The Xbox controller for PC trend started with the Xbox 360 controller, receiving huge praise from console players and PC players alike with its ergonomic design and versatility. But even then, the Xbox 360 controller had lots of flaws and did not seem to be the perfect one.
The D-pad was mostly frowned upon, and the absence of Bluetooth connectivity at the start led to even more frustrations. Thankfully, with the new Xbox One controller for PC, all the earlier flaws were rectified.
Related : Free Xbox Live Gold Trial Codes
The Xbox One Controller
The Xbox One controller adopted has a minimal approach and is sleek as compared to its older sibling. Its frame is slimmer and it now no more has the cheap plastic exterior which made it feel less premium and more prone to dirt.
The colour and tone are much subtler as well. A stealthier approach has been taken on this one, with the gentler colour scheme and highlights. But what is great about it is that Microsoft will let you custom design your own controllers.
The playmate sticks and face buttons have not changed much in terms of looks but feel more responsive and lighter. The new D-pad was something a lot of users wanted to improvement in since the previous iteration. It is now too tactile and has a concave appearance with a loud touch for their liking. The buttons of the shoulders and the triggers feel quite good at their own place, but we’re pretty good, to begin with on the last model.
For power, the new Xbox One controller two different AA batteries which are estimated to last you around forty hours of gameplay in one cycle. Microsoft recommends you to use rechargeable batteries which is more economical in the long run.
In terms of connectivity, you get a micro USB port, a 5mm port, an expansion port to connect using cords and cables. On the wireless front, you get Xbox Wireless to connect to the Xbox console and Bluetooth connectivity to connect to your PC.
Now that we have the looks, feels and specification out of the way let us tell you how to use Xbox one controller on pc for your gaming needs in case you feel like using the controller.
A list of requirements
- Xbox One Controller
- A Wireless adapter for Xbox especially for Windows (optional)
- USB cable-Micro
- AA batteries
- Xbox app with Accessories (optional, can give you software updates)
How to use Xbox one controller on pc via USB
Connecting your Xbox One controller to your PC using a micro USB cable is pretty straightforward. Just plug the micro USB cable in your controller and connect the other end to your PC. Your PC will recognise the device right away and prompt to install the Xbox one controller driver for your PC. Once done, the Xbox guide button will show, and you can begin using your controller.
Windows 10 operating system is ideal to use a controller, and you can have up to 8 controllers connected at once. This is reduced to 4 if you have Xbox chat connected or only two if you have a stereo headset connected.
Windows 7 and eight will allow you up to 4 controllers at a time. Please make note that audio throughput support is not available for Windows 8 and 7.
(warning – make sure the micro USB cable you use supports data passing and is of good quality. Otherwise, you may notice considerable input lag while playing games. Also, some micro USB cables only support charging of devices, so in case your controller isn’t working you should try other USB cables as well).
How to use Xbox one controller on pc via wireless adapter
This process is pretty simple as well, similar to the connection via a USB cable.
- Plug in your Xbox Wireless adapter to one of your PC’s USB
- Switch on the Controller Xbox One using the Guide button located at the centre.
- Now press and hold sync button placed on the controller at the top till the second the Guide button beings to start flashing.
- Now press and hold, sync button placed on the end of the Wireless adapter of Xbox for a few seconds.
- Keep a watch on the Guide button flashing on the control panel. The moment it turns solid, your controller is now connected to your PC for use.
If you should face any issue, make sure to check all other USB ports or get a new Xbox Wireless Adapter.
How to use Xbox one controller on pc via Bluetooth
The best things in life are also the hardest ones to get. And in this case, connecting via Bluetooth is no easy task.
The first and foremost thing you have to take care of is that the model of the Xbox one controller you possess is Bluetooth compatible. Not all models have Bluetooth support.
The way you can tell a Bluetooth supported model from one that isn’t Bluetooth supported is by plastic’s shape moulding at the apex. The older ones with a more aggressive moulding are not supported by Bluetooth while the newer ones with a smoother feel have Bluetooth support.
You will also be able to tell if your controller has a 3.5 mm headphone jack at the lowdown of the control panel. That is an indication your controller supports Bluetooth.
The last thing would be to just check your package when you bought the controller. That should be easy enough!!
So, here is how you connect your Xbox One controller to your PC via Bluetooth.
- Search for the Bluetooth settings on your PC and make sure it is switched on, with your device being discoverable.
(You should make a note that Bluetooth support for Xbox one controller is only allowed on Windows 10 PCs and not earlier operating systems).
- Press and hold the guide button to switch on your Xbox one controller.
- Again, press and hold the sync button until the guide button starts to flash.
- In settings menu of the Bluetooth of your PC, once your controller has been detected, click on it and add the device. Once paired, you can now start using your controller on your PC.
(Please make note that only you can pair only one Xbox controller to your PC via Bluetooth at a time)
Know how to configure and keep your controller updated
You can keep your Xbox one controller for PC updated via the Xbox Accessories app on the windows store. Keep in mind that this is only possible on a Windows 10 system.
Plug in your controller via USB cable to your PC. Download the Xbox Accessories app and open it. Once your controller has been detected, click on ‘More options’ to check whether there is a update for your firmware controller. If there is, download and let it update onto your controller.
Instead of seeking to configure your controller option on a game step, you should use the Accessories option to form a variation in button mapping, invert stick swapping and to trigger or to disable or enable the rumble. You can also Accessories app for configuring the sensitivity of analog stick and trigger option.
