How to calibrate Xbox One Controller in Windows PC
Windows 11/10 PC supports Xbox Game Controller. You can connect it with your PC, and play games that support it. You can also stream Xbox Games on PC, and use the game controller to play games if your Xbox One console and PC are very far away.
That said, many a time the controller doesn’t seem to work properly, and if this is the case with you, you may need to calibrate Xbox One Controller in Windows 11/10. This is exactly what we will talk about in this guide.
This post tells you how you can reset or calibrate Xbox One Controller in Windows. It will run a wizard which will let you test all your buttons for the different axis. Once done you can try the inbuilt testing tool to see if it works properly.
You will know if your Xbox One game controller needs calibration when you have trouble playing the game on your PC. Sometimes the trigger will not fire timely or there is something wrong with the axis of the controller. They all will result in random movement during gameplay.
You have two options in this process. Either you can reset to bring the controller back to default settings, or you can try to calibrate. We suggest you do the later first.
- Connect the Xbox Controller with your PC using the USB cable.
- To make sure it is detected by your computer open Device Manager. ( WIN + X + M). If you don’t see it, right-click on your PC, and scan for hardware changes.
- Open Control Panel > Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Devices and Printers.
- Right click on the Controller Icon, and select game controller properties.
- You have two tabs here:
- First lets you test all the buttons, and triggers of the controller, and see if they are responding back.
- Second, lets you reset it to default settings or calibrate. Select later.
- This will launch a wizard that will calibrate the axes of your controller.
- During the process, it will ask you to press different buttons, sometimes leave the axes as-is, and so on.
- You will get to see a lot of X-axis rotation, Z-Axis, Dpad instructions, and will take a bit of time to complete it.
- Once complete, you can now try the first tab which we skipped above to see if your controller is properly calibrated.
If this still doesn’t work, you can choose to reset the Xbox controller. We had that option under Game controller settings.
This should resolve the calibration issue with your Xbox One controller on Windows 11/10 PC. In case you still have issues, you can connect to an Xbox, and try changing these settings on Xbox One as well. Xbox One does allow you to map different buttons, and swap them if you are used to that kind of setting.
TIP: You can use the Windows HDR Calibration app.
What is the best way to fix controller drift?
The drift is slipping which is caused by dust, and oil stick on the controller.
It usually happens when the controller is not in use for a long time, and you leave it in the open. To fix it, you need clean the controller, sticks, and everything around it. make sure to use slightly damp clothe, and slowly clean them off.
Is controller drift avoidable?
The only way to avoid this is to keep it inside a box or cover it with a cloth. It will ensure that dist or oil doesn’t settle on it. Also, make sure to keep your hand’s clean while using it. One of the major issues is eating while using the controller. If you happen to do it, wipe it with a soft cloth.
Date: Tags: Xbox
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Ashish holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering and is a veteran Windows and Xbox user. He has work experience as a Database and Microsoft.NET Developer. He has been a Microsoft MVP (2008-2010) and excels in writing tutorials to improve the day-to-day experience with your devices.
How to Connect an Xbox Controller to a PC
The Xbox Wireless Gamepad might have Xbox in the name, but you aren’t limited to pairing it with just a console.
The controller pairs to Windows 10 and Windows 11, too, letting you use it wirelessly with any compatible PC game. Here’s what you need to do to start using your Xbox gamepad with your PC.
Figure Out Which Xbox Controller You Own
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
If you just got a new Xbox gamepad, you can skip this part, because you already have the most current version. And, if you got one in the last few years, you’re probably good on that front, as well. The current Xbox Wireless Gamepad is the same one included with the Xbox Series S/X, and supports Xbox wireless communication and Bluetooth. After the initial wave of Xbox One consoles, most Xbox Wireless Gamepads of that generation also included Bluetooth. If you want to use Bluetooth or a wired connection, you’re good to go from here.
Original Xbox One controllers lack Bluetooth connectivity, and rely specifically on Xbox’s wireless communication standard. This is fine for Xbox consoles, but not for PCs.
You can still use one with your PC, but the process is different; you must get a wireless dongle.
If you have an older Xbox One gamepad, check the area around the Guide button.
