How To Connect Xbox To Laptop

how to connect xbox to laptop

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There are various reasons for people to keep using Xbox as their way to play a game. Some appreciate that Xbox has its backward compatibility that allows players to enjoy their older games even on their upgraded console hardware, while others feel that the Xbox controller is sturdy and convenient to use. In this article, we will talk about how you can connect your Xbox to your laptop. The process is simple and you can resume playing after you set up the connection. 

Now Read: Dev Error 6034 Xbox One fix

HDMI Cable As Connector

After a long day at work, we need to relax and unwind from the stress accumulated during the day. If there is only one TV in your household and it is currently taken by someone else, then you might have to look for an alternative option.

Connecting your Xbox to your laptop allows you to use its screen as a display output for the console. All you need is an HDMI cable, which most likely you already have available from your TV. Take it out the TV and bring your laptop and Xbox together before you start this procedure. 

When you are ready, follow these simple steps. Do not skip any of them if you want to establish a strong and stable connection.

Step

1

Turn off your Xbox

Safety comes first, so you should switch off your Xbox before you start connecting it to your laptop. Short-circuit problems are avoided when there is no power, so its better to be safe than sorry.

Step

2

Close all programs

Close all the programs and tasks currently running on your laptop. The memory has to be clear so the laptop won’t struggle when the connection is established.

Step

3

Connect your HDMI cable

Connect the HDMI cable accordingly. The output port side is used for the Xbox while the input port side will be connected to the laptop. Most cables are marked this way, making it easier for you to connect these devices.

Step

4

Power up your Xbox

Power up your Xbox by pressing the switch-on button. A specific sound is a cue that the console is now turning on.

Step

5

Identify input

As the console powers on, your laptop will identify the Xbox because it is connected to one of its ports. The input and the display will be switched, but you can change them anytime at a later point.

Step

6

Set display

On your Xbox dashboard, you can set up the new display. Resolution and system settings can also be accessed, so you can adapt the display to your own preference.

After completing these 6 simple steps, the console is now connected to the laptop. You can start playing your favorite games without a TV as the visual output is now directed towards the laptop display. 

Using An External Xbox Wireless Adapter

If the previous method does not work or you simply don’t have an extra HDMI cable laying around, maybe an external Xbox wireless adapter will be the best solution for you. If you have one available, follow the steps below if you want to connect your Xbox to your laptop.

Step

1

Connect a wireless adapter

Connect the wireless adapter to one of the USB ports of your laptop.

Step

2

Power up your Xbox

Power up your Xbox console by long pressing the X button on the controller. This is one of the several ways that allow you to power up the device.

Step

3

Establish connection

A small round button can be found next to the input port side of your Xbox controller. Long-press this button and the connection will be established when the LED light is constantly on. 

After this process, the controller and the adapter are now connected. You can now use the Xbox controller to play games on your laptop. 

Using The Built-in Xbox Wireless Adapter

While the methods presented above are highly effective, we understand if you don’t have an HDMI cable or an external Xbox wireless adapter available. Luckily, the device has a built-in wireless adapter that allows you to connect it directly to your laptop.

You can use this feature for a quick and easy connection, and you will see that the process is not difficult at all. Simply follow the steps below when you are ready.

Step

1

Power up your Xbox

Switch on your Xbox controller by long pressing the X button

Step

2

Open settings

Access the “Settings” on your laptop by selecting this option from the Start menu.

Step

3

Select devices

Select “Devices” in order to access the panel that controls all the devices connected to your laptop. Click on the “Add Bluetooth and other devices”

Step

4

Disable limitations

Disable any limitations by clicking on the “Everything else” button and look for your Xbox wireless controller. Click on this device once it is discovered and the connection will be created instantly.  

Conclusion

We all need some amusement from time to time, and playing games on our Xbox console is always a great idea. They are a temporal distraction from the things that bother us, and luckily this console does a good job of keeping us captivated by the title that we are playing. 

Since its launch around twenty years ago, Xbox became one of the most famous game consoles that are marketed worldwide and attract many people that are into gaming. Normally, the screen and the controller are the basic hardware necessary to play your favorite games on Xbox.

Having your own TV will offer a high level of flexibility and you can always play on your console without being bothered by anyone. But for families that share one single TV per household, there are often compromises where one family member gives up their favorite series in order for another to watch theirs. 

With 3 different ways to connect your Xbox to your laptop, you no longer have to reserve the living room TV for your intense gaming sessions. 

Si Yan contributed to PC Guide in 2022 and supported with content creation. Previously working at a major electronics company, she brought her knowledge of consumer tech to the site.