how to connect xbox 360 controller to pc without receiver

Answer

ArminatorX

and what does the connect button do on controller?

The connect button starts the pairing process with a Xbox 360 console or the Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows.

The Xbox 360 controller uses a proprietary wireless protocol, and NOT Bluetooth. So the standard wireless devices in your computer can't work with the Xbox 360 wireless controller.

You absolutely definitely need the Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows if you wish to use your Xbox 360 controller on your PC.

Make sure you do NOT get the Wireless Gaming Receiver for Xbox One controllers, as they won't work with Xbox 360 controllers.

Also if you try to use a Play & Charge USB cable on your Xbox 360 controller, this will also not work, as the Play & Charge cable ONLY carries power, but does NOT transmit controller data.

So if you don't want to buy a wireless receiver, your only options are to buy a dedicated wired Xbox 360 controller (that has a non-removable USB cord attached), or get a Xbox One controller with Bluetooth functionality.

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Answer

ArminatorX

It's a proprietary (in laymen's terms: "secret") protocol that Microsoft specifically developed for the Xbox 360 wireless communication between console and accessories.

There is no "generic" hardware like a Bluetooth adapter or anything that can communicate with the Xbox 360, so either you get the "official" Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows, or you can't connect the Xbox 360 controller wirelessly to your computer.

Did my post help you? Please click on "Yes" below or choose it as the answer to your problem. Thanks! (ᵔᴥᵔ)

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