First Generation Xbox Controller (INSERT XBOX PC PAIRING IMAGE)
You first need to identify which generation of Xbox Controller you are trying to pair with your PC. The oldest Xbox One controllers used Xbox wireless communication and did not use Bluetooth. This generation of Xbox Controllers could be used on PC either with a USB cable or wirelessly using a special separately purchased Microsoft Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows. This adapter enables use of the Xbox Controller and unlike Bluetooth Connections for future original controllers, connections through the wireless adapter also carry audio wirelessly.
Steps to Pair First Generation Xbox Controllers to PC:
(INSERT XBOX WIRELESS ADAPTER IMAGE)
1. Plug in the adapter to your Windows 10/ Windows 11 PC’s USB port.
2. Press the pairing button on your custom controller.
3. Press the pairing button on the side of the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows.
4. Once both devices stop blinking, pairing is complete.
Second Generation Xbox One Controller & Xbox Series Controllers
The second-generation controllers (that came with Xbox One X and Xbox One S) supported Bluetooth natively, thus negating the need for the Xbox Wireless dongle. Xbox Series X and Series S Console Controllers also feature Bluetooth. Xbox Microsoft Controllers on PC do not carry audio through the headphone jack on the controller.
Steps to Pair Second Generation Xbox Controllers to PC:
1. Press the Xbox/Guide button on the controller to turn it on.
2. Hold the pairing button for 3 seconds until the Xbox/Guide button starts flashing rapidly.
3. Right Click the Bluetooth Icon in your system tray.
4. Click “Add a Bluetooth Device”.
5. Click “Add Bluetooth or other device” and select Bluetooth.
6. Click “Xbox Wireless Controller”.
7. Wait for the Xbox/Guide button to stabilize. Once it does, the controller is successfully connected wirelessly to the PC.
Having issues connecting your Xbox One Controller?
The below steps solve most connectivity issues.
1. Try replacing batteries in the controller. If you use any Xbox Battery attachment such as the Xbox Play and charge kit, please check if the batteries are charged.
2. Ensure your controller is within 28 feet of the console/PC you wish to use with it. It will disconnect if you go further.
3. Ensure no other wireless devices such as microwaves or laptops are in the vicinity. They could cause an interference.
4. Perform a Hard Restart on the console by keeping and holding the Xbox button on the front of the console until you hear a beep sound. After the console fully shuts down, remove the power cable and wait for at least 30 seconds before re-connecting the power cable.
5. Please keep in mind that once you turn on a controller it tries to re-connect with the last device it paired with. If you last paired it with your Xbox Series X Controller and tried to use it with your PC, you will need to pair it again with the PC.