Xbox 360 Controller

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The Xbox 360 Controller is a great gamepad to use with Windows because most modern games have built-in support for it, saving you the trouble of having to manually bind each and every button/axis. The wired version will work out of the box while the wireless version requires a Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows; a Play & Charge cable can be used to charge wireless controllers through the computer but can't be used in place of a receiver (it doesn't transmit controller inputs). The receiver is included with "for Windows"-branded versions of the wireless controller.

Windows

Installation

Just plug it in. Windows Vista and newer will automatically detect the controller or receiver and install the drivers. For Windows XP (or if the driver does not install automatically) install the Xbox 360 Accessories Software (the installer supports both wired and wireless controllers).

For Windows 7, wireless controllers often will not be able to connect automatically because of missing drivers. If this occurs, this is the solution:

1. Download the and install the driver from Xbox 360 Accessories Software (Wireless).
2. Access Control Panel, then Hardware and Sound and then Device Manager.
3. Right click on 'Unidentified Device' and select properties.
4. Go to the Driver tab and select 'Update Driver'.
5. Select 'Browse my computer for driver software'.
6. Select 'Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer'.
7. Select 'Microsoft Common Controller for Window Class".
8. Select 'Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows Version: 2.1.0.1349 [8/13/2009].
9. When a warning appears, click Yes.

The Wireless controller can now be connected by holding down the central Xbox icon until it starts flashing.

Controlling keyboard-only games

To use the Xbox 360 Controller with games that don't have full controller support built in see Controller With Keyboard-Only Game.

Xbox 360 Controller emulation for other controller types

If you want to use a non-Xbox 360 controller (game pad, joystick, wheel, etc.) on games that only support Xbox 360-compatible controllers see the Xbox 360 Controller Emulator page.

Removal of Headset Drivers

You may get this message:

You have connected a Windows Live-enabled headset to your computer. 
If you want to use this headset to access Windows Live features: Download Windows Live Device Manager Now 
This enables you to use Windows Live-enabled devices to access your list of contacts and establish a video or voice call. 

To fix this error, do the following:

• For Windows Vista and newer, uninstall the Xbox 360 Accessories software and then reconnect the controller or receiver; Windows will automatically detect it and install the drivers without the background component.
• For Windows XP, run MSCONFIG after installing the Xbox 360 Accessories software and disable it on the startup tab.

This change has no effect on games and other software that use the controller.

Mac OS X

You have to download an app like OSXDriver

Linux

Linux

System	Comments
Ubuntu	Plug and Play

Xboxdrv is an alternative to the stock driver and allows many configuration options.

Hardware fixes

Broken Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver

A very common issue where the Microsoft Wireless Receiver suddenly fails and stops working.

Bridge bad fuse by soldering • Link Best guide to follow for this procedure.

Inaccurate d-pad

If you experience input errors from the d-pad, following this procedure might fix it.