The Xbox controller, since the Xbox 360 model, hasn’t changed much and you really don’t need it as it is considered one of the best controllers for gaming both for its performance and ergonomics. With an asymmetrical design that adapts to any hand size, it is ideal for spending hours and hours playing on your favorite console, but also on PC and that is precisely what we are going to dedicate this to. article, since if you have the console with its remote control, why buy a separate remote control for the PC if you can use the same?
Using the Xbox Series X / S Controller on PC: Requirements and Benefits
The latest line of Microsoft consoles came with a further refinement of its control which, although, as we have already said, has not changed much from previous designs, it incorporates a few new and more obvious is the inclusion of share button so you can easily take screenshots, which the PS4 controller has had for many years.
Although this new version of the Xbox controller is designed for consoles, as in previous generations it can also be used on PC, and also in a much simpler way than the controller. DualSense for PS5 because, after all, Microsoft is also developing the Windows operating system that almost all of us use on PCs. This remote is not only among the best for PC, but it’s also pretty easy to set up.
There are two ways to connect the Xbox Series X and S controller to your PC, allowing it to be used with both cable as a way wireless, but you should be aware that both paths have their pros and cons (we will talk about that as well).
One of the advantages of integrating this command into the Microsoft operating system is that we can update your firmware to be sure that it has the maximum compatibility and with all the latest features added by Microsoft. For this you will need the Xbox Accessories app which comes by default in Windows 10 but which you can also download and install independently.
From there you can access the command options and, in addition to remapping the actions of its buttons, you can update its firmware to make sure it has the latest version and thus ensure its optimal functioning.
How to connect the Xbox Series X / S controller to the PC
As we mentioned earlier, you have two options for using this remote control on your PC: wireless or via cable. Starting with the cable option, the ideal is to use the charging cable supplied with the remote control, at the ends of which you will find a USB-C connector and another standard USB-A. Obviously, you need to connect the USB-C end to the console control and the other end to a USB 3.0 or higher port on your computer.
Once connected, Windows will automatically detect it without the need to install any additional drivers or software (otherwise you will have to update your operating system using Windows Automatic Updates, as it is in those (here the updated drivers for the Xbox controller are coming to PC), and you can verify that the controller is ready for use when the Xbox logo turns solid white. It’s that simple, plug and play.
On the other hand, as a wireless controller, you can also use it this way on your PC, but for that you will need to make sure that you have a bluetooth receiver or you have integrated it, since precisely Bluetooth is the method that this remote control uses to connect to both the console and the PC. In this case, the steps to pair it are as follows:
- Turn on the console controller by pressing and holding the Xbox button until the lights flash.
- Press and hold the pairing button on the controller which you will find right next to the USB-C connector.
- On your PC, go to the Bluetooth options (Settings -> Devices -> Bluetooth and other devices) and click on the top button called “Add Bluetooth or other device”.
The system should automatically detect the Xbox Series X / S controller, so once it detects it, you just need to click on it and it will be paired (the PC may tell you to enter a passcode. pairing, in which case you must enter four zeros (0000)). Once done, the Xbox button on your controller should be solid white.
How to use the Xbox Series X / S controller on Steam
In most cases, once you have connected the Xbox controller (by cable or bluetooth) to the PC, it should work automatically in any game with no problem, and that is because the controller of that console is there. one of the most popular among PC users, its compatibility is widespread.
However, some games are not fully compatible, so in this case, we’re going to show you how to set up the controller on Steam, the most widely used PC gaming platform. To do this, you must access the Modo Large Image from Steam and navigate to the Steam menu located at the top left of the image. Go to Settings -> Controller -> General Controller Settings.
Steam should automatically detect that you have an Xbox controller connected, but if not, in this settings menu, it will allow you to select that the connected controller has an Xbox setup (select Xbox setup support).
Once done, the controller will work as it should as we will have told Steam that the connected controller is from the Xbox console. This way, in games that have different selections for different controllers, Xbox buttons will now appear and, in fact, in games that allow it, we can set button mappings at will easily and quickly.
