How to Connect Your Xbox One Controller to a PC Using Bluetooth

The basic steps to connect via Bluetooth

You can connect an Xbox One controller to your PC wirelessly using Bluetooth without any extra cables or adapters. The process takes about five minutes and works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Your controller needs to be in pairing mode, and your PC needs to have Bluetooth turned on.

Start by turning on your Xbox One controller and holding the pairing button (the small circular button on top, between the bumpers) for three seconds until the Xbox button starts flashing. On your PC, open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, and click "Add device." Select Bluetooth from the menu that appears. Your controller should show up in the list within a few seconds — select it to complete the pairing.

Once paired, your controller will connect automatically whenever it's turned on and your PC's Bluetooth is active. You don't need to repeat the pairing process unless you pair the controller with a different device or manually unpair it.

Key Takeaways

Hold the pairing button on your Xbox One controller for three seconds until the Xbox button flashes, then select it from your PC's Bluetooth device list.
Your PC must have Bluetooth enabled and be set to discoverable mode, which happens automatically when you open the "Add device" menu in Windows Settings.
The controller will reconnect automatically to your PC each time you turn it on, as long as Bluetooth remains enabled.
If pairing fails, restart both the controller and your PC's Bluetooth, then try again from the pairing button step.
Some older Xbox One controllers made before 2016 do not support Bluetooth and require a USB wireless adapter instead.

Checking if your controller supports Bluetooth

Not all Xbox One controllers have Bluetooth built in. Microsoft added Bluetooth support to Xbox One controllers starting in 2016, so if your controller is older than that, it won't pair wirelessly without an adapter. You can check the manufacturing date on the back of your controller — look for a date code printed near the bottom.

If your controller was made before 2016, you have two options: buy a newer Xbox One controller with Bluetooth, or use the Xbox Wireless Adapter, a small USB dongle that lets older controllers connect to your PC wirelessly. The adapter costs around $20 to $25 and plugs into any USB port on your computer.

Troubleshooting when pairing doesn't work

If your controller doesn't appear in the Bluetooth device list, the most common cause is that it didn't enter pairing mode correctly. The pairing button is small and easy to miss — make sure you're pressing the button on top of the controller (between the bumpers), not the Xbox button in the center. Hold it for a full three seconds and watch for the Xbox button to flash. If it doesn't flash, try again.

If the controller appears in the list but won't connect, or if it connects and then immediately disconnects, restart your PC's Bluetooth. Go to Settings, find Bluetooth & devices, toggle Bluetooth off, wait ten seconds, and toggle it back on. Then put your controller back into pairing mode and try again. If this doesn't work, unpair the controller completely by clicking "Remove device" in the Bluetooth settings, then start the pairing process from the beginning.

Another common issue is interference from other Bluetooth devices. If you have multiple Bluetooth devices near your PC — wireless headphones, mice, or phones — try turning them off temporarily while you pair the controller. Once the controller is paired and connected, you can turn the other devices back on.

Using your controller after it's connected

Once your Xbox One controller is paired with your PC, it works immediately in most games and applications that support game controllers. Windows recognizes it as a standard game controller, so you don't need to install drivers or software. Games like Fortnite, Halo Infinite, and most other titles with controller support will detect it automatically.

Some older games or applications may not recognize the controller right away. If a game doesn't see your controller, check that the game's settings allow controller input, and make sure the controller is actively connected (the Xbox button should be lit, not flashing). You can also test the controller in Windows by going to Settings, Bluetooth & devices, and clicking "Connected devices" — your controller should show as connected there.

Keeping your controller charged and maintaining the connection

Xbox One controllers use two AA batteries, which typically last 30 hours of play before needing replacement. You can also buy a rechargeable battery pack designed for Xbox One controllers, which plugs into the controller and charges via USB. Check your battery level by pressing the Xbox button and looking at the battery indicator on the screen.

If your controller keeps disconnecting from your PC, the battery is often the culprit. Low batteries can cause the connection to drop even if the controller still powers on. Replace the batteries or recharge the battery pack, and the disconnections should stop. If disconnections continue after a fresh battery, try re-pairing the controller using the steps above.

Switching your controller between Xbox and PC

You can pair your Xbox One controller with both your Xbox console and your PC at the same time. However, the controller can only connect to one device actively — if it's connected to your PC and you want to use it on your Xbox, you'll need to disconnect it from the PC first. Turn off Bluetooth on your PC or move far enough away that the Bluetooth signal drops, then the controller will automatically reconnect to your Xbox.

If you want to switch back to your PC, the process is the same in reverse. The controller remembers both devices, so you don't need to pair it again — just move back into Bluetooth range of your PC and it will reconnect. This makes it easy to use the same controller across multiple devices without re-pairing each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install any software or drivers to use the controller on PC?

No. Windows 10 and Windows 11 recognize Xbox One controllers automatically and include all necessary drivers built in. Plug in or pair the controller, and it works immediately in any game or application that supports controllers.

Can I use a USB cable instead of Bluetooth?

Yes. You can connect an Xbox One controller to your PC with a USB-C or micro-USB cable (depending on your controller model) and it will work without Bluetooth. This is useful if your PC doesn't have Bluetooth or if you prefer a wired connection for gaming.

Why does my controller keep disconnecting from my PC?

Low battery is the most common cause. Replace the AA batteries or recharge the battery pack. If disconnections continue, try re-pairing the controller by holding the pairing button for three seconds and selecting it again from your PC's Bluetooth settings.

What's the difference between the Xbox Wireless Adapter and Bluetooth?

The Xbox Wireless Adapter is a USB dongle that connects older Xbox One controllers (made before 2016) to your PC wirelessly. Bluetooth is built into newer controllers and connects directly to your PC without an adapter. Both work equally well for gaming — Bluetooth is just more convenient because you don't need an extra device.

Can I use multiple Xbox One controllers on my PC at the same time?

Yes. You can pair up to eight Xbox One controllers to a single PC via Bluetooth. Each controller pairs independently, so you can use them for multiplayer games or switch between controllers as needed.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.