This wikiHow teaches you how to connect a wired Xbox 360 controller to a Windows 8 computer. For the process to work, you'll need to use the controller built into the Xbox 360 console. A USB cable that is normally used to charge and plug into a wireless controller cannot be used to connect a controller. wired to the PC.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Downloading Drivers (Drivers)
Step 1. Visit the techspecs-connect driver page for the Xbox 360 controller
On this page, download the drivers found in the " Downloads " section. These drivers will make the Xbox 360 controller usable on Windows 8 computers.
Step 2. Click the box under the "Software & Drivers" heading
A drop-down menu containing all available drivers for the Xbox 360 controller will appear. You will be presented with two Windows 7 options, namely: " 64-bit only " and " 32-bit only ".
If the page doesn't scroll down automatically, scroll down to the " Free Shipping. Free Returns " banner, then click the button Download which is on the right side.
Step 3. Click the Windows 7 option
The Xbox 360 controller doesn't provide drivers for Windows 8, but you can use Windows 7 drivers in the same version as your Windows 8 (64-bit or 32-bit).
Check your Windows version if you don't know the number of bits used on the computer's operating system
Step 4. Click the link to download the driver
This link is below the box containing the driver information. The link will probably say something like "Xbox 360 Accessories Software 1.2". The driver files will start downloading once you click the link.
Depending on the browser you are using, you may first need to specify a location to save the download
Step 5. Right-click the setup file
This file is usually saved in the default download location on the computer (eg Desktop). The file name is " Xbox360_[number of bits]Eng ". Depending on the version of the operating system used, "[number of bits]" will be either "64" or "32".
Step 6. Click Properties at the bottom of the drop-down menu
Step 7. Click the Compatibility tab
It's at the top of the " Properties " window.
Step 8. Check the box next to Run this program in compatibility mode for: ".
This text is below the "Compatibility mode" heading.
Step 9. Click the operating system box
This box is below the text " Run this program in compatibility mode for: ".
If you haven't used compatibility mode before, the box will likely say "Window XP" or something similar
Step 10. Click Windows 7 at the bottom of the drop-down window
Step 11. Click OK
Now you should be able to install the driver without any problems.
Step 12. Double-click the installation file
Once you do that, the setup window will run.
Step 13. Follow the given instructions
When prompted, you must click Yes so that the setup file can access the computer. Next, check the "I agree" box on the "Terms and Conditions" page, then click Next to start installing the driver.
Step 14. Wait for the driver to finish installing
The installation process may take a few minutes.
Step 15. Click Finish in the lower right corner of the setup window
This will complete the installation of the driver, although you will need to restart the computer for the driver to function properly.
Step 16. Restart the computer by clicking Yes
The button will appear in a window. Once you click on it, the computer will restart to make sure that the drivers for the Xbox 360 controller are actually integrated with the computer.
Save any open work before you restart the computer
Part 2 of 2: Connecting the Controller
Step 1. Connect the controller to the computer
You can do this by plugging the small end of the USB charging cable into the controller and the large end of the USB cable into a port on the computer.
The location of the USB port will vary depending on the computer you are using. If you're having trouble finding a USB port, check the side or back of the computer's CPU (for desktops) or the back of the case (for laptops)
Step 2. Press the Xbox button
This is the button X inside the circle located in the center of the controller. Once you do that, the controller will power on.
If prompted, click Yes when asked if you trust the device.
Step 3. Place the mouse cursor in the upper right corner
After one second, a column will be displayed.
Step 4. Click Settings located at the bottom of the column, on the right side of the screen
Step 5. Click PC Info
It's at the bottom of the "Settings" column.
Step 6. Click on Device Manager located in the upper left corner of the “PC Info” page
Step 7. Scroll down and double-click Xbox 360 Peripherals
The button is at the bottom of the page. Once you double-click this option, it will expand and show all of your Xbox 360 accessories. You'll see the words "Xbox 360 Controller for Windows" listed under the "Xbox 360 Peripherals" heading.
Step 8. Right-click Xbox 360 Controller for Windows
If this option is not present, unplug the controller from the USB port you are currently using, then plug it into a different port.
Step 9. Click Update Driver Software
It's at the top of the drop-down menu.
Step 10. Click Search automatically for updated driver software
The computer will scan the drivers for controllers that are missing or have not been updated. Since the drivers are already installed, you may see a message that says "This device is using the best drivers". This means that the controller is ready to use.
