Will Your Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter Work on a Computer? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Gaming > Consoles & PCs

Will an Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter Work on a Computer?

Sorry, but the driver support is lacking

By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 25, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Consoles & PCs Xbox Buyer's Guide You can't use the official Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Network N Adapter on an ordinary computer for the same reason that ordinary USB adapters don't work on the Xbox: The hardware doesn't have the drivers to support the device. Although it is possible to plug a generic Wi-Fi network adapter into the Xbox, it won't function properly. If you use a generic USB wireless game adapter or Ethernet-to-wireless bridge, then you can swap the adapter between your Xbox and computer with no problem. pijama61 / Getty Images

Using the Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter

The Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter is compatible with the original Xbox 360 console and the Xbox 360 S console. When you connect the adapter to the Xbox 360 S console, it disables the wireless N feature in the console. You might want to override the console's built-in wireless functionality if your access point is located at a distance from the console. The external adapter can improve signal strength and bandwidth.

Common Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Problems

If you encounter networking problems with the Xbox 360, check these possible causes: Xbox is too far away from the router, or too many walls and furniture are between it and the router. Move the Xbox closer to the router.When the Wi-Fi security settings are mismatched, the wireless connection on the Xbox will refuse to accept the Wi-Fi password. Check that the passwords are identical, paying attention to the fact that they are case sensitive.Other wireless devices are also running on the network and causing interference. Combat this by changing the Wi-Fi channel number or by relocating wireless equipment farther from the console. 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 Fix Common Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Problems How to Fix an Xbox That Won't Connect to Wi-Fi Can't Connect to the Internet? Try These 10 Tips How to Connect Google Home to Wi-Fi What to Do When Windows 11 Can't Connect to a Network Using the XBox SmartGlass Controller How to Fix Windows 11 Ethernet Driver Problems How to Fix It When PS4 Won't Connect to Wi-Fi How to Connect Two Home Computers Through a Network The Best Xbox 360 Console For You How to Fix It When Your PS4 Wi-Fi Is Slow How to Improve the Wi-Fi Range of a Laptop Get Better Wi-Fi: Here's The Best Place for Your Wireless Router How to Encrypt Your Wireless Network When and How to Turn Off Wi-Fi on Your Devices How to Fix the PS5 'Cannot Connect to the Wi-Fi Network' Error 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