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How to Use Your XBox 360 Contollers on a PC

The Xbox 360 controllers use a USB 2.0 interface that is compatible with most Windows-based computer systems. This allows you to use your Xbox 360 controllers to play games on your PC as well as the home gaming console. Setup of these controllers requires specialized software from Microsoft, and additional components are needed for the wireless versions of the controllers. This software can be downloaded for free online. A wireless receiver also can be purchased from any local gaming or online store.

Things You'll Need

Internet access
Internet browser
Xbox 360 controller
Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver (Optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Visit the Gaming Software Downloads page at Microsoft.com. This has all of the necessary programs for both wired and wireless controller use.
- 2
  Download either the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows program or the Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver files. Use the first for wired controllers, the second if you are using the wireless versions.
- 3
  Run the downloaded programs and install them to the local Windows directory. Installing to a directory that does not contain your Windows files may cause problems with system updates in the future.
- 4
  Plug your wired controller, or the USB port of your gaming receiver, into an open USB 2.0 port on your computer. Windows should auto-detect your new hardware and use the installed programs to run them.
- 5
  Launch "Game Controllers" from your control panel and verify that the controller is installed and recognized. You are now able to use your Xbox 360 controller for play on your computer.

Video Game Accessories