Microsoft release PC drivers for the Xbox One controller

The Xbox 360 pad has long since been adopted by the PC. It's there for us whenever we need to pummel our opponents in a two-player fighting game, or when we buy a shoddily ported third-person action game in some Steam sale. Or when we load up Watch Dogs, briefly forget its keyboard-based driving controls are an atrocity, and mistakenly attempt to use them. It's become an essential peripheral.

Can the Xbox One pad be clutched as warmly to our Windows-based bosoms? Microsoft are hoping it can. They've just released the official PC drivers needed to get it running.

"The new PC drivers will enable the Xbox One controller to be used with any game that featured gamepad support for the Xbox 360 controller," writes Microsoft's Major Nelson, whose real name isn't Major Nelson. "Simply download the drivers, connect your Xbox One controller to your computer through a micro USB cable and you'll be gaming in no time."

As we're surrounded on all sides by console publications, we'll attempt to steal one and give it a PC-based review. I've not tried the pad yet, but from what I've heard, the D-pad is slightly less of a load of old knob.

Phil Savage
Editor-in-Chief

Phil has been writing for PC Gamer for nearly a decade, starting out as a freelance writer covering everything from free games to MMOs. He eventually joined full-time as a news writer, before moving to the magazine to review immersive sims, RPGs and Hitman games. Now he leads PC Gamer's UK team, but still sometimes finds the time to write about his ongoing obsessions with Destiny 2, GTA Online and Apex Legends. When he's not levelling up battle passes, he's checking out the latest tactics game or dipping back into Guild Wars 2. He's largely responsible for the whole Tub Geralt thing, but still isn't sorry.

Latest in Game Pads
A Classic Clear CRKD NEO S rectangular controller sits on a desk between one black keyboard and one grey keyboard. The controller takes up much of the frame, but is clearly much smaller than both of the keyboards. The controller body is made of cloudy, clear plastic, allowing the viewer to see the internals.
CRKD Neo S review
PowerA OPS v1 wireless controller
PowerA OPS v1 Wireless Controller review
Razer Cobra Pro gaming mouse
Razer Cobra Pro
Turtle Power!
Man has once again crossed a line in creating these pizza-scented Ninja Turtle controllers
Rudeism's Rudebox custom fighting pad on a desk with wrist rest depicting two dittos
A custom-made fighting game pad but it's two ditto
Xbox Remix Controller
Xbox's new controller is made of one-third reclaimed materials
Latest in News
Three sheep with big guns in Palworld.
It was 'super popular to hate Palworld' after launch, says community manager: 'A lot of companies might crumble under the threats, under the pressure'
Palworld Ancient Civilization Parts - Grizzbolt with a minigun
'It was a very depressing day': Palworld community manager reveals studio's reaction to Nintendo lawsuit
CS 1.6 remade in CS: Legacy.
A gorgeous ground-up remake of Counter-Strike 1.6 is on its way to Steam, and one of the game's original creators says 'it really gives me old vibes'
Portal P3 pinball table
There's a new Portal game and it costs $12,500
MrBeast posing in front of a stack of cashing, promoting Beast Games season 2
Beast Games opens casting for season 2: MrBeast lost a ton of money on season 1 but apparently not enough that he won't do it again
Image for
Rise of the Ronin's PC troubles continue as players report disappearing saves on Steam