Manager.
- Connect your Xbox One controller to your PC and let Windows detect it.
- Right click on the Windows Start button and select Device administrator.
- Navigate to the Microsoft Xbox One controller entry.
- Right click, select Update driver software and let Windows automatically download and install the drivers.
If everything goes as planned, then you should be ready to start playing without any further problems. But if automatic download doesn’t work, Techspot has the drivers for manual installation.
Using an Xbox One Wireless Controller on Your PC
For an Xbox One wireless controller to work, you will need a wireless adapter. The Xbox One should have one included, but you can buy one separately if you need it. They’re not the cheapest dongle you can get (they’re more than half the price of the controller itself), but if you’re on the lookout, you might be able to find one second-hand, too.
- Plug the wireless adapter into your PC and let Windows pick it up. If not, try a different USB port. Windows should detect the adapter and install the necessary drivers to run it.
- Then, press and hold the Xbox button on the controller to turn it on and press the button on the adapter to have it search for the controller.
- press the Bind button near the top of the controller and watch for the flashing light. Once it stops flashing and goes solid, the controller and adapter have been paired and you should be able to use them right away.
Xbox One Bluetooth Controller
If you have the latest Xbox One controller, it may have Bluetooth capability. If that’s the case and your PC has a Bluetooth dongle or controller, you can use it to pair them if you want.
To make it work:
- Turn on your Xbox One controller and place it near your PC.
- Open the Start menu and click Settings.
- Then click Devices.
- Enable Bluetooth and wait for Windows to load the dependencies.
- press the Bind button on the top of the controller.
- When the driver appears in the list of Devicesselect Pair.
The process is quite simple, considering that we are talking about Microsoft. As long as your PC is running the Windows 10 Anniversary Update and has a working Bluetooth controller, it should be easy to connect the two devices.
Update your driver
If things don’t go as planned or you want to stay up to date, you may want to update xbox one controller. You can do this through your Xbox One, as you might imagine, but you can also update it through the Xbox Accessories app within Windows. Once connected, the app will analyze your controller and you may see an “Update Required” message on the screen.
Follow the update wizard in the app to complete the process. It only takes a couple of minutes and it will take care of everything for you. Once updated, your Xbox One controller will be ready to use.
Use an Xbox controller on a PC
Using the Xbox One controller on your PC is a breeze, even in the worst case scenario. At best, it’s plug and play, and Windows takes care of everything automatically. Even if not, updating drivers and pairing devices only takes a few minutes, and then you can play as hard as you want!
Did you have any problems connecting your Xbox controller to your computer? Are you excited about a new game available for PC? Share your thoughts and experiences below.
