How to Connect Xbox 360 Controller to PC Without Receiver Best Way!!

Gaming using the help of a keyboard and mouse can get tedious owing to the number of functions and slow response time. It is where controllers come to the rescue. Xbox 360 controller is one of the best controllers that provide unrivaled gaming adventure that can elevate your gaming.

If you are into gaming, you may be aware of the Xbox 360, which offers a smooth gaming experience compared to other gaming PC builds around the same price point. However, connecting the Xbox 360 controller to the PC may be costly with the inclusion of a receiver. 

To save you some bucks, we have listed ways to connect your Xbox 360 controller to the PC without a receiver. 

Wired or Wireless? 

Concerning the Xbox 360 controller, a wired controller will be easier to connect to your system. Users will have to locate the USB port and connect the controller to the system. 

Once the controller is plugged in, the system will detect the controller and start updating the controller driver to its latest version for a rich gaming experience. It is easy and does not require any complex process. However, some users would be displeased using a wired controller for their gaming sessions.

On the contrary, a wireless Xbox 360 controller would require a wireless controller adapter which would demand users spend more premium. Wireless controllers offer Bluetooth connectivity for more comfort.

Furthermore, users will be able to enjoy gaming without any wire tussles. However, using the controller for more than one system can cause malfunction. 

Read more:- https://theusstuff.com/15-best-anime-games-for-ios/

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Connect an Xbox 360 controller to your PC without a receiver 

1. Connect via Wires

One ideal way to avoid using a receiver for connecting an Xbox controller to a PC is to connect it via a wired connection. The player only needs to connect the controller using the USB port in their system, and the controller will be detected and install the latest drivers for smooth functioning.

However, if you wish to avoid using a wired connection for gaming, move on to the next method on the list. 

2. Buy a Microsoft Xbox Package 

Purchasing a Microsoft Xbox package would fall under the category of expensive. The package contains accessories required to connect the Xbox 360 controller wirelessly to the system. However, this can be problematic for players already owning an Xbox console.

Checkout more:- https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/b/xbox

3. Get an Adapter 

If you intend to connect your wireless controller to a PC, purchasing an adapter will do the trick. The adapter is part of the Microsoft Xbox package. However, there are several third-party adapters that players can buy separately to connect their Xbox 360 controller to the PC.

Users will be compromising on the quality of the adapter, but the adapter would be ideal to cater to your gaming needs.

4. Connect through Bluetooth 

Follow the given steps to connect the Xbox controller via the means of Bluetooth. 

• Enable the Bluetooth settings in the system by navigating to Settings followed by Bluetooth & Devices. 

• Enable Bluetooth and choose to add a new device.

• The system will start locating Bluetooth devices close to the range. Turn on the Bluetooth of the Xbox controller using the pair button at the topside.

• Once the Xbox button starts flashing, the system will ask to pair up the controller. Finish pairing to connect your controller using Bluetooth. 

5. Use a Third-Party Wireless Adapter 

Purchasing an official Microsoft Wireless Adapter to connect the controller to your system sounds like a stretch. However, users can always opt for third-party wireless adapters, which are available at affordable rates. 

Opting for a third-party wireless adapter is pocket friendly, and you would not notice any difference if you are not a hardcore gamer. 

6. Purchase the Official Xbox Wireless Controller Adapter 

If you do not mind spending a premium, purchasing the official Xbox Wireless controller adapter would be the best option. It is also beneficial for players who do not have Bluetooth compatibility in their systems. 

Furthermore, the wireless adapter would allow you to enjoy the gaming sessions wirelessly which may appeal to most players. The reliability and assurance from the official Xbox manufacturers make it a better option than third-party wireless adapters available in the market. 

7. Purchase Windows Bundle 

Windows bundle is a package that caters to the gaming needs of most individuals. The package includes a wireless Xbox controller alongside Microsoft’s official wireless controller adapter and a Windows 10 copy. The bundle can be purchased from any retailer or using the Microsoft store.

