How to Pair an Xbox Controller to PC
Although many PC gamers veer towards using a mouse and keyboard to play PC games, you might want to learn how to pair an Xbox controller to your PC for certain genres.
If you’re playing an RPG for instance, a controller might not offer enough buttons to map all your spells or actions to. A racing or fighting game, however, lends itself nicely to a controller thanks to the joystick movement.
If you would prefer to use an Xbox controller on your PC, it’s easy to set up as Windows and Xbox are both owned by Microsoft, so compatibility tends to be less of an issue.
Pairing a wireless controller can be done via Bluetooth or by using Microsoft’s official Xbox Wireless Adapter. Wired controllers, on the other hand, can be plugged in via USB. So, connecting your Xbox One and/or Xbox Series S/X controllers to your PC is a simple process that offers a different immersive experience.
If you have an original Xbox One controller, it’s time to upgrade, as this doesn’t support Bluetooth. Or, if you’re a PS5 owner, you can check out our guide on how to connect a PS5 controller to your PC.
We'll start with the easiest way to connect an Xbox controller to the PC and that's via a wired USB connection.
Many modern PCs already have Bluetooth radios built-in, but there are USB Bluetooth dongles out there that are pretty cheap, some as low as $6 if you do need one.
If you're wondering what to do if your controller won't connect, there are a few options to explore before jumping into investing in a new controller. Below, we've detailed some steps worth taking to check your controller's connection.
1. Wake up your controller - After 15 minutes of inactivity, the Xbox controller shuts off on its own. To turn it back on, press the center Xbox button
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