Does an Xbox Controller Work With Windows 11?
Last verified August 2026Tested against Windows 11, Windows 10 (Anniversary Update or later for Bluetooth)Well documented
Yes
Xbox Wireless Controllers work with Windows 11 and need no extra drivers. Every model works over USB; wireless depends on which controller you have, and connecting over Bluetooth disables headset and chatpad attachments.
What you need
- For USB: a USB-C or micro-USB cable, depending on your controller model
- For Bluetooth: a controller that supports it, plus Windows 10 Anniversary Update or later
- For Xbox Wireless: either an Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows, or a PC with Xbox Wireless built in
- No driver download — Windows installs the controller automatically
Supported on
- Windows 11, all editions
- Windows 10, Anniversary Update and later for Bluetooth
Limitations
- Not every Xbox controller has Bluetooth. If the plastic around the Xbox button is part of the controller's face, it does; if that plastic is part of the top where the bumpers are, it does not — those need a cable or the Xbox Wireless Adapter.
- Attachments do not work over Bluetooth. Headsets, chatpads, and the Xbox Stereo Adapter are unavailable while the controller is connected that way — use the Xbox Wireless Adapter or a cable if you need them.
- Microsoft recommends only one controller at a time over Bluetooth. For local multiplayer, use the Xbox Wireless Adapter or wired controllers.
- The Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows is not sold in every market.
How to set it up
- Wired: plug the controller into a USB port. Windows sets it up automatically, with no pairing needed.
- Bluetooth: press the Xbox button to turn the controller on.
- Hold the Pair button on the top of the controller for three seconds, until the Xbox button flashes rapidly.
- On the PC, open Settings → Bluetooth & devices and turn Bluetooth on.
- Select Add device → Bluetooth, then choose Xbox Wireless Controller from the list.
Known problems
- The controller pairs and shows as connected, but games do not respond to it — how to fix it
- Audio attachments stop working after switching from the wireless adapter to Bluetooth — this is expected behaviour, not a fault
Alternatives
- Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows — Required for controllers without Bluetooth, supports several controllers at once, and keeps headset and chatpad attachments working.
- USB cable — Works with every model, adds no latency, and needs no pairing. The most reliable option if wireless is giving trouble.
Common questions
- Do I need to install a driver?
- No. Windows 11 includes the driver, so plugging the controller in or pairing it over Bluetooth is enough.
- How do I tell whether my controller has Bluetooth?
- Look at the plastic around the Xbox button. If it is part of the controller's front face, the controller supports Bluetooth. If it is part of the top surface where the bumpers are, it does not.
- Why did my headset stop working when I paired over Bluetooth?
- Microsoft documents that attachments — headsets, chatpads, and the Stereo Adapter — do not work over Bluetooth. Connect with a cable or the Xbox Wireless Adapter to use them.
- Can I connect two controllers over Bluetooth?
- Microsoft recommends one at a time over Bluetooth. For multiple controllers, use the Xbox Wireless Adapter or connect them by cable.
Related problems
Sources
Microsoft · Support page · checked Aug 15, 2026
- Microsoft documents three connection methods: USB cable, Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows, and Bluetooth
- Bluetooth requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update or later
- Bluetooth-capable controllers are identified by the plastic around the Xbox button being part of the controller face rather than the top
- Controller attachments such as headsets, chatpads, and the Xbox Stereo Adapter do not work while connected via Bluetooth
- Microsoft recommends connecting only one controller at a time via Bluetooth
- Some Windows devices include Xbox Wireless built in, needing no adapter
- The Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows may not be available in all markets