How to Connect an Xbox Controller to PC ~ Xbox 360 Reviews

How to Connect a Wired Xbox 360 Controller to a PC

1. Install the necessary software to your computer to allow the controller to function with Windows. The Xbox 360 controller should have come with an installation CD that included the software. The software can be downloaded from the Xbox Support website for controllers that do not include a CD (see Resources).

2. Plug the USB cable on the controller into the USB port on the computer.

3. Test the connection for the Xbox 360 controller. Click the "Start" menu and type "joy.cpl" (without quotes) in the computer's search function. Click on the "joy.cpl" application and click on the Xbox 360 controller. Open the "Properties" menu and test the controller by manipulating the device's buttons and joysticks.

How to Connect a Wireless Xbox 360 Controller to a PC

1. Plug the USB cable from the Xbox Wireless Receiver into your computer's USB port.

2. Insert the included CD into your computer's CD/DVD drive. Install the wireless receiver's software and restart the computer (if necessary). The software can also be downloaded through the Microsoft Support website (see Resources).

3. Press the Xbox guide button on the controller to power on the device.

4. Press the "Connect" button on the wireless receiver. The light will flash green on the device.

5. Press the connect button on the Xbox controller, located on the top edge of the device near the "LB" button. The device has been connected successfully when the lights stop flashing on the wireless receiver and the controller.