How to update your Xbox One controller

By Matt Brown
last updated

Once you know where to look, updating your Xbox One controller with the latest firmware is pretty simple.

Xbox controller
Xbox controller (Image credit: Windows Central)

While infrequent, Microsoft has been known to release firmware updates for its Xbox One controllers in the past. Deploying fixes, adding refinements or establishing new features, these updates aim to push to most out of your existing Xbox One controller. And for new buyers of Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter (opens in new tab), Microsoft's external solution for 3.5 mm headsets, a controller firmware update may be required too.

Despite not being mandatory to use your Xbox One controller, it's highly recommended that these updates are installed. These are the steps to quickly update your Xbox One controller and get straight back into gaming.

How to update an Xbox One controller wirelessly

For a majority of recent Xbox One controllers, the easiest way to apply a firmware update is over the wireless connection. However, due to hardware limitations, this functionality is only offered to controllers manufactured during or after June 2015. These headsets can be identified by a 3.5 mm headphone jack on the bottom of the controller, next to the expansion port.

Keep in mind that firmware version numbers also differ between controller variants. For first-generation Xbox One controllers, "2.3.2381.0" is the latest firmware version, while revised controllers with 3.5 mm jack utilize version "2.3.2385.0." Bluetooth-enabled Xbox One S controllers currently receive version "3.1.1221.0."

  1. Ensure your Xbox One is connected to the internet.
  2. Open the Settings app on your Xbox One.
  3. Navigate to the Kinect & devices tab.
  4. Select Devices & accessories.
  5. Select More options.
  6. Check the box labeled Firmware version. If the box reads "No update available" your Xbox One controller is up to date. If the box reads "Update," follow the steps below to update your controller.
  7. Press A over the Firmware version box.
  8. Select Update now to begin the update. If available, an update for your controller will now download over Xbox Live and automatically install.

How to update an Xbox One controller over Micro-USB

For controllers purchased before June 2015, controllers must be updated over a wired connection. To do so, you'll need a Micro-USB cable (opens in new tab), which is often used for older phones, cameras, and other accessories. Controllers produced before June 2015 can be identified by their lack of a 3.5 mm headphone jack on the bottom. Among these controllers are the Titanfall, Camouflage, Midnight Forces, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and Day One edition controllers.

  1. Connect your Xbox One controller to your console using a Micro USB cable.
  2. Ensure your Xbox One is connected to the internet.
  3. Open the Settings app on your console.
  4. Navigate to the Kinect & devices tab.
  5. Select Devices & accessories.
  6. Select More options.
  7. Check the box labeled Firmware version. If the box reads "No update available" your Xbox One controller is up to date. If the box reads "Update," follow the steps below to update your controller.
  8. Press A over the Firmware version box.
  9. Select Update now to begin the update. If available, an update for your controller will now download over Xbox Live and automatically install. While downloading the update, do not unplug the Micro-USB cable.

If you try to update a controller that has already been updated, the Xbox One proceeds to the success screen within a few seconds to indicate it is already updated.

Updated January 16, 2017: Revised this article for the latest Xbox One update.

Matt Brown
Matt Brown

Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.