(Credit: Microsoft)
If you have an older Xbox One gamepad, you must 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 button and the controller’s face, it’s a non-Bluetooth gamepad. If it has a small, rectangular Capture button between the Menu and View buttons, and a USB-C port on the top instead of micro USB, it’s a current Xbox Series controller, and also has Bluetooth.
Connect Your Xbox Controller to PC With a Wire
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
This is simple, but you do need a physical cable connecting the controller to your PC. Here’s how you do it.
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Plug one end of your USB-to-micro USB or USB-to-USB-C (depending on the version of controller) cable into the controller.
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Plug the other end into your PC
That’s it! It will automatically configure under Windows 10 and 11, and work with virtually any game on your PC.
Connect Your Xbox Controller to PC With Bluetooth
(Credit: PCMag)
Pairing the Xbox controller with your PC over Bluetooth is almost the same as pairing it with your Xbox One or Xbox Series. You activate the controller by holding down the Guide button, then hold the Pairing button for three seconds until the Guide button flashes. This means it’s in pairing mode. If you’re connecting the controller to a console, you hold the Pairing button on the system itself. If you’re connecting the controller to a Windows 10 PC, you need to go through some menus. You also need a Bluetooth USB dongle if your PC doesn’t have Bluetooth. Here’s the full step-by-step process:
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Hold the Guide button to turn on the controller.
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Hold the Pairing button for three seconds until the Guide button flashes.
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Right-click the Bluetooth icon in your system tray.
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Click «Add a Bluetooth Device.»
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Click «Add Bluetooth or other Device» and select Bluetooth.
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Click «Xbox Wireless Controller.» Wait until the Guide button is solid white, and the Bluetooth menu says the controller is connected.
You can now use the Xbox Wireless Gamepad with your PC, 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 and DualSense controllers. Although you can use a wired gaming headset with the gamepad and its associated game system, audio isn’t sent through the jack when it’s connected to a PC via Bluetooth.
Connect Your Xbox Controller to PC With a USB Adapter
Good luck finding this one for cheap.
(Credit: Microsoft)
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 (and get headset connectivity), you need to get an Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10.
It’s a USB dongle designed to connect directly to your Xbox 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, pressing the Pairing button on each device.
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Unfortunately, this adapter is long out of stock. You can still find it online for around $40 to $75 rather than its original $25 price, but good luck tracking it down. If you can get one, it’ll let you 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.
How to Connect Other Game Controllers to PC
We also have tips for connecting Nintendo Switch and PS4/5 controllers to your PC.
For more controller advice, check out our guide on how to choose the right controller for your PC.
Once you’re ready to start playing, check out our favorite PC games. And if you’re a PlayStation gamer, read up on how to use a PS4 DualShock 4 controller on a PC. We walk you through the surprisingly complicated process.
Why You Should Game on a PC
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Should I buy a new Xbox controller for PC? — Hardware on DTF
Spent a day with a new controller from Xbox Series X|S in conjunction with a PC, and I have something to tell.
36094
views
thedrden
On November 9, gamepads from the Xbox Series X|S began to be sold, I have long wanted a gamepad for the PC, but I decided that it makes no sense to take the old Xbox controller, and everything is not very clear with the new one. It is clear that there are few changes, but still a new generation, it is interesting to try. There were several main questions:
1) How will the gamepad interface with the PC?
2) Do I need a proprietary Xbox for PC adapter?
3) Is there any difference when connecting via Bluetooth and a proprietary Xbox adapter?
I found out that the previous generation controller connects via Bluetooth and adapter in the same way, so I decided not to buy an adapter right away, but to take only a gamepad, play via wire, and then buy regular Bluetooth, yet it is more versatile than an Xbox adapter. For some reason, I thought that there was a wire in the kit …
Source: https://www.
xbox.com/
Now available in 3 primary colors: Black — bundled with Xbox Series X, white — bundled with Xbox Series S, blue — sold separately. I bought white. I opened the box and was surprised that the gamepad was smaller than it seemed in the photos on the Internet, and was upset that there were no wires in the kit. There were only batteries, instructions and Game Pass for 14 days.
