Connecting the Xbox controller to Windows 11 can greatly improve your gaming experience. While most PC gamers prefer using a keyboard and mouse, some genres, such as platformers, action/adventure, racing, and fighting games, are best enjoyed with a controller. Even certain first-person shooter games, like Halo, have excellent Xbox controller support. On Windows 11, you can connect your Xbox controller wirelessly via Bluetooth in two ways: through the Bluetooth connection notification or via the Settings app. In this tutorial, I will demonstrate both methods to pair and connect an Xbox controller to Windows 11. Let’s get started.
Before You Start
- Your PC or laptop should have Bluetooth. If your device doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth, you can purchase a simple Bluetooth adapter, connect it, and follow the steps.
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled. To enable Bluetooth, click the Network/Volume icon on the taskbar and then click on the Bluetooth icon. When turned on, the Bluetooth icon will be colorful instead of grey.
Connect Xbox Controller to Windows 11 Via Bluetooth Notification
- Press and hold the pair button at the top of the controller for 3 seconds.
- Click the Connect button in the “Bluetooth connection” notification.
- The Xbox controller is connected to Windows 11 via Bluetooth.
Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)
First, press and hold the pair button on your Xbox controller for 3 seconds. You will find the pair button at the top of the controller near the USB port (refer to the image below). This will put your Xbox controller in pairing mode.
Note: When in pairing mode, your controller’s light will blink rapidly.
When the Xbox controller is in pairing mode, you will see a “Bluetooth connection” notification on your Windows 11 PC. Click the Connect button in this notification.
As soon as you do that, the Xbox controller is connected to your Windows 11 computer.
To verify, open Settings (press Windows key + I) and go to Bluetooth & devices > Devices page. You will see your Xbox Wireless Controller listed under the Input (or Other Devices) section. You will also see the battery level of your device, which is helpful.
Connect Xbox Controller to Windows 11 Via Settings
Alternatively, you can also connect the Xbox controller wirelessly using the Settings app. Here’s how:
- Press and hold the pair button at the top of the controller for 3 seconds.
- Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
- Go to the Bluetooth & devices tab.
- Click the Add device button.
- Select the Bluetooth option.
- Click on the controller name in the “Add a device” window.
- With that, the Xbox controller is connected to Windows 11.
Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)
First, press and hold the pair button on your Xbox controller for 3 seconds. You will find the pair button at the top of the controller near the USB port (refer to the image below). This will put your Xbox controller in pairing mode.
Note: When in pairing mode, your controller’s light will blink rapidly.
Next, open the Settings app. To do that, press the Windows key + I shortcut or right-click on the Start button and select the Settings option.
Go to the Bluetooth & devices tab in the Settings app. Click on the Add device button at the top of the page on the right panel.
In the “Add a device” window, click the Bluetooth option.
Since your Xbox controller is already in pairing mode, you should see it appear. Click on the controller name to start the pairing process.
Once paired, you will see the Connected status update. Click Done.
To verify, click on the Devices option in the Settings app, and you will see your controller under the Input or Other Devices section.
Wrapping Up — Connecting Xbox Controller Wirelessly to Windows 11
As you can see, thanks to Bluetooth, you can easily pair and connect your Xbox controller to Windows 11. Once connected, you can play all your PC games with the controller. Keep in mind to stay within range (around 10 meters) and in direct line of sight to avoid lag or disconnections.
If you have any questions or need help, feel free to comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.