72 Comments
  • Firmware for the controller??? Wow... Tech is just getting more advance for everything...
  • Rarely, an update for a controller. The only thing I need is a controller and the right console (Xbox one)
  • +PS5 beta
  • Your 8 year old USB flash drive has firmware in it. Not that much of an advance...
  • It's "8-year-old USB", not " 8 year old". Sorry, it's just one of my pet peeves.
  • What is a peeve? What does it eat?
  • hahahaha
  • Really?
  • Yes, really. All of that was true: compound adjectives require hyphens, I'm sorry I had to bother you with that, but it is one of my pet peeves. Really.
  • But really though? /s
  • :))
  • Everyone should be getting smarter with all of the free grammar lessons in the comments section of tech websites and yet your/you're mix-ups are still an everyday occurrence. As for the hyphenation, I have no idea when or where they should go so please don't pick my post apart. I didn't know that was the rule, so thank you. I will Bing it for confirmation, but again, thanks. I'm about 80% serious, and 20% trollin' right now BTW. It's a futile fight but you have reached at least one.
  • Lol
  • No mention of how you update the firmware via PC though, which is far from clear so ought to be in the article really.
  • How to update a XBOX One Controller on Pc go to the w10 Store get the XBOX Accessories App download it, now connect your controller via a Micro USB Cable, Click more options the click on the firmware at the top left and check for updates. Once finished your all done.
  • I have not updated any of our controllers as I thought the update strictly enabled the stereo headset which I don't use. Do we have any details as to whether the update improves anything else?
  • I'm not sure about this one, but just before Titanfall launched they had one that was supposed to improve the controls in Titanfall.
  • It actually causes a dead zone in the controller cause the update is just for titan fall...
  • It improves the controller disconnect issues
  • This is a pointless story. Sorry... It just really is. Anyone that is a Xbox user should know how to use the ins and outs of they're system. Anyone who gets a new piece of tech should be going through everything to see what the system is capable. Besides Xbox one has a nice video depicting on all features for the system.
  • Well some people may not know how to do it. Posted via Windows Phone Central App
  • Quite a few of my friends had no idea you could update your controller. This article would be helpful to them. Although they aren't the kind of people to browse a windows phone website...
  • Man, it's like the article Daniel wrote a few days back about posting guidelines never happened. Yes, we get that you know how to do it, however there are always people who don't know how to do stuff like this. If it doesn't apply to you, keep stepping and skip it.
  • Your comment is completely pointless .. It just really is. Anyone that is a wpcentral user should know how to not click on an article and use the ins and outs of their web browser. Anyone who gets a new piece of crap should be going through everything to see what kind of weak comments you give and are capable of. Besides wpcentral has a cool video depicting on how to not be a douche bag on the website.
  • Bravo smackbo!
  • Haha
  • You've got a link to that video? My twin brother might need it
  • Hahahaha
  • This is a pointless comment. Sorry
  • Try living in reality. Anyone who gets a new piece of tech does not and should not know everything about it.
  • You left a pointless comment. Sorry.. It really is. Ever day someone is using technology for the first time. It can be a new Windows Phone. It can be a new Xbox One. It can be a new tablet or PC. It's their first time with that device and we want to be the site to help them and everyone, not just enthusiasts.
  • Since no one pointed it out, it's their, not they're.
  • I just got an XB1, and don't have time to go through all the ins and outs of it yet. This helped. Your comment didn't.
  • When are they launching Xone controller for PC..?? :P 
  • The Xbox one controller already works for PC. Just plug it into your PC with a micro USB and you're done
  • I believe it's already compatible? Drivers had been released I think around the month of June? Though what I remember was just the wired one. Anyone correct me if I'm wrong though :)
  • Oh, kidjenius already answered. Also, you can check here: http://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-one/accessories/controller-pc-compati... weird that it answers a wireless Xbox One controller
  • Yeah its just wired as they need to bring out an adapter to connect to the controller due to it actually using white-fi
  • Thanks all. That's awesome. I didn't know that. \m/
  • The only thing is, at least happened to me, it disconnected the controller from my One so I had to reconnect them to use it with the One again.
  • No need to make a different one, the XB1 controller works great on PC... but wired only... and aparantly no way to update it
  • Well written article! Amazed at your patience and attention to detail. :)
  • Thankyou for posting this article! Keep it up!
  • The xb1 includes a usb cable for controller? Where is this cable you speak of?
  • If you can't find it, you can use the micro-usb cable that came with your phone.
  • I know that but its the 1st ive herd that one comes with the xbox one(which it doesnt. Only with the play & charge kit)
  • Came with chat adapter
  • I don't think its the same micro USB cable as the phones.. I've tried and its a little different. I can charge my PS4 controller with it but not the Xbox One
  • I use the same micro-USB for my phone as for my Xbox One controller.
  • it is.  I charge my XB1 controllers on the same charger/cable I charge my phone on.  I don't use my XBox to charge my controllers, primarily because I don't want to go into the entertainment cabinet to attach my controllers for every charge.
  • Is this a new firmware or is the same that was released with titanfall
  • They have released fw with practically every xb1 update since launch
  • Can I install the update on my micro SD card for my controller lol
  • Oh you're so funny
  • Hopefully this fixes some of the controller issues I've been having on NBA 2k14
  • Shame I can't update my controllers' firmware without a console. Love playing Bioshock with it on my PC, though targeting in FPS is somewhat different from the one existing in X360 gamepad. Still, the most stylish and convinient controller ever made.
  • Oh you're one of those PC gamers.... Mouse and keyboard for ever!
  • And if I use the controller for the PC only, does the firmware still has to be updated?
  • Probably not
  • First three words of the article. "It's not mandatory"
  • You can do the update with the xbox accessories app on PC.
  • The thing that confuses me about the controller updates is that it makes it look like I always need to be updating my controller, but this article implies that there was just one controller update. I updated my controller back in March for Titanfall. But then I poked around in settings again in May and it still said "update your controller", which made me think that another update came out, so I updated again. Then I checked last month and it still said "update your controller", again, implying that another update had come out. But, really, it's just one update and I already did it (twice), right? So they need to do a better job of recognizing that my controller is already up to date.
  • I agree with Sam this is good information im really invested in the Ms ecosystem and didn't know I could update the controller might not be relevant info to most of us but might surprise you to know that this helps alot more people than the ones complaining this article is pointless
  • After the update, my controllers, seems be out of function. I can't power my controllers on anymore... Very sad... The controller update went on to about 5% and then a error came up. There are also no power to my usb cable anymore... 2 controllers and a usb cable went down at the same time.. Sick and tired of Microsoft
  • Has anyone else had connectivity issues with their controller? It just flashes sometimes and wont connect. I have to hard reboot the console (touch and hold the logo on the front right) to get it to work. Sometimes I have to unplug the console for a few seconds. All after the update about a month or so ago.
  • I can't connect my controllers anymore. Not even a light comes out of my controllers
  • So, I have an Xbox One controller for my Surface Pro, but I don't have an Xbox One. How do I update the firmware in that circumstance?
  • ....
  • You can do the update with the xbox accessories app on PC.
  • I actually sat down with two controllers one with new firmware and one without and the firmware does tweak the controller in a positive way. The change in dead zone makes it feel much better.
  • This comment has a point.
  • This one is pointless