Once upon a time, Microsoft didn't support its own controllers on its own PC platform. You needed hacked drivers and workarounds to use the excellent Xbox One controller with PC games. That's no longer the case, with official drivers built right into Windows 10. So, while it's easy to do, there's more to it than just plugging it in. Here's a complete guide.
- Wireless Adapter For Xbox 360 Controller Driver Windows 10 Windows 7
- Xbox 360 Controller Driver For Windows 10
- Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter Driver
- Xbox 360 Wireless Controller Driver
- Xbox One Controller Wireless Adapter Driver Windows 10
Home ยป Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows Use the links on this page to download the latest version of Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows drivers. All drivers available for download have been scanned by antivirus program.
Products used in this guide
- I have recently bought windows 10. I use a wireless xbox 360 controller with adapter for gamming, but I couldn't get the adapter to be recognized by the windows. I googled it and tried to find a driver compatible with windows 10 for xbox 360 controller but all I could find was that the windows is already equipped with the driver for it.
- Select the driver tab, then click on 'update driver', choose to manually select driver from the driver list. In order: Microsoft, xbox360 controller. Driver app should be installed already for this to work. Approx 3mins to fix. This worked for me, thanks a lot mate! Only thing to add is there were a few 'xbox controller' options.
- The controller: Xbox One controller ($47)
- The cable: Anker micro USB cable ($11)
- Going wireless: Xbox Wireless Adapter ($23)
- For USB-C PCs: AmazonBasics USB-C adapter ($9)
- The app: Xbox Accessories for Windows 10 (Free)
How to use a micro USB cable with the Xbox One controller
By far the simplest way to use an Xbox One controller is to use a micro USB cable. Attach to the connector on your controller and any free USB port on your PC, and it'll automatically recognize it's there and you're good to go.
Any decent cable will do the trick, even the one that you use to charge your phone.
However, it's not just desktop PCs that you can use an Xbox One controller with. It's perfectly possible to use it with a tablet or laptop, and in those cases, you may only have USB-C connectors available.
The easiest thing to do is get a USB-C to USB-A dongle, allowing you to use a regular micro USB cable through the USB-C connector on your laptop or tablet.
The Xbox Wireless Adapter
Wireless Adapter For Xbox 360 Controller Driver Windows 10 Windows 7
Microsoft also has an official wireless dongle for Windows PCs that allows you to go wire free. The first-generation controller and the Xbox Elite controller don't support Bluetooth, so to go wireless on your PC you'll need the dongle.
It isn't expensive, and the redesigned model is much smaller than the original. Simply plug it in to your PC and connect your controller to is as you would the Xbox One, by holding down the pairing button on the top.
The Bluetooth controller
The current generation Xbox One controller from Microsoft supports Bluetooth. Any currently on sale, or that came with the Xbox One S or Xbox One X have Bluetooth capabilites. That means you can connect it to any Windows PC, laptop, or tablet that has Bluetooth built in.
- Open settings on your PC.
- Go to devices.
- Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Turn on the controller by pressing the large round X button.
- Click on the controller in your discovered devices to pair.
This is particularly handy if you're taking a controller on the road with you and your laptop. One less cable to pack!
Taking advantage of the Xbox Accessories app
This is particularly handy if you're using an Xbox Elite Controller, as the Xbox Accessories app allows you to customize the buttons and paddles to a layout of your choice.
It's in the Windows Store to download to your PC, all you need to do is connect the controller to the PC to get started. There's a bunch of things you can do to customize your controller for your favorite games, and you can save two profiles to the Elite Controller at any one time.
All the gear you need
Exactly which piece of equipment you need will depend on which controller you want to use with which type of Windows PC. The list below covers off everything you might need to get your hands on.
Xbox One Controller($47 at Amazon)
The Xbox One Controller is officially supported by Windows 10, and it's also the best around!
Anker micro USB cable($11 at Amazon)
This braided cable from Anker is reliable, braided for durability and plenty long enough to reach your gaming PC.
Xbox Wireless Adapter($23 at Amazon)
The official wireless adapter from Microsoft, this is what you need if you're using an Elite or first-gen controller to go wire-free.
AmazonBasics USB-C adapter($9 at Amazon)
For laptops and tablets without regular USB ports, pop this into the USB-C connector and use a regular micro USB cable with your controller.
Xbox 360 Controller Driver For Windows 10
Xbox Accessories app(Free at Microsoft)
Particularly useful for Elite Controller owners, this app allows you to customize button layouts, paddles and save your favorite profiles for easy use.
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Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter Driver
Xbox 360 Wireless Controller Driver
Richard Devine
Xbox One Controller Wireless Adapter Driver Windows 10
Richard Devine is an Editor at Windows Central. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently you'll find him covering all manner of PC hardware and gaming, and you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.