When I received the new Oculus Rift last month, one of the bundled accessories was a wireless Xbox One controller with a wireless USB adapter. Curiously, despite my system being completely up-to-date, the plug-and-play driver installation was never able to succeed correctly. I have seen similar issues pop up occasionally on Facebook and other discussion groups.
The official Microsoft support link on troubleshooting the wireless adapter suggest a wide range of potential solutions, none-of-which helped in my situation. At the end of the first solution that most closely matched my issue ('The adapter didn't auto-install'), Microsoft tells the reader to attempt the uninstall/update process once more and 'if this doesn't work, your adapter needs to be replaced.' Luckily that isn't really the case and the fix only takes a moment to apply.
On Windows 10, update your controller by using the Xbox Accessories app. Xbox One Wireless Controller by using a USB cable or the Xbox Wireless Adapter. Fix for Xbox One Wireless Adapter Not Working in Windows 10 - XBOX ACC Driver June 22, 2016 by Matt When I received the new Oculus Rift last month, one of the bundled accessories was a wireless Xbox One controller with a wireless USB adapter.
Symptoms
Solution![]()
In short, you'll need to manually download compatible drivers on Microsoft's site and then update the missing device drivers accordingly. Sadly, Microsoft does a fantastic job of hiding these files deep within their site. The main Software Downloadspage for the controller only includes links to the user guide and specs sheet, no drivers. Microsoft assumes that the plug-and-play adapter will install without issue—and in many cases I'm sure they are correct, just not always.
The only official way to get at these drivers is through Microsoft's Software Catalog site, which begrudgingly restricts its usage to Internet Explorer browsers. That said, here's a quick way to get what you need and have your controller up and running in minutes!
Downloading the Correct DriversWireless Adapter For Windows 10 Xbox One Controller Driver Download
The top two results will be for the 32/64-bit drivers for the Xbox One Wireless Adapter. Click Add next to the correct one for your system.
![]() Updating the Wireless Adapter Drivers
The device will then show up as Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows under the Network Adapters category of devices.
Syncing the Controller with the Adapter
Chances are you can now turn on your Xbox controller by holding the Home button in until it lights up; after a few pulses it should auto-sync with the now functional USB adapter. If the Home button light does not become solid or otherwise behaves peculiarly in Windows, try re-syncing it as follows: Download game booster pro + crack.
Finally, consider downloadingXbox Accessories from the Windows Store to fully customize the gaming controller and update its firmware.
Note that I have seen a few people report issues using the wireless adapter in USB 3.0 ports. I have never experienced this issue on my machine and don't think you will either (it is rated for use in either). Of course, there is no harm in using a USB 2.0 port if needed.
The Xbox One Wireless Gamepad might have Xbox One in the name, but you don't need to use it with the console. Windows 10 can simply and painlessly pair with the controller, and give you wireless gamepad controls over any compatible PC game. Depending on how old the controller is you might need to use a separate wireless dongle, but as of the Xbox One S, all recent controllers include Bluetooth support to make PC connections that much easier. Here's what you need to do in order to start using it with your PC:
Figure Out Which Xbox One Controller You Have
Xbox One Wireless Gamepads included with the Xbox One S and made after its release have Bluetooth, while the original Xbox One controllers don't. You can use both wirelessly with your PC, but the process is different; you need to get a separate wireless dongle for the non-Bluetooth gamepads. This means you need to figure out which controller you have.
Unfortunately, Microsoft didn't do something obvious like put a Bluetooth logo under the battery door. To determine whether you have a Bluetooth or non-Bluetooth Xbox One controller, you need to look at the plastic surrounding the Guide button. If it's the same plastic as the face of the controller, without any seams, you have a Bluetooth gamepad. If it's the same plastic as the bumper buttons, with a seam between the guide Guide button and the face of the controller, it's a non-Bluetooth gamepad.
Bluetooth Pairing
Pairing the Xbox One controller with your PC over Bluetooth is almost the same as pairing it with your Xbox One. Power on the controller by holding down the Guide button, then hold the Pairing button on the top of the controller down for three seconds until the Guide button flashes. This means it's in pairing mode. If you're connecting it to an Xbox One, you then hold down the Pairing button on the system itself, but for Windows 10 you need to go through some menus. You also need a Bluetooth USB dongle if your PC doesn't have Bluetooth onboard. Here's the full step-by-step process.
Xbox Controller Windows 10 Adapter
You can use the Xbox One Wireless Gamepad with your PC now and play the vast majority of modern games that support controllers. However, you can't use the headset jack on the gamepad. Just like Sony's DualShock 4, while you can use a wired gaming headset with a controller and its associated game system, audio isn't sent through the jack when it's connected to a PC over Bluetooth.
With a USB Adapter
If you have an older Xbox One controller, or you just want to use your newer one with Microsoft's proprietary wireless connection instead of Bluetooth, you need to get the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows. It's a USB dongle designed to connect directly to your Xbox One gamepad without any Bluetooth setup or pairing. All you need to do is plug in the dongle and pair it to your controller just as if you were pairing your Xbox One, pressing the Pairing button on each device.
Windows 7 Xbox One Wireless Adapter Driver
This $25 adapter has some benefits over Bluetooth. For starters, you can use up to eight gamepads with the adapter, while Microsoft recommends using just one at a time with Bluetooth. The headset jack is also enabled if you use the adapter, with adjustable settings in the Xbox app for Windows 10.
Use It Wired
Finally, if you don't need a wireless connection, you can just use a micro USB cable. Plug one end into your PC and the other into the micro USB port at the top of the gamepad, and it will automatically install. You won't have to go through any menus or plug in any adapters. Of course, then you need to deal with a physical tether to your PC, so it isn't very viable for a couch setup.
Once you're ready to start playing, check out our favorite PC games. And if you're a PlayStation user, read up on how to use a PS4 DualShock 4 controller on a PC.
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