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How to Install a 360 Controller on Windows XP

The Xbox 360 gaming controller can now be used on Windows XP. While a special USB dongle is required for wireless versions of the controller, everything else about the controller works the same as if you were using it with an Xbox 360. Many PC games now even automatically recognize it and configure themselves to use it when one is detected.

Things You'll Need

Wired Xbox 360 controller for Windows, or Wireless Xbox 360 controller with USB dongle
Windows XP with Service Pack 1 or above

Instructions

Installing a Wired Xbox 360 Game Controller
- 1
  Plug the controller into a USB port on your computer.
- 2
  Download the Xbox 360 Game Controller drivers. Two links to the download pages are available in the "Resources" section of this article, one for users with 32-bit Windows XP and one for users with 64-bit Windows XP. If you are unsure which version of Windows XP you have, check the manual that came with your computer or your Windows XP installation disc.
- 3
  Open the driver installation file to begin the installation. You may be asked to restart your computer once the installation has finished.
Installing a Wireless Xbox 360 Game Controller
- 4
  Plug the wireless dongle into a USB port on your computer.
- 5
  Download the Xbox 360 Game Controller drivers. Two links to the download pages are available in the "Resources" section of this article, one for users with 32-bit Windows XP and one for users with 64-bit Windows XP. If you are unsure which version of Windows XP you have, check the manual that came with your computer or your Windows XP installation disc.
- 6
  Open the driver installation file to begin the installation. You may be asked to restart your computer once the installation has finished.
- 7
  Press the large "X" button in the center of the controller to turn it on.
- 8
  Synch the controller and USB dongle by pressing the button on the dongle, and then pressing the small white button at the top of the controller.

Video Game Accessories