Your Xbox One controller is about to get a whole lot better

Microsoft is rolling out a firmware update for the Xbox One controller that enables the controller to connect to the console in roughly two seconds, down from the five or so seconds it used to take to pair previously. The firmware update also brings a host of user-requested fixes along with improved stability.

Members in the Xbox Preview Program are receiving the update now, with a wider rollout to all Xbox One owners likely scheduled for later this quarter. If you're in the preview program, here's how to update your controller firmware:

  • Connect a controller to your Xbox One with a USB cable. Keep any headsets connected to the controller.
  • Connect to Xbox Live.
  • Press the Menu
  • Go to Settings > Devices & accessories. Select the controller.
  • If you have multiple controllers attached, you can select Buzz – which will cause the selected controller to vibrate.
  • Then select Update to download the new firmware to the controller attached via the USB cable, and the screen will show the Updating controller … progress screen
  • When you see the Controller updated screen, press 'B' to go back to the Devices & accessories main page
  • Reselect the controller, the Firmware version, should now be: 1.2.2236.0

If you run into any difficulties during the update, be sure to head to the Xbox One controller page as well as the troubleshooting guide.

Source: Major Nelson

Thanks John and Nicholas for the tips!

Harish Jonnalagadda
Senior Editor - Asia

Harish Jonnalagadda is a Senior Editor overseeing Asia for Android Central, Windows Central's sister site. When not reviewing phones, he's testing PC hardware, including video cards, motherboards, gaming accessories, and keyboards.