How to connect an Xbox controller
- USB: plug in a USB-C (Series X|S) or micro-USB (Xbox One) data cable. Windows installs the driver by itself.
- Bluetooth: hold the pair button on top of the controller until the Xbox button flashes fast, then pair it in your Bluetooth settings. Only Xbox One S and later have Bluetooth.
- Xbox Wireless Adapter: works on Windows like a wired connection.
Press a button and the controller appears with A, B, X, Y, LB, RB, LT, RT, View, Menu, both stick clicks, the d-pad and the Xbox button. The Elite paddles map to other buttons and show as those buttons.
How to check for stick drift
- Connect the controller and press any button so it appears.
- Put the controller down and do not touch the sticks.
- Press Measure drift. After 3 seconds you get the largest movement each stick reported while nobody touched it.
| Resting value | What it means |
|---|---|
| Under 5% | Normal. Games ignore this with their deadzone. |
| 5% to 12% | Mild drift. You may notice it in menus or in games with a small deadzone. |
| Over 12% | Clear drift. The stick reports movement on its own. |
The dashed circle on the stick drawing shows the measured drift zone. The Circularity test checks the outer edge: rotate each stick slowly around the rim. A healthy stick traces a near perfect circle. Large gaps or bulges mean the stick cannot reach full range in some directions.
How to fix stick drift
- Recalibrate. On Windows, open Control Panel, Devices and Printers, right-click the controller, Game controller settings, Properties, Settings, Calibrate. On Steam, open Settings, Controller, and run the calibration for your controller.
- Clean the stick. Push the stick to one side and spray compressed air into the gap at the base, then rotate it in circles. Repeat on all sides. Dust inside the sensor is a common cause of drift.
- Update the firmware. Xbox controllers update through the Xbox Accessories app. PlayStation controllers update on the console or with Sony's firmware updater on PC.
- Raise the deadzone in the game settings as a workaround.
- Repair or replace. Drift that survives cleaning usually means a worn potentiometer. Check your warranty first. Replacement stick modules with Hall effect sensors do not wear the same way.
Update your Xbox controller
Install the Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store on Windows. It updates the controller firmware and, for Elite controllers, lets you change the stick deadzone and trigger range. A firmware update fixes many connection and input problems.
Browser and connection support
| Browser | Buttons and sticks | Vibration |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome, Edge | Yes | Yes, for most Xbox and PlayStation controllers |
| Firefox | Yes | Limited |
| Safari (Mac, iPhone, iPad) | Yes, for MFi, Xbox and PlayStation controllers | No |
Wired USB gives the most reliable results. Over Bluetooth some controllers report fewer buttons or skip vibration, depending on the system.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions people ask most about this test.
How do I test my Xbox controller on PC?
Connect it with USB, Bluetooth or the Xbox Wireless Adapter, open this page and press any button.
Does the rumble test work with Xbox controllers?
Yes, in Chrome and Edge. Both main rumble motors run for one second. The impulse trigger motors cannot be tested in a browser.
How do I fix Xbox controller drift?
Update the firmware in the Xbox Accessories app, clean around the stick base with compressed air, and raise the deadzone. Elite controllers let you set the deadzone in the app.
Why does my controller not show up?
Press any button after connecting. Browsers hide controllers until you press a button. If it still does not appear, try a different USB cable (some only carry power), another port, or pair it again over Bluetooth.
Is the controller tester free and safe?
Yes. It runs in your browser, needs no download, and does not send any data from your controller anywhere.