How to connect an Xbox joystick to a computer

Modern video games support various types of control: both using a keyboard and mouse, and using gamepads, for example, from the Xbox 360 console. For some users, this method is much more convenient, so below we will learn how to connect this type of joystick to a computer.

The minimum hardware requirements for the correct operation of the gamepad are the presence of a USB port and the Windows XP operating system with the second service pack (or any version higher). The device you connect to can be wired or wireless, which makes minor differences in the setup process. To use a wired Xbox controller, connect it to a USB port and insert the driver disk into the drive. The disc is included with the main purchase, but if it is not, we will look at microsoft.com and download it from the network in one click. On the above page, select the type of operating system and preferred interface language.

As mentioned earlier, install the drivers from the disk or through the resulting installer. After the program has copied all the necessary files, restart the computer. The restart is done, it's time to check the gamepad. We go to the "Start" menu, for Windows 7 - "All Programs" -\u003e "Accessories", we launch the "Run" service. In the appropriate line, enter the command joy.cpl, confirm with Enter. If the gamepad is functioning properly, its name will be displayed in the pop-up window. In the same place it will be possible to look at its properties by clicking the right mouse button. The program will offer you a small test, during which you need to press the buttons, tilt the joystick and move it. Detailed information about the health of the device will be displayed on the screen.

To connect an Xbox Wireless Joystick to a PC, you need a receiver and the following steps:

• remove the sticker from the usb port of the receiver;
• connect it to a similar slot on a PC (preferably USB 2.0);
• look at the indicator - green color means correct operation;
• after this step, the Connection Wizard starts - click in the "Install automatically" window;
• if the "Master" did not appear by itself, download the files from the official site and install manually by double-clicking on the installer.

Next, turn on the gamepad itself, while holding the "Guide" button, press the receiver until the indicator flashes green, as well as the connect key on the back of the joystick. We wait until the indicator stops flashing. This means that the device has established a connection and is working.

The gamepad is also configured through joy.cpl, and in Windows 8 - through the "Devices and Printers" section. In both cases, we need the "Calibration" item, through which the testing and reassignment of the buttons is carried out. If the result is not satisfactory, in the Settings, select "Reset to the original state." If any problems are found, first we reinstall the joystick drivers, and also download updates for the OS. This can be easily done through "Start" -> "All Programs" -> "Update Center".

If you need to connect joysticks of other models (or to other operating systems) to a laptop or computer, remember that the developer company usually places all the necessary information in a special section of the official website.