The fastest way: USB cable, then wireless

Plug your Switch Pro Controller into your PC with a USB-C cable. Windows will recognize it when ready and install drivers automatically. Once it's connected by cable, you can unpair it from your Switch and pair it wirelessly to your PC using Bluetooth — this takes about 30 seconds and you'll only do it once.

If you want to stay wired, you can skip the Bluetooth step entirely. The controller works over USB-C without any setup beyond plugging it in. Many games recognize it right away; a few older ones may need you to map the buttons in their settings menu.

The wireless route is more convenient for gaming, but requires your PC to have Bluetooth. Most laptops and newer desktops have it built in. If your desktop doesn't, a USB Bluetooth adapter costs $10 to $20 and plugs into any USB port.

Key Takeaways

  • A USB-C cable connection works when ready with no setup — just plug in and play.
  • To use the controller wirelessly, hold the pairing button on top for three seconds, then select it from your PC's Bluetooth settings.
  • Windows recognizes the Pro Controller as a standard gamepad, so most games work without configuration.
  • If your PC doesn't have Bluetooth, a USB adapter is inexpensive and solves the problem permanently.

Connecting by USB cable (wired)

This is the simplest method and requires nothing beyond the cable that came with your Switch. Locate the USB-C port on the bottom of the Pro Controller and plug the cable into any available USB port on your PC. Windows will detect the controller within a few seconds.

Open a game and test the buttons. Most modern games — including Steam games, Epic Games Store titles, and Windows Game Pass — recognize the Pro Controller as a standard gamepad without any additional setup. If a game doesn't respond to the controller, open the game's settings menu and look for controller or input options. You may need to select "gamepad" or "controller" from a list, or the game may ask you to press a button to detect it.

The cable connection is reliable and has no latency issues. The only downside is the cable itself — if you're sitting far from your PC or want to move around, wireless is more practical.

Pairing wirelessly over Bluetooth

First, make sure your Switch Pro Controller is not currently paired to your Switch. If it is, hold the pairing button (the small button on top of the controller, between the shoulder buttons) for three seconds. The lights on the back will flash, meaning it's ready to pair with a new device.

On your PC, open Settings and go to Bluetooth & devices. Click "Add device" and select "Bluetooth." Your PC will search for nearby devices. The Pro Controller should appear as "Pro Controller" in the list. Click it to pair. The lights will stop flashing once the pairing is complete, usually within 10 seconds.

After pairing, you can disconnect the USB cable if you used one. The controller will reconnect automatically the next time you turn it on and your PC's Bluetooth is active. The wireless connection has no noticeable delay in games — it's the same latency as the cable.

What to do if the controller isn't recognized

If Windows doesn't detect the controller after plugging in the USB cable, try a different USB port. Some ports on older PCs or certain hubs don't provide enough power. If you're using a USB hub, plug the cable directly into the PC instead.

If the controller still isn't detected, restart your PC. Windows sometimes needs a restart to install drivers for new hardware. After restarting, plug the controller back in and wait 30 seconds.

For wireless pairing problems, make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your PC's Settings. Go to Bluetooth & devices and confirm the toggle is set to "On." If the controller appears in the list but won't pair, forget the device (right-click it and select "Remove device"), then try pairing again from the beginning.

Using the controller in games and applications

Once connected, the Pro Controller works like any standard gamepad in Windows. Steam, Epic Games, and most other platforms recognize it automatically. You can check if your PC sees it by opening Settings, going to Bluetooth & devices, then scrolling down to "Other devices." The Pro Controller should be listed there.

Some older games or applications may not recognize the controller. In those cases, open the game's settings menu and look for "Controller," "Gamepad," or "Input" options. Select the Pro Controller from the list, or press a button on the controller to let the game detect it. A few very old games may require you to map each button manually, but this is rare.

If a game still won't recognize the controller after you've tried these steps, the game may not support gamepads at all. Check the game's documentation or community forums to confirm.

Switching the controller between Switch and PC

The Pro Controller can only be paired to one device at a time. If you want to use it on your Switch again after pairing it to your PC, hold the pairing button for three seconds on your Switch's controller pairing screen. The controller will reconnect to your Switch and unpair from your PC.

You don't need to unpair it from your PC manually — pairing it to the Switch automatically breaks the connection to your PC. The next time you want to use it on your PC, just hold the pairing button again and pair it through your PC's Bluetooth settings.

Troubleshooting connection drops and lag

If your wireless connection keeps dropping, move closer to your PC. Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet in open space, but walls and other devices can reduce it. If you're at the edge of that range, moving a few feet closer usually solves the problem.

Lag or delayed button presses are rare with the Pro Controller on PC, but if you experience it, try these steps: disconnect the controller, restart your PC, then reconnect. If the problem persists, try the wired USB connection instead — this eliminates Bluetooth as the source of the problem. If lag continues over USB, the issue is likely with the game or your PC's performance, not the controller.

If the controller randomly disconnects and reconnects, your Bluetooth adapter may be failing or your PC may have too many other Bluetooth devices nearby. Try turning off other Bluetooth devices (headphones, mice, phones) and see if the problem stops. If it does, you've found the source. If it continues, a USB Bluetooth adapter may help, since it can sometimes provide a stronger connection than built-in Bluetooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Switch Pro Controller on PC without Bluetooth?

Yes. Plug it in with a USB-C cable and it works when ready. If your PC doesn't have Bluetooth and you want wireless, buy a USB Bluetooth adapter for $10 to $20. It plugs into any USB port and gives your PC Bluetooth capability.

Do I need to install drivers for the Pro Controller?

No. Windows installs drivers automatically when you plug in the controller. You don't need to read anything or visit a website. Just plug it in and wait a few seconds.

Will the Pro Controller work with games on Steam?

Yes. Steam recognizes the Pro Controller as a standard gamepad. Most games work without any setup. If a game doesn't respond, open the game's settings and select the controller from the input options.

How do I know if my PC has Bluetooth?

Open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, and look for a Bluetooth toggle. If you see it and it's turned on, your PC has Bluetooth. If the page doesn't exist or there's no toggle, your PC doesn't have it built in — you'll need a USB adapter.

Can I use the Pro Controller on PC and Switch at the same time?

No. The controller pairs to one device at a time. To switch between them, hold the pairing button for three seconds and pair it to the device you want to use. It takes about 30 seconds each time.