Purchasing the Windows bundle is the ideal decision for those who do not own a controller and do not wish to go for a wired controller. 

Connecting Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver to Your PC 

1. Installing Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless receiver on windows 8 and 10. 

Installing Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless receiver on windows 8 and 10 only requires you to plug in the wireless adapter using the USB port in your system. Once plugged in, the system will automatically detect the wireless receiver and update the drivers to their latest versions. 

To check whether the wireless adapter is recognized by the system or otherwise, follow the below-listed steps.

• Navigate to the Device manager using the Windows menu.
• Under the list of various peripherals attached to the system, users will spot Xbox 360 Wireless receiver for Windows. It implies that the receiver has connected to the system without any issues. 

2. Installing Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless receiver on Windows 7 and lower 

Installing Microsoft Xbox 360 wireless receiver for Windows 7 or lower platforms requires the user to manually update the adapter drivers for smooth and efficient functionality. Follow the given steps to install the drivers manually.

• Plug in the wireless receiver using the USB port in your system. 

• Once the receiver is plugged in, a setup wizard will pop up on the screen. Proceed with the setup by following the instructions, and windows will automatically install the drivers into the system.

• If the setup does not detect the relevant files required for completion, users will have to use the CD included in the Microsoft Xbox package to continue installing drivers for the wireless receiver. 

• If you do not have opted for the Microsoft Xbox package, you can download the drivers manually by navigating to the Microsoft website. 

Once the drivers have been installed, you can repeat the process for verification using the Device Manager settings. 

3. Installing A Third-Party Xbox Receiver on Your PC 

Installing a third-party Xbox receiver is complex compared to the official wireless receivers by Microsoft. However, once the process is completed, you will have no trouble jumping to the gaming sessions. Follow the steps to install a third-party Xbox receiver on your system. 

• Insert the third-party adapter into the system using the USB port. Navigate to the Device Manager using the search bar on Windows and navigate to Other Devices.

• Under the category, choose Unknown Device and select the Update driver option. Select from an existing list of device drivers and select Xbox 360 peripherals. 

• Another menu pops up showcasing the different driver versions of the receiver. Choose the latest driver and click OK to initiate the installation. 

The next phase of the process is to connect the Xbox controller to the system. Press the pair button in the third-party wireless receiver and connect it to the Xbox controller followed by the Guide button. Once the light in the controller flashes green, your controller will be ready to go.

Players can also verify the integrity of the Xbox controller pairing by navigating to the Device Manager and locating the Setup USB game controller option. If each button press in the controller is detected by the application, the pairing is successful without any compatibility issues. 

Purchase Microsoft Xbox Package 

Purchasing Microsoft Package will be ideal if you wish to engage in gaming sessions using the Xbox controller. The package includes an official Wireless receiver along with an Xbox controller and a copy of Windows. 

Although there are cheaper alternatives to connect your Xbox controller to the PC, using the official Microsoft Xbox package would enhance your gaming experience. 

Reconnect Your Xbox Controller to Your Console 

Once the Xbox controller is connected to the console, users can enable their system using the controller. However, if you use your controller for multiple devices, you will have to reconnect your Xbox controller with your console. 

It implies using the pair button to connect the controller to the system again. It is located close to the disc tray on the console near the power button. However, if you use a wired connection plugging in the controller using the USB port would reconnect the controller automatically. 

FAQs

Can you connect an Xbox 360 controller through Bluetooth?

Yes, users can connect Xbox 360 controller using Bluetooth based on the method featured in the list. 

Can a smartphone be used as an Xbox 360 Controller?

Using Xbox SmartGlass can help you to utilize your smartphone as an Xbox 360 controller. 

Final Words

These were some popular ways in which you can connect your Xbox controller without a receiver. Opting for a wired connection is the most simple of them all. However, as for the wireless connection, using a third-party wireless receiver would be cheap and more productive. 

We hope you liked the article. 

Keep Clashing!