I don’t have a lot of wires, with Type-c there is only a charger from a macbook (Type-c on both sides) and a wire from headphones. Well, I remembered that the motherboard has Type-c, so I managed to connect it through a charger from a poppy. Otherwise, I would have to order Bluetooth and wait a few more days. Pay attention to this when buying. On the wire, by the way, everything works without batteries.
thedrden
Now about the gamepad itself
The triggers and the lower part of the base are textured — not everyone likes this, there are people who have sensitive hands, they cannot touch peaches.
But the texture of the controller, to be honest, does not look like peaches. She’s big and rough, not very nice, yes. But I expected something velvety when it came to peaches. If you move your hands on the gamepad, focusing on the sensations, then there is little pleasant, but during the game everything is OK, you don’t pay attention.
I also did not like the cross, when playing fighting games for a long time, the finger is rubbed. It is made of rough plastic, I would like a more pleasant material.
thedrden
The main difference between the new controller and the old one is that the share button does not work on PC, although it is possible to take screenshots through the Xbox Live menu. Perhaps they will finish it with updates later.
About vibration
I played Injustice 2, Doom Eternal, GTA V and Forza Horizon 4. There is almost no vibration in Injustice 2, sometimes the gamepad responds very weakly, but at what moments this happens, I still don’t understand.
In Forza Horizon 4, the tactile feedback is fully revealed, everything vibrates, the degree of pressing the triggers is felt, it’s especially cool when you shake for a long time on a dirt road, and then you leave on the asphalt – it’s a thrill. In GTA V and Doom Eternal, vibration is turned on less often, but still good. Even with PS4, I like it when in GTA V you touch the edge of the curb, and the gamepad starts to vibrate a lot — cool.
Conclusion
You can take it now, but do not forget about the wire with USB Type-c or Bluetooth. Plus, the gamepad works with Android, and iOS support will appear in the future, suddenly, someone needs it.
What controller do you use with your PC and will you get a new one from Xbox Series X|S? Write in the comments 🙂
Is it worth switching from PC to game consoles: Tinkoff Magazine readers’ arguments
Alikhan Israpilov
prefers consoles
Author profile
The rise in the price of video games and the difficulty of buying them have intensified the old debate about which is better — PC or console.
We asked Tinkoff Magazine readers how they feel about game consoles. Some believe that they are ideal for gaming. Others, on the contrary, are convinced that the PC does an excellent job with this task. We have collected the main arguments for and against buying consoles — choose a side and share your opinion in the comments.
These are comments from Community readers. Collected into one material, carefully edited and formatted according to editorial standards.
👍 Pros: consoles are very comfortable — plug into TV and play
Another huckster
enjoys playing on the couch
I have everything. But due to heavy long working days, I prefer to fall apart on the couch with a gamepad. Yes, you can also connect a computer to a TV, but this is no longer the same: dragging a wire through the whole apartment or constantly carrying a system unit back and forth. Not very comfortable.
d1mmmk
glad the consoles don’t need to be upgraded
If your life is boring without inventing problems and you don’t have a hobby, of course, choose a PC: here you have to dance with tambourines to find the right version of drivers, and regular hardware updates, and similar entertainment.
Buy a monitor, buy a table, buy a chair, buy a comfortable keyboard and mouse… A PC is for the rich.
I bought the console and, until a new generation comes out, you only change the batteries in the gamepad.
/list/2022-best-games/
Best games of 2022: Elden Ring, God of War Ragnarök, The Callisto Protocol and other hits
Vasily Anisimov
decided on the main selection criterion
I choose PS5 because I don’t want to get my ass off the couch to play something.
👎 Against: Unlike consoles, PCs have graphics settings, mods and emulators
Valentine
is convinced of the superiority of the PC
If you really love games, then only PC. Consoles don’t have a bunch of old games and mods. There is no way to customize the graphics for yourself — for example, remove the depth of field and motion blur. There is no way to choose the right combination of graphics and performance — although some already exist.
Gamepad control is far from suitable for all games. Well, you can not remind about cinematic 30 frames per second. Yes, there is a performance mode, but here DLSS from a PC looks more efficient. Graphics tweaks, crashes, and Day 1 patches on consoles are now commonplace too.
