Xbox One Controller Won't Work With Batteries

Xbox One S Controller — (Image credit: Microsoft)

If yous want to use a controller on PC, y'all just tin't beat the convenience of the Xbox gamepad. If yous desire a dead unproblematic plug-and-play feel, the Xbox controller is the obvious choice, and it's definitely among the best PC controllers, anyway—Microsoft revised its controller after the launch of the Xbox One, making its bumpers feel better and adding Bluetooth connectivity.

Thanks to the built-in Windows driver, you won't need whatsoever special software for your PC (and near games) to immediately recognize your pad. So what'south the point of a guide at all?

Well, there are a couple ways to claw upward the Xbox One controller wirelessly, and a few things y'all should know almost the different iterations of the controller and what how exactly they'll work with your PC.

Setup

What you need

Hardware

Xbox One controller
Xbox Wireless adapter for Windows (optional, for wireless)
Bluetooth adapter (optional, for wireless)
Micro-USB cablevision (optional, for wired)
AA batteries

Software

Xbox Accessories app (optional, for software updates)

Wired

Using your Xbox One controller

Using a wired Xbox I controller on PC is every bit simple as information technology gets, if you don't heed a tether. Plug your micro-USB cable into the controller and into a USB port on your PC. Windows should install the necessary driver, the Xbox Guide button in the middle volition light up, and y'all're in business concern!

Windows version note: On Windows 10, y'all tin connect up to eight Xbox Ane controllers, while on Windows 7 and Windows viii, you can connect up to iv. On Windows 10, yous tin only accept four controllers connected if you also connect an Xbox chat headset to the controller or ii with the stereo headset. Sound throughput isn't supported on Windows 7 and 8.

Troubleshooting notation: the vast majority of micro-USB cables conduct information no trouble, but some manufacturers inexpensive out and produce cables that can only charge. If you're using a random USB cablevision from a drawer and having trouble, try a different i.

Wireless adapter

How to connect with the Xbox Wireless adapter for Windows

This process is nigh as simple every bit connecting with a USB cable, and is basically identical to connecting the controller to an Xbox console.

1. Plug the Xbox Wireless adapter into a USB port.

two. Plow on your Xbox Ane controller by holding the Guide button in the center. Now press the the small sync push on the peak of the controller until the Guide button begins flashing.

3. Press the modest sync button located on the side of the Xbox Wireless adapter for a couple seconds. Scout the flashing Guide button on the controller. When it goes solid, you're continued!

Bluetooth

How to connect the Xbox One controller via Bluetooth

Here'due south where things go a little complicated. Certain models of the Xbox One controller can connect to whatever sometime PC Bluetooth adapter. Others can't. Here's how to tell if your Xbox One controller has built-in Bluetooth:

The shape of the plastic molding at the top of the controller is your inkling. The offset iteration of the Xbox One controller does not support Bluetooth and has a few other annoyances. Its bumpers have a narrower click range, making them less comfortable depending on where you position your fingers.

The redesigned controller launched with the Xbox One S panel has a smaller plastic molding along the top. It also adds a 3.5mm headphone jack to the bottom of the controller, some other easy giveaway. On superlative of that headphone jack, it likewise has built-in Bluetooth!

1. Printing the Windows central and type "Bluetooth" until search brings up the Bluetooth & other devices settings option. Click it to open that settings page. Hither you should see your Bluetooth is prepare to "On" and is discoverable.

Windows version note: Using the Xbox 1 controller via Bluetooth only works on Windows 10 with the Anniversary update applied.

ii. Turn on the Xbox One controller by holding the Guide push button. Press the sync push button on top of the controller until the Guide light begins to flash apace.

3. In the Bluetooth settings carte du jour, click "Add Bluetooth or other device" and then select Bluetooth from the menu options. Later on a few seconds of searching, your Xbox controller should show upwardly. Click it to pair. And you're wirelessly continued!

Headset notation: But i Xbox 1 controller can be paired via Bluetooth. Headsets not supported.

Updating

How to update and configure the Xbox One controller

Information technology's not just games that accept updates these days. So practice controllers! While it'southward not necessary to update your Xbox controller, if you desire to, the process is pretty simple.

ane. Open up the Windows Store and search for Xbox Accessories. Install the app and open up it.

Windows version annotation: The app only works with Windows 10 with the Anniversary update applied.

two. Plug your Xbox Ane controller in with a micro-USB cable.

3. Click the "More options" push to cheque if there's a firmware update for your controller.

Instead of configuring controller options on a game-by-game basis, you can also use the Accessories app to modify push button mapping, swap and invert sticks and triggers, and enable or disable rumble.

If you accept an Xbox One Elite controller, yous can also use the Accessories app to configure options similar trigger and analog stick sensitivity. Yous can salve different configurations to the two profiles the controller supports.

Not a controller person? Here's a circular-up of the best gaming keyboards , and all-time gaming mouse .