Set up your Xbox 360 controller for Windows

Step 1: Install the Xbox 360 controller for Windows software

Use the installation CD that came with your Xbox 360 controller for Windows before you connect the controller for Windows to your computer:

1. Insert the installation disc in the CD or DVD drive of your computer. If the Setup program does not automatically start, change to your CD or DVD drive and run the setup program.
2. On the setup screen, click Install.
3. The Xbox 360 Accessories Setup program installs the necessary files to your computer.

   Note You might be prompted to restart your computer after the installation is complete.

If you don’t have an installation disc for your Xbox 360 controller for Windows, you can download and install the software online:

1. Go to the Software Downloads section of the Microsoft Hardware website.
2. Select Gaming as the product type.
3. Select Xbox 360 Controller for Windows as the product.
4. Select the version of Microsoft Windows you are using on your computer, select your operating system language, and then click Download.
5. Click Run.
6. The Xbox 360 Accessories Setup program installs the necessary files to your computer.

   Note You might be prompted to restart your computer after the installation is complete.

Step 2: Connect the controller to your computer

After you install the software, plug your Xbox 360 wired controller’s USB connector into a USB 2.0 port on your computer.

Step 3: Test the controller

To test your Xbox 360 wired controller on your computer, follow these steps:

1. On your computer, click Start, type Run, type joy.cpl, and then press ENTER.
2. Select Xbox 360 Controller, and then click Properties.
3. Test your Xbox 360 wired controller by pressing a button, pulling a trigger, or moving a stick on the controller. If the controller is functioning correctly, you will see the corresponding action light up in the application. If the application does not recognize your controller, see Troubleshoot your Xbox 360 controller for Windows.

Step 1: Connect the Xbox 360 wireless gaming receiver to your computer

1. On the receiver, remove the green label from the USB connector.
2. Insert the USB connector into a powered USB 2.0 port on the computer.

Note The USB ports on the front of your computer may not be powered USB 2.0 ports. Try using one of the ports on the back of your computer.

A green light on the receiver indicates that the unit is working.

3. If the Add New Hardware Wizard starts automatically, select Install the software automatically (Recommended), and then click Next. If the wizard installs the software successfully, click Finish and then skip to “Step 3: Connect an Xbox 360 wireless accessory to your computer” below.

   If the wizard fails to install the software, go to “Step 2: Install the Xbox receiver software” below.

Step 2: Install the Xbox receiver software

Before you can use wireless accessories with your computer, you might need to install some software. If you have the installation disc that came with your Xbox 360 wireless gaming receiver, you can install the software from that disc. If you do not have that disc, you can install the software by downloading it online.

To install the software from a disc:

1)   Insert the installation disc into the CD or DVD drive of your computer. If the Setup program does not automatically start, change to your CD or DVD drive and run the Setup program.
2)  Follow the steps in the wizard to install the software.

Note You might be prompted to restart your computer after the installation is complete.

To install the software by downloading it online:

1. Go to the Software Downloads section of the Microsoft Hardware website.
2. Select Gaming as the product type.
3. Select Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows as the product.
4. Select the version of Microsoft Windows you are using on your computer, select your operating system language, and then click Download.
5. Click Run.
6. The Xbox 360 Accessories Setup program installs the necessary files to your computer.

Note You might be prompted to restart your computer after the installation is complete.

Step 3: Connect an Xbox 360 wireless accessory to your computer

1)  Turn on the Xbox 360 wireless accessory that you want to use with your receiver.

For example, to turn on a controller, press and hold the Guide button, located in the middle of the controller. If you do not know how to turn on the accessory, read the documentation for that accessory.

2)  On the receiver, press the connect button. The light flashes green.

3)  On the wireless accessory, press the connect button. For example, on the controller, the connect button is on the back.

Green flashing lights on the accessory and on the receiver indicate that the device is trying to establish a connection. When the light stops flashing and remains lit, the accessory is connected. For example, on a wireless controller, one of the lights around the Guide button will remain lit. If the wireless accessory cannot connect, see Troubleshoot your Xbox 360 controller for Windows.