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How to Connect Your Xbox Series X or S Controller to Your PC

Xbox Series X or S controllers are compatible with Windows 10

By Jeremy Laukkonen Jeremy Laukkonen Writer Shoreline Community College Jeremy Laukkonen is automotive and tech writer for numerous major trade publications. When not researching and testing computers, game consoles or smartphones, he stays up-to-date on the myriad complex systems that power battery electric vehicles . lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 10, 2021 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Consoles & PCs Xbox Buyer's Guide

What to Know

Connect the controller using a USB cable. You can start playing right away; no need to muck around with settings.To connect via Bluetooth, press the Pairing button on the controller until the Xbox button starts flashing. On your PC, click Connect.If that doesn't pop up, go to Settings > Devices > Add Bluetooth or other devices > Bluetooth > Xbox Wireless Controller > Done. This article explains how to pair an Xbox Series X or S controller with a PC running Windows 10.

How to Connect an Xbox Series X or S Controller to PC With USB

If you’re most comfortable with a wired connection, here’s how to use your controller with your computer via USB: Check to make sure Windows is updated, and install any available updates. Xbox Series X or S controller compatibility wasn’t available when the console first launched, so you may need to update Windows if you aren’t fully up to date. Plug a USB cable into your Xox Series X or S controller. Plug the other end of the cable into your PC. Wait for Windows to recognize the controller. You’re now ready to start gaming.

How to Connect an Xbox Series X or S controller to PC With Bluetooth

If you prefer a wireless connection, that’s also an option. You’ll need to make sure that your computer supports Bluetooth, and add a Bluetooth card or dongle if it doesn’t. If your computer supports Bluetooth, here’s how to connect your Xbox Series X or S wirelessly: Check to make sure Windows is updated, and install any available updates. Press the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on. Press the Pairing button on your controller until the Xbox button starts flashing. Look for this button right next to the USB-C port on your controller. It's small and round. If prompted by a pop up message on your computer, select Connect. Otherwise, move on to the next step. Right click the Start menu, and select Settings. Select Devices. Verify Bluetooth is on, and select Add Bluetooth or other devices. Click Bluetooth. Wait for Windows to find your controller. Click Xbox Wireless Controller when it appears in the list. Wait for the pairing process, and click Done. Your controller is now ready to use.

Using an Xbox Series X or S Controller on a PC

Like the Xbox One controller before it, the Xbox Series X or S controller is fully compatible with Windows. That means you can plug your Xbox Series X or S controller into your Windows 10 PC with a USB-C cable or pair it with Bluetooth and start playing right away. The process is no more difficult than connecting a controller to your Xbox Series X or S, and the controller works natively without the need to download any additional software. Jeremy Laukkonen The Xbox Series X or S controller supports two connection formats: USB-C and Bluetooth. Unlike the Xbox One controller that it resembles, it doesn’t work with or require a special USB dongle. If your computer has a USB port or supports Bluetooth, you can connect your controller. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of each connection method: USB-C: This method requires a physical USB-C cable. One end needs to be USB-C, and the other end can have a USB-A or USB-C connector depending on what type of port is available on your PC. You get a solid connection and your controller doesn’t need batteries, but you need to deal with a physical cable the whole time.Bluetooth: This method requires your PC to support Bluetooth. If it doesn’t, you can add a Bluetooth dongle and connect that way. Bluetooth is convenient since it’s wireless, but the connection may drop if there’s a lot of interference. You also need to put batteries in your controller. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Use External Controllers on Steam Deck How to Connect a PS3 Controller to a PC How to Connect a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to a PC How to Use Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons on PC How to Use a PS5 Controller on Your PC or Mac How to Connect an Android to a PC How to Add and Use an External Hard Drive with Xbox Series X or S How to Connect an Xbox One Controller to Android How to Fix It When a PS5 Controller Won't Sync How to Fix an Xbox Series X or S Controller That Won't Turn On How to Fix an Xbox One Controller That Won't Turn On How to Connect Meta (Oculus) Quest 2 to a PC Wirelessly How to Set Up a Bluetooth Device on a PC How to Sync Your PS3 Controller How to Set Up Xbox Game Streaming for Your Phone How to Connect an Xbox to Google Home Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies