Getting Your Xbox One Controller Working on Windows
An Xbox One controller can be used as a general Windows game controller with the right drivers installed — either wired via USB or wirelessly with a compatible USB wireless adapter.
For a wired connection, Windows 10/11 will typically install the correct driver automatically the first time you plug the controller in via Windows Update. If it doesn’t, or you’re on an older Windows version, download the Xbox controller driver directly from Microsoft’s official downloads and install it before connecting.
For wireless use, you’ll need an official Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows (the same tech used to connect the controller to an Xbox console); Bluetooth-capable Xbox One controllers (the newer revision with a Bluetooth logo next to the Xbox button) can also pair directly via Windows Bluetooth settings without the separate adapter.
Once the drivers are installed and the controller is connected, install the Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store if you want to update the controller’s firmware or remap buttons — it isn’t required for basic use, but it’s worth having for troubleshooting connectivity or input issues.
Resources
Get the download
Microsoft Xbox One Controller Driver for Windows is available as a free download.
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