How to connect your Xbox Series X or S controller to your PC

Xbox Series X or S controllers are compatible with Windows 10

What there is to know

• Connect the controller using a USB cable. You can start playing right away; no need to sneak around with the settings.
• To connect via Bluetooth, press the button Pairing on the controller until the Xbox button starts flashing. On your PC, click Connect.
• If it does not appear, go to Settings > Devices > Add Bluetooth or other devices > Bluetooth > Xbox Wireless Controller > Done.

This article explains how to pair an Xbox Series X or S controller with a PC running Windows 10.

How to connect an Xbox Series X or S controller to PC with USB

If you’re more comfortable with a wired connection, here’s how to use your controller with your computer via USB:

1. Check if Windows is updated and install any available updates. Xbox Series X or S controller compatibility was not available when the console launched, you may need to update Windows if you are not fully up to date.
2. Plug a USB cable into your Xox Series X or S controller.
3. Plug the other end of the cable into your PC.
4. Wait for Windows to recognize the controller.
5. You are now ready to start playing.

If you prefer a wireless connection, this is also an option. You will need to make sure your computer supports Bluetooth, and add a Bluetooth card or dongle if it doesn’t.

If your computer supports Bluetooth, here’s how to connect your Xbox Series X or S wireless:

1. Check if Windows is updated and install any available updates.
2. Press on the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on.
3. Press on the Pairing button on your controller until the Xbox button starts flashing.

Look for this button right next to the USB-C port on your controller. It’s small and round.

1. If you are prompted by a pop-up message on your computer, select Connect. If not, go to the next step.
2. Right click on the start menuand select Settings.
3. Select Devices.
4. Check bluetooth is in progress, and select Add bluetooth or other devices.
5. Click on bluetooth.
6. Wait for Windows to find your controller. Click on the controller without Xbox wire when it appears in the list.
7. Wait for the pairing process, and click on Done.
8. Your controller is now ready for use.

Using an Xbox Series X or S Controller on PC

Like the Xbox One controller before it, the Xbox Series X or S controller is fully compatible with Windows. This means that you can plug your Xbox Series X or S controller into your Windows 10 PC with a USB-C cable or pair it with Bluetooth and start playing right away. The process is no more difficult than connecting a controller to your Xbox Series X or S, and the controller works natively without the need to download additional software.

The Xbox Series X or S controller supports two connection formats: USB-C and Bluetooth. Unlike the Xbox One controller it looks like, it doesn’t work with or require a special USB dongle. If your computer has a USB port or supports Bluetooth, you can connect your controller.

Here are the pros and cons of each connection method:

• Usb-c: This method requires a physical USB-C cable. One end should be USB-C, and the other end may have a USB-A or USB-C connector depending on what type of port is available on your PC. You get a solid connection and your controller doesn’t need batteries, but you have to deal with a physical cable all the time.
• Bluetooth: This method requires your PC to support Bluetooth. If not, you can add a Bluetooth dongle and connect that way. Bluetooth is convenient because it is wireless, but the connection can drop if there is a lot of interference. You also need to put batteries in your controller.