How to use an Xbox 360 Controller on a PC

[Mikoto]

Setting Up Your Wired Xbox 360 Controller for Your PC

First of all you want to download the software from Microsoft which will allow you to use your wired Xbox 360 controller to play PC games. You can find it at Microsoft Downloads.

Just fill in the relevant details, download the file and install it on your PC.

Some versions of Windows will automatically detect the controller when you plug it in and prompt you to update your system with the relevant drivers. You can try this first if you don’t want to download the software separately.

Once the software is installed you can plug your Xbox 360 controller into your USB port on your computer. To ensure it is working correctly select Game Controllers in the Control Panel in Windows.

Not all games support the controller; you can check the game manual to see whether your game does.
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Using Your Wireless Xbox 360 Controller on Your PC

You can also use your wireless Xbox 360 controller to play PC games but in order to do this you will need to purchase the wireless gaming receiver. You can purchase it from Amazon here.
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Since the controller isn’t supported by all games and setting up configurations for different games can be tricky you can also download configurations set up by other people which will save you the hassle. Some of these can be found for free. For example if you want to play World of Warcraft using your Xbox 360 controller then try out the free Switchblade software from developer Blue Orb.

Alternatively if you are willing to shell out a little more cash you could opt for the Pinnacle Game Profiler. This software comes with a number of configurations for top titles which you can download and makes setting up your Xbox 360 controller to play your PC games nice and easy. It currently costs $19.95.

So if you are struggling with mouse and keyboard controls why not try one of these solutions and use your Xbox 360 controller instead?

Feel free to ask any questions.
Leave your replies below for me and other users to answer them.



Links:
Microsoft Gaming- http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/do...ategory=Gaming
wireless gaming receiver purchase link- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B000HZFCT2
Switchblade download- http://games.softpedia.com/get/Tools/Switchblade.shtml
Pinnacle Game Profiler download- http://pinnaclegameprofiler.com/

[sMike]

Nice Guide and Contribution!

[BlackPanther]

So, is it just Xbox 360 Controller, that's it? Can it be used by something else like PS3 Controller?

[Mikoto]

So, is it just Xbox 360 Controller, that's it? Can it be used by something else like PS3 Controller?

Yes, you can use a PS3 controller. Look at my other thread.

[Zaven]

This works its cool

[Dalmic]

Would this work if you're using the charge and play kit with a wireless and no using the wireless receiver?