How to Pair Xbox One Controller to Windows 10 PC

If you have an Xbox One console and love to use the controller while gaming then definitely you want to use it on your PC also. Gaming on PC is through default keyboard and mouse which gives you a lot of options but still if you are finding it hard and looking for a solution on how to pair the Xbox controller to a Windows 10 PC then here is a guide for you. Xbox One controller connects through Bluetooth to the console, the same method can be used to connect it to a PC. It is simple and will allow you to enjoy games on PC using an Xbox Controler. There are two ways to connect an Xbox One controller to a PC.

Connect Xbox Controller to Windows 10 PC using USB Cable

Now, this is more like a plug and play, you just have to use a standard USB cable to connect the Xbox controller to Windows 10 PC. By default, Windows will scan for drivers and install them. This is one of the easiest methods to connect the Xbox controller to Windows 10 PC. All you have to do is plug the Xbox controller using a USB cable and connect it to your Windows 10 PC. Wait for driver installation and done. You can connect upto 4 controllers to a single Windows PC using a USB Cable.

Connect Xbox Controller to Windows 10 PC using Bluetooth

If you do not want to buy Microsoft Wireless Adapter then you can use regular Bluetooth and connect the Xbox controller on Windows 10. This method mostly works on Windows 10, for Windows 8 and Windows 7 there is are not proper updates. But still, you can try this same method on those operating systems also.

Important: PC or Laptop with Bluetooth running on Windows 10 requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update. If you are not having this update pairing the Xbox controller with in-built Bluetooth may not work.

Follow the steps below to connect the Xbox controller to PC using Bluetooth:

• Press and hold the bind button on the front of the Xbox controller for a few seconds. The LED on the controller will start blinking which means it is in pairing mode.
• On your Windows 10 PC, click on Start and then go to Settings.
• Click on Devices and then select Bluetooth and other devices.
• Next, Turn on Bluetooth and then click on Add Bluetooth or other devices> Bluetooth.
• Select the Xbox Wireless Controller and then click on Done.

This is how you can connect the Xbox controller using only in-built Bluetooth of a laptop or a PC on Windows 10.

Connect Xbox Controller to Windows 10 PC using Microsoft Wireless Adapter

Xbox Controller has some issues with any Bluetooth adapter, there can be certain pairing issues with inbuilt Bluetooth adapter or Bluetooth USB dongle on. For PC you can buy a Bluetooth dongle, while the laptop has inbuilt. With the proper update, you can use it, but the best is using Microsoft Wireless Adapter.

1. To pair the Xbox controller to Windows PC first buy Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows.
2. Windows will detect and automatically install the default drivers.
3. Connect the Xbox Wireless Adapter to your Windows PC. A LED will turn on.
4. Press and hold the button on the Xbox Wireless Adapter for few seconds till the LED starts blinking. It is now in pairing mode.
5. On your Xbox One controller press the Bind button. The button is placed near the charging port on the front side. A small round key.
6. LED on the Xbox One Controller will start blinking and once it is connected light will turn solid. LED on Xbox Wireless Adapter will also turn solid indicating the Xbox controller is now paired to PC.

Pairing the Xbox controller to Windows 10 PC is crucial if you want uninterrupted connectivity. One Laptop you will be plugin the Xbox Wireless Adapter towards the left or right side. Which remains in the range of the Xbox Controller. But for desktop ensure it is not blocked. Use a USB Extender so that your Xbox One controller gets a full range or else there will be a drop in connection. Instead of placing it on the backside of a CPU cabinet, use a USB extender or place it right on the front.

Connect Xbox Controller to Windows 8.1 PC using Microsoft Wireless Adapter

The process to pair the Xbox Controller to Windows 8.1 PC is similar to the Windows 10 method above. You will need the Microsoft Wireless Adapter. When you connect the adapter on a PC or Laptop running Windows 8.1 most of the time it will detect and install the drivers on its own. But if there is an issue you will have to trouble the Microsoft Wireless Adapter installation on Windows 8.1 PC. To fix the driver issue please follow the steps below.

• Run Device Manager, there are multiple ways to open this. Press Ctrl + R and type devmgmt. msc. Click on Ok.
• The next window you will see is Device Manager, go to Microsoft Xbox One controller and right-click on it.
• Choose Update drivers and then select Search Automatically for Updated drivers.

Windows 8.1 will scan for the latest update to install Microsoft Wireless Adapter. Once it is done the next step is to pair Xbox One controller using the adapter on Windows 8 system. Follow the steps below.

1.  Connect the Xbox Wireless Adapter to  Windows PC. A LED will turn on.
2. Press and hold the button on the Xbox Wireless Adapter for few seconds till the LED starts blinking. It is now in pairing mode.
3. On your Xbox One controller press the Bind button. The button is placed near the charging port on the front side. A small round key.
4. LED on the Xbox One Controller will start blinking and once it is connected light will turn solid. LED on Xbox Wireless Adapter will also turn solid indicating the Xbox controller is now paired to PC.

So this is how you can connect Xbox One controller to Windows 8.1 PC. If you have Windows 7 then read the steps below.

Connect Xbox Controller to Windows 7 PC using Microsoft Wireless Adapter

Xbox controller supports Windows 7 PC also. Updates for Windows 7 are discontinued so there are chances you might face problems in pairing the Xbox controller to Windows 7. Still, the method is similar to other windows edition and using a Microsoft Wireless Adapter you can pair the controller easily. Follow the below steps.

1.  Connect the Xbox Wireless Adapter to  Windows PC. A LED will turn on. Wait for Windows 7 to install the default drivers. If it fails, then open Device Manager. Click on Start > Run and type devmgmt. msc.
2. The next window you will see is Device Manager, go to Microsoft Xbox One controller and right-click on it.
3. Choose Update drivers and then select Search Automatically for Updated drivers.
4. Press and hold the button on the Xbox Wireless Adapter for few seconds till the LED starts blinking. It is now in pairing mode.
5. On your Xbox One controller press the Bind button. The button is placed near the charging port on the front side. A small round key.
6. LED on the Xbox One Controller will start blinking and once it is connected light will turn solid. LED on Xbox Wireless Adapter will also turn solid indicating the Xbox controller is now paired to PC.

If you are facing a problem in connecting the Xbox controller to a Windows PC then it is best to update the firmware of your Xbox controller. A firmware update will install the latest software in controlling offering better connectivity and performance. This also adds new improvements. Read our guide on how to update the firmware of the Xbox controller.