Optimum is PC and console at the end of the generation to play really good games. Like Bloodborne, God of War, Spider-Man and maybe The Last of Us or Zelda and the upcoming second part with Nintendo Switch. And almost all of these games have already been released on PC. In connection with recent events, it is not very clear why buy PS5 and Xbox. The first one still has two worthy exclusives, and the second one is, in fact, a PC in a console case.
/list/games-for-weak-pc/
20 exciting games for weak computers and laptops
👍 Pro: you can take game consoles everywhere with you
Vyacheslav Dmitrievich
travels with the console
My choice is Xbox Series S plus a Game Pass subscription.
For those who travel often — telecommuters, for example — it’s just an ideal option. It fits in a suitcase and weighs little. All modern games fly on 4K TV. Well, the price is great.
👎 Against: consoles are just a stripped-down PC
Bobo from Peru
believes in the superiority of the PC
PC only and nothing else. Exactly for the reason that Xbox, PS4, PS5 are the same PC on the same AMD Ryzen with built-in Radeon. Only completely locked up, so that, God forbid, you don’t do something that the master doesn’t like.
And if so, why buy a locked PC when you can immediately buy a normal one? And no, it does not need to be constantly upgraded, this is a myth. You can connect a gamepad and play tens of thousands of games on Steam on your TV, where almost all of your vaunted Sony Movies are already available, or on the same Game Pass.
/list/coop-games/
It Takes Two, Portal 2 and 10 more games for two with a story
👍 Pros: consoles have profitable subscriptions
Radrog9 PC, built a library on Steam.
After the well-known events, it became difficult to continue. I thought about buying an Xbox Series S. I recently got it, bought a Game Pass for 13 months and got access to hundreds of cool games. Many have been on the delayed playlist since the Xbox 360, such as Fable 2, Gears of War 2-3, Red Dead Redemption.
Enjoying the Xbox ecosystem. The games are available on both console and PC. You can start on it, and continue at the computer, the saves are synchronized. Online with friends is generally a separate pleasure, everything works out of the box without jambs, like on a PC. Well, the ability to lie on the couch and play on a huge TV set in 4K with HDR is great. But the killer feature is still a generous Game Pass subscription. What is not there.
Pavel Blekot
considers consoles more profitable than PC
Of course, consoles are more profitable — especially with game subscriptions like Game Pass and purchases of games in other regions.
Of the consumables, only joysticks are not cheap these days.
👎 Against: it became cheaper to build a powerful PC
Andrey Talanov
for a PC upgrade
PC, Xbox gamepad plus Game Pass subscription is the best choice at the moment, given the cheaper video cards. A well-performing PC comes out at a price not much more expensive than the Xbox Series X, while its scope is much wider than that of a console.
👍 Pros: consoles are great for solo and leisurely games
Vagesha
relaxes with a gamepad in hand
I have a normal PC and PS4 Pro. I only play online on PC because I prefer mostly online shooters, something like Warzone. And I don’t get pleasure from shooting with a gamepad at all — but I get high from shooting with a mouse. Yes, and playing online without sitting at the table is somehow inconvenient.
But the same Red Dead Redemption 2 and any other solo games I play on PS4, since I can play lying down on Sonya, plus the gamepad seems to add cinematic quality due to the smoothness of the sticks.
Well, the TV is usually larger than the monitor.
/list/game-pass/
Pirate Simulator & Medieval Strategy: 12 Great Games to Play on Xbox Game Pass
PC for Online, Console for Solo Runs.
👎 Against: the gamepad is not as comfortable as a regular keyboard
Maxim
is not used to the gamepad
Definitely a PC. I just got used to playing on the computer since childhood. Although I had both a Dendy and a Sega as a child, the PC won my heart. Gamepads hurt my fingers. Every time I play on the console, I feel out of sorts. Either the keyboard is more familiar. I find it easier to play on the Invoker than on the gamepad.
Sergey Averyanov
prefers keyboard and mouse
The obvious PC is obvious. More expensive, but the benefits provided, in my opinion, are worth it. How to play any shooters, for example, on a gamepad? And in general, the gamepad in almost all genres merges the keyboard with the mouse, except perhaps for slashers.
