How to Connect Xbox 360 Wired Controller to PC Windows 8

Downloading the Drivers

1. 
   Open the Xbox 360 controller drivers page. From here, download the drivers from the "Download" section. These drivers will make your Xbox 360 controller work with Windows 8's operating system.
2. 
   Click the box beneath the "Software & Drivers" heading. Doing so will prompt a drop-down menu with all of the available drivers for the Xbox 360 controller. You'll see two Windows 7 options here: "32-bit only" and "64-bit only".

   1. If the page doesn't scroll down automatically, first scroll down to below the "Free Shipping. Free Returns" banner and click Download on the right side of the page.
3. 
   Click a Windows 7 option. Since the Xbox 360 controller doesn't have Windows 8 drivers available, you'll use the Windows 7 drivers that correspond to your version of Windows (32-bit or 64-bit).

   1. If you aren't sure of your operating system's bit count, you can check your version of Windows.
4. 
   Click the download link. It's below the box with your drivers' information; the link will say something like "Xbox 360 Accessories Software 1.2". Once you click the link, the drivers file will begin to download.

   1. Depending on your browser, you may first need to select a download location.
5. 
   Right-click the setup file. You'll find the file in your computer's default downloads location (e.g., the desktop). The file should be named "Xbox360_[bit number]Eng" where "[bit number]" is "32" or "64" depending on your operating system version.
6. 
   Click Properties. It's at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
7. 
   Click the Compatibility tab. You'll see this option at the top of the "Properties" window.
8. 
   Check the box next to "Run this program in compatibility mode for:". This text is beneath the "Compatibility mode" heading.
9. 
   Click the operating system box. It's below the "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" text.

   1. If you've never used compatibility mode before, this box will likely say "Window XP" or something similar.
10. 
    Click Windows 7. It's toward the bottom of the drop-down window here.
11. 
    Click OK. Now you should be able to install the drivers without a problem.
12. 
    Double-click the setup file. Doing so will launch the setup window.
13. 
    Follow the on-screen instructions. You'll likely need to click Yes when prompted to allow the setup file access to your computer, after which you'll simply check the "I agree" box on the "Terms and Conditions" page and then click Next to begin installing the drivers.
14. 
    Wait for the drivers to finish installing. This process will likely take several minutes.
15. 
    Click Finish. It's in the bottom-right corner of the setup window. Doing so will complete the drivers' installation, though you'll need to restart your computer in order for them to work properly.
16. 
    Click Yes to restart the computer. You'll see this pop up in a window; clicking it will restart your computer and ensure that your Xbox 360 controller's drivers are properly integrated.

    1. Make sure you save any open work before restarting your computer.