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How to Connect Xbox 360 to a Computer

The Xbox 360 has capabilities beyond its core functionality as a gaming console. Connecting a 360 to a computer running Windows allows the two devices to share files and media in much the same way as two locally connected computers can. Using this feature, an Xbox 360 can view pictures and play music and video stored on a computer, giving you instant access to your media library in your living room. The process works with computers running Windows XP and newer.

Things You'll Need

Ethernet connection cables

Instructions

Windows XP and Vista
- 1
  Connect the Xbox 360 and the computer to a local network. If both devices connect to the Internet from the same router, no other configuration is required. Otherwise, connect them directly with an Ethernet cable or use a network hub.
- 2
  Turn on both devices and log in to the computer with an administrator account.
- 3
  Open Windows Media Player 11 or newer. Windows Vista computers come with Media Player 11 pre-installed. Computers running Windows XP can download the software from Microsoft's website.
- 4
  Click the drop-down arrow next to the Library tab and select "Media Sharing."
- 5
  Check the box marked "Share my media to:" and select the Xbox 360 from the list of connected devices. Click "Allow" and then "OK" to save the selection.
- 6
  Navigate the Xbox 360 main menu to the "My Xbox" tab. Select the video, photo or music library. Select the connected PC from the list of options to access the computer's content.
Windows 7
- 7
  Connect both the Xbox 360 and the Windows 7 computer to the same local network using a router, hub or direct connection. Turn both devices on.
- 8
  Open the "Control Panel" from the computer and select the "Network and Sharing Center" icon. Under the "Change your network settings" section, click on "Choose homegroup and sharing options."
- 9
  Click on "Change advanced sharing settings." Scroll down to the "Media Streaming" section and click "Choose media streaming options."
- 10
  Open the drop-down menu next to the Xbox 360's icon and choose "Allowed." Click "OK" to save the selection.
- 11
  Scroll to the "My Xbox" tab from the 360's main menu and open the music, picture or video library. Select the Windows 7 PC from the list of options to open the corresponding shared folders for access on the Xbox.

Xbox 360