For some, a controller is the only way to play games. If you're not of the keyboard and mouse generation, or just don't like the floating feel of a mouse and the rigidity of keyboard controls, then a controller is the only way to go. There are hundreds of third-party controllers on the market, but if you own an Xbox, you can use your Xbox One controller on your PC.
Considering Microsoft owns both Xbox and Windows 10, it's no surprise that the two play well together. Microsoft realizes that many people prefer to use a controller even when not playing on a console, and they're actively bringing Xbox and Windows closer together with UWP apps, Xbox Mode in Windows 10, and upgrades to Xbox that support it. will play well with Windows. The inclusion of the XInput API in the Windows kernel is also helpful.
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 it out.
What you need to use an Xbox One controller on a PC
To use your Xbox One controller on your PC, you will obviously need a controller, a PC connected to the internet, and ten minutes of your time. The controller will be either USB, wireless or Bluetooth. Everything will work with Windows.
Use an Xbox One wired controller on a PC
The wired controller is easiest to use with a PC. The controller comes with a USB cable for charging, so you just need to plug one end into your PC and the other into the controller. If you're using Windows 10, it should automatically detect the controller and prepare it for use.
My Windows 10 installation downloaded and installed the drivers automatically. He took care of everything and the controller was ready in seconds. This is because Windows 10 has the Xbox drivers installed as part of the Xbox Accessories app.
If you are using Windows 8, you will need to manually update Device Manager.
- Connect your Xbox One controller to your PC and let it be detected by Windows.
- Right-click on the Windows Start button and select Gestionnaire de périphériques.
- 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 with no more worries. But if the automatic download doesn't work, Techspot has the drivers for manual installation.
Use an Xbox One Wireless Controller on your PC
To operate an Xbox One wireless controller, you will need a wireless adapter. The Xbox One should have one included, but you can buy one separately if you need. It's not the cheapest dongle you can get your hands on - it's more than half the price of the controller itself - but if you keep your eyes peeled, you might be able to find one of these. occasion too.
- Plug the wireless adapter into your PC and let Windows pick it up. If not, try another USB port. Windows should detect the adapter and install all necessary drivers to run it.
- Next, hold down the Xbox button on the controller to turn it on and press the button on the adapter to make it search for the controller.
- press the Lier button near the top of the controller and watch the flashing light. Once it stops flashing and becomes solid, the controller and adapter have paired and you should be able to use it immediately.
Xbox One Bluetooth Controller
If you have the latest Xbox One controller, you may have Bluetooth functionality. If so, and your PC has a Bluetooth dongle or controller, you can use it to pair the two 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 Parameters.
- Then click features.
- Enable Bluetooth and wait for Windows to load dependencies.
- press the Lier button at the top of the controller.
- When the controller appears in the list of features, select Pair.
The process is pretty painless, considering this is Microsoft we're talking about. 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 controller
If things don't quite go to plan, or you like to keep up to date, you might want to update the 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 in Windows. Once connected, your controller will be scanned by the app 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 few minutes and takes care of everything for you. Once updated, your Xbox One controller will be ready to use.
Use an Xbox controller on a PC
Using your Xbox One controller on your PC is very simple, even in the worst case scenario. At best, plug and play is plug and play, with Windows taking care of everything automatically. Even if you don't, 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 for a new game coming to PC? Share your thoughts and experiences below.
