Connect your Xbox controller to your PC in four steps

You can connect an Xbox controller to your PC wirelessly using Bluetooth without needing a USB cable or wireless adapter. The process takes about five minutes and works with most modern Xbox controllers — the Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S all have built-in Bluetooth. Older Xbox One controllers (the original model from 2013) do not have Bluetooth and will need a wireless adapter instead.

Before you start, make sure your PC has Bluetooth turned on. On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, and toggle Bluetooth to On. If you do not see a Bluetooth option, your PC may not have Bluetooth hardware — check your device manual or contact the manufacturer.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Xbox controller must be in pairing mode before your PC can find it — hold the pairing button on the back for three seconds until the light flashes.
  • Windows will show your controller as "Xbox Wireless Controller" in the Bluetooth settings, and pairing usually takes less than a minute.
  • Once paired, your controller will reconnect automatically when you turn it on and your PC is nearby with Bluetooth on.
  • If your controller does not appear in Bluetooth settings, restart both the controller and your PC, then try pairing again.

Put your controller in pairing mode

Your Xbox controller will not show up in your PC's Bluetooth list until you put it in pairing mode. On the back of the controller, you will see a small circular button next to the battery compartment — this is the pairing button. Press and hold this button for about three seconds until the Xbox button (the large button in the center of the controller) starts flashing. This flashing light means the controller is now discoverable and ready to pair.

The flashing will continue for about 20 seconds, so you have time to move to your PC and start the pairing process. If the light stops flashing before you finish, press the pairing button again for three seconds.

Open Bluetooth settings and find your controller

On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app that appears. Once Settings is open, click on "Bluetooth & devices" in the left sidebar. You should see a button that says "Add device" or a plus sign — click it.

A window will pop up asking what type of device you want to add. Click "Bluetooth" to search for wireless devices. Your PC will now scan for nearby Bluetooth devices. Within a few seconds, you should see "Xbox Wireless Controller" appear in the list. Click on it to begin pairing.

Complete the pairing process

After you click on your controller in the Bluetooth list, Windows will attempt to pair with it. You may see a message asking you to confirm the pairing — if so, click "Yes" or "Connect." The pairing usually completes within 10 to 15 seconds. Once it is done, you will see "Connected" or a checkmark next to "Xbox Wireless Controller" in your Bluetooth settings.

Your controller is now paired with your PC. The Xbox button will stop flashing and stay solid, indicating a successful connection. You can close the Settings window and start using your controller in games and applications that support it.

Reconnect your controller after pairing

After the first pairing, your controller will remember your PC. The next time you turn on the controller while your PC is nearby with Bluetooth on, it will reconnect automatically without needing to pair again. You do not need to repeat the pairing steps unless you pair the controller with a different device or unpair it intentionally.

If your controller does not reconnect automatically, make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your Windows settings. You can also try turning the controller off and back on, or moving it closer to your PC if it is too far away.

Troubleshoot if your controller does not appear

If you do not see your Xbox controller in the Bluetooth device list after pressing the pairing button, try these steps in order. First, restart your controller by turning it off, waiting five seconds, and turning it back on. Then restart your PC. After your PC boots back up, turn Bluetooth off and on again in Settings, then put your controller back in pairing mode and try adding it again.

If your controller still does not appear, check that your PC actually has Bluetooth hardware. Some desktop PCs do not come with Bluetooth built in. You can verify this by opening Device Manager (press Windows key and type "Device Manager"), looking for "Bluetooth" in the list, and checking if there is a yellow warning symbol next to it. If Bluetooth is missing or has a warning, you may need a USB Bluetooth adapter, which you can plug into any USB port on your PC.

Use your controller with games and apps

Once your controller is connected, most games and applications will recognize it automatically. You can test the connection by opening Settings, going to Bluetooth & devices, and clicking on your connected Xbox controller — you should see a "Test" option that lets you press buttons to confirm they are working.

Some older games may not recognize Xbox controllers. In those cases, you can use third-party software like x360ce (a free program) to map your controller buttons to keyboard and mouse inputs. For most modern games, however, your controller will work without any extra setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an original Xbox One controller with Bluetooth?

No. The original Xbox One controller from 2013 does not have Bluetooth. You will need either the Xbox One S controller or newer, or you can use a wireless USB adapter designed for the original controller. Check your controller's model number on the back to confirm which version you have.

Why does my controller keep disconnecting?

Disconnections usually happen when your PC and controller are too far apart (more than 30 feet), or when something is blocking the Bluetooth signal. Try moving closer to your PC. If that does not help, restart both your controller and your PC, then repair them. Interference from other wireless devices like microwaves or Wi-Fi routers can also cause drops.

Can I pair my controller with multiple PCs?

Yes. Your controller can be paired with multiple devices, but it can only connect to one at a time. To switch between PCs, turn off Bluetooth on the first PC, then turn on the controller near the second PC. It will reconnect to whichever device it was last paired with.

Do I need to charge my controller before pairing?

Your controller should have enough battery to pair even if it is low, but it is a good idea to charge it first. If the battery is completely dead, the controller will not turn on or enter pairing mode. Use a USB-C cable (for newer models) or AA batteries (for older models) to charge it.

What if my PC does not have Bluetooth?

You can buy a USB Bluetooth adapter for about $10 to $20 and plug it into any USB port on your PC. Once plugged in, Windows will install the drivers automatically, and you can then pair your controller using the same steps above. Alternatively, you can use the Xbox wireless USB adapter, which is designed specifically for Xbox controllers.