How to Set Up Your Xbox One Controller With Windows 10
How To Connect Your Xbox One Controller
Microsoft has made it easy to use an Xbox controller on Windows 10. Learn how to connect it wirelessly or through USB.
There are three different ways to connect your Xbox One controller to your PC. The method you choose will depend on whether you want to go wired or wireless.
1. Use A USB Cable
You can use the micro-USB cable that came with your controller to create a wired connection. You'll have to do this whenever you need to charge your controller. Simply plug the USB cable into your computer and then plug the other end into the front of your controller. A connection will be established and charging will instantly begin.
2. Use The Wireless Adapter
To connect wirelessly, you'll need an Xbox One Wireless Adapter for Windows 10. This may have come with your controller, but you can also buy it separately. Bear in mind that this is different to the adapter for the Xbox 360 controller, which won't work for the Xbox One controller.
Take the Wireless Adapter and plug it into a USB port on your computer. You may need to use the included USB extender if the port is at the back of your computer or it doesn't have a good line of sight to the controller.
Hold the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on. Now press the button on the adapter. Then press the bind button on your controller, located near the top. The LED on the controller will blink while it searches for a connection and will go solid once it's established.
3. Use Bluetooth
You can also use Bluetooth to connect your controller. Of course, your Windows 10 computer needs to support Bluetooth.
However, not every Xbox One controller supports Bluetooth. If you bought it new in the last couple of years, it surely will, but if you bought it used or a long time ago then it might not.
The best way to tell is to look at the surrounding of the Xbox logo on the controller. If it's the same plastic as the controller without seams, it supports Bluetooth. If there's a separation between the face of the controller and the logo, it doesn't.
Begin the pairing now.
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings and navigate to Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Slide Bluetooth to On so that your system can discover devices.
- Next, click Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth.
- Press the Xbox logo on your controller to turn it on, then press the bind button on your controller (found at the top).
- The Xbox Wireless Controller will appear on your device listing. Click Pair.
How To Manage And Configure Your Xbox One Controller
To get the most from your Xbox One controller, you need to download the Xbox Accessories app, which you can get for free from the Microsoft Store.
Here's what that app can do for you.
1. How To Update Your Xbox One Controller
Windows 10 comes with the relevant drivers for the Xbox One controller by default. However, it's good to periodically update your controller to benefit from the latest firmware. If you're having any difficulties with your controller, this should be the first thing you do.
With the Xbox Accessories app open and your controller connected, click the three horizontal dots icon > Firmware version > Update now.
2. How To Test Your Xbox One Controller Button Feedback
If you think some buttons on your Xbox One controller aren't being registered, you can test it with the Xbox Accessories app.
Click the beaker icon to begin. Now you can press buttons, pull the triggers, and move the sticks. The corresponding icon should appear next to Button Pressed. If it doesn't, then your controller might be faulty.
3. How To Remap Your Xbox One Controller
You can remap your Xbox One controller using the Xbox Accessories app. To do this, click Configure > New Profile. Input a name, then click Save.
Use the top dropdown to select a button, then the dropdown beneath to remap it. For example, you could remap the A button to the B button.
You can also use the boxes below to enable settings such as Swap sticks, Swap triggers, and Turn on vibration.
If you have an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller or Xbox Adaptive Controller, you will also see additional options like the ability to change the thumbstick sensitivity curves and the brightness of the Xbox logo.
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