Xbox controllers work with any Windows PC, and that includes the Xbox Elite Series 2. If you are not sure how to connect Xbox controller to PC, there are three ways to do it: a USB cable, Bluetooth, or the Xbox Wireless Adapter. Each one takes a minute or two, and the steps below walk through all three with pictures.
Want to see each method in action? This video covers USB, Bluetooth and the wireless adapter step by step:
Plugging in a cable is the simplest method, and it works with every Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controller. You only need a cable that fits your controller: micro-USB for Xbox One pads, USB-C for Xbox Series X|S pads.
Tip: if the PC does not pick up the controller after you plug it in, press the Xbox button to turn the controller on. If it still does not show up, try another cable or USB port, since a charge-only cable or a loose port is the usual cause. Need a new pad? Our best Xbox controller picks cover the current options.
Step 1: Press the Xbox button on the controller to turn it on.
Step 2: Find the small Pair button on the top edge of the controller, next to the USB port. Hold it for 2 to 3 seconds until the Xbox button starts flashing. The controller is now in pairing mode.
Step 3: Type Settings into the search bar on the Windows taskbar and open it.
Step 4: Go to Bluetooth & devices, make sure Bluetooth is on, then click Add device.
Step 5: Choose Bluetooth. Windows searches for nearby devices. When Xbox Wireless Controller appears in the list, click it.
When Windows says Your device is ready to go, the controller is paired and the Xbox button stays lit.
Older Xbox One controllers without Bluetooth will not show up in this list. Use a cable or the wireless adapter with those.
If your PC has no Bluetooth, or the Bluetooth connection keeps dropping, the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows is the fix. It is a small USB dongle made for Xbox controllers.
Step 1: Plug the adapter into a USB port on your PC.
Step 2: Press the Xbox button on the controller to turn it on.
Step 3: Press the button on the adapter, then hold the Pair button on the controller until the Xbox button flashes.
Step 4: If the controller does not connect by itself, open Settings and go to Bluetooth & devices, then Add device.
Step 5: This time choose Everything else instead of Bluetooth. Windows searches through the adapter. Select your Xbox controller when it appears, and you are connected.
Once Windows sees the controller, Steam usually picks it up too, since most PC games support Xbox controllers natively. To make sure it is set up:
If a game reacts twice to every button press, Steam Input and the game are both reading the controller. Turn Steam Input off for that game and check its in-game controller settings. For more on Steam-friendly pads, see our best game controller for PC and Steam guide.
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