How to Connect Xbox 360 Controller to PC without Receiver

How to Connect Xbox 360 Controller to PC without Receiver

Microsoft launched the Xbox 360 controller to provide the best gaming experience. Instead of using a mouse or keyboard, you can use Xbox 360 controller on your PC to play games. The Xbox 360 controller comes with both wired and wireless versions for usage with your PC. The answer is no for those who want to connect Xbox 360 Controller to the PC without the Receiver. The Xbox controller is not Bluetooth enabled, so you cannot connect to a PC through a Bluetooth connection. Need not worry, as this article will help you with connecting Xbox 360 Controller to a PC without a Receiver.

How to Connect and Use an Xbox Controller to PC without Receiver

There are four different ways to connect your Xbox to a PC without a receiver.

  1. Connect through Wires/Cables
  2. Purchase Microsoft Xbox Package
  3. Using Microsoft Adapter
  4. Purchase a New Receiver

#1: Connect through Wires/Cables

The simple way to connect your Xbox 360 controller to your PC is to purchase Microsoft Xbox Package wires or cables.

How to Connect Xbox 360 Controller to PC without Receiver - Using wire/cable

[1] Insert the Xbox 360 controller into your PC USB port using the USB cable.

[2] Now, your PC will identify your controller, and the required compatible drivers will be downloaded.

[3] Once after downloading it, you can start using it.

#2: Purchase Microsoft Xbox Package

The next method to connect your controller to your PC is to purchase a Microsoft Xbox package. The package comes with a connecting pack directly from Microsoft. The Microsoft Xbox package does not provide any difficulties, so you can easily connect it wirelessly to your PC. If you don’t have an Xbox already, this is the best option.

#3: Using Microsoft Adapter

You can use an official adapter that comes within the Microsoft Xbox packages to connect your controller to your PC. Or, you can purchase it from the Microsoft store.

How to Connect Xbox 360 Controller to PC without Receiver- using Microsoft adapter

[1] Plug your adapter into Windows 10 PC, and all the installed devices will recognize it.

[2] Next, by using Window Device Manager, you can see the Microsoft adapter on your system.

[3] Select Device Manager from the Windows 10 Start menu and search for the newly downloaded Xbox adapter.

[4] Now, the Add Hardware procedure will ask you to plug in a USB adapter and click Install the program automatically.

[5] Once done, you can start using it on your PC.

#4: Purchase a New Receiver

The alternative way is to get a separate adapter or receiver that will allow you to connect your Xbox to your PC. Unfortunately, there is no separate purchase option for the Microsoft adapter included in the Microsoft kit. So, you need to purchase it from a third party. But, make sure to do some quality research since they are duplicates of the original Microsoft adapters, and the quality will be low.

Related: How to Connect Xbox Controller to Xbox

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you connect Xbox 360 controller to the PC without a receiver?

Yes, you can connect it by using a USB cable compatible with both devices.

2. Can you connect Xbox 360 controller to the PC with Bluetooth?

No, Bluetooth is not supported by Xbox 360 controller as it uses wireless protocol.

3. How to connect Xbox 360 controller to PC without Bluetooth.

You can connect Xbox 360 to the PC without Bluetooth using the wire, Microsoft Xbox package, and Adapter.

4. Why does my Xbox 360 controller not work on my PC?

The outdated Xbox 360 controller is the most common reason that causes the Xbox 360 controller not to work on PC.

5. Can you connect an Xbox 360 controller to a PC without a cord?

Yes, if your PC has Xbox wireless built-in, you can connect the controller directly without an adapter.

6. How to Sync Xbox 360 Controller?

To pair Xbox 360, turn on the controller and hold the Sync button until a light flashes. With that, press the Pairing button to syn the controller and console.

Can I connect Wireless Xbox One Controller to a PC?

Yes. You can connect Xbox One Controller to a PC with a USB-C cable, Bluetooth, or Wireless Adapter.