Why Is My Xbox Controller Not Connecting To My Pc

Pairing Is Quite Simple With Bluetooth

Even though instructions on the Xbox site are pretty simple and straightforward, things can still go wrong in a variety of different. The most common occurrence of connectivity issues forms in a way where the computer simply does not recognize the controller at all. Folks who have the Windows 10 installed with the latest updates were told how the controller is now plug and play which means you should only plug it in and begin using it without the need of any other actions. However, that is not the case most of the time and there are some steps you need to take to ensure quality gaming time.

Make sure that all drivers are installed. When you connect your Xbox One controller, Windows will start looking for the drivers and downloading them immediately and the same thing can be said to all supported versions of the operating system which includes Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. However, make sure you didnt uninstall them by mistake in your Device Manager. There you will find an item called Microsoft Xbox One controller. Expand that item on the list, right-click, select Update Driver Software, and then click Search Automatically for Updated Software.

Why Is My Xbox Controller Not Working With Pc

To resolve this issue, restart your controller: Power off the controller by pressing and holding the Xbox button for 6 seconds. Press the Xbox button again to power it back on. Connect your controller to your PC using a USB cable or the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows.

Why is my controller connected but not working PC?

Your Xbox One controller driver gets corrupted or missing. The USB cable may not be compatible with your controller. Sometimes the PC not detecting Xbox One controller issue can occur because of your USB port. You can try connecting your controller to USB port on the back of your PC to resolve this problem.

Why is my Xbox One controller connected but not working?

Many controller issues can be resolved by putting the controller through a complete power cycle. To power cycle your controller: Press and hold the Xbox button for 5-10 seconds, until the controller turns off. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the Xbox button again to turn the controller back on.

How do I get my computer to recognize my Xbox controller?

Press and hold the Pair button on your controller for three seconds .

Fix: Xbox One Controller Wont Connect To Pc

Its a well-known fact that controllers from different platforms and consoles can be used on others as long as certain steps are undertaken beforehand. For example, it would be a shame if someone had to buy additional controllers for his PC when he already has a couple of PlayStation 3 controllers lying around.

Fortunately, there is a way to make them all compatible with each other and sometimes you need to use an adapter and sometimes you dont. The most important issue users want to fix is making various controllers compatible with their PC. This process is not difficult but its outcome is not so certain.

Xbox One is a relatively new console manufactured by Microsoft and its natural to expect that its controllers are going to be compatible with Windows PCs. That is true and there are ways to connect your Xbox One controller to your computer either by using a Bluetooth connection, an Xbox one adapter or by using a micro USB cable. You should stay aware of the fact that Bluetooth connection only works if you use Windows 10 with Anniversary Update installed. If you own any other operating system, you will need to connect your controller using a micro USB cable.

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Xbox Controller Wont Connect To Pc Driver Error

A driver error refers to the scenario when a computer acknowledges the Xbox controller but the drivers are broken. The result is a pop-up with driver error on it, and the controller doesnt work. Fortunately, the solution is a straightforward one.

This issue is more applicable for those who have been using the controller for a while but suddenly experience a failure to connect.

Update The Xbox One Controller Driver

If the Xbox One Controller driver is missing or corrupted, the controller cannot work properly on your PC. So you can try to update the controller driver. There are two methods to update the driver. This method is update the driver manually via Device Manager. If you dont time, patience or computer skills to update the driver manually, you can do it automatically with Driver Easy .

Follow these steps to update the driver via Device Manager.

1) On your keyboard, press the Win+R at the same time to invoke the run box.

2) Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter on your keyboard. This is to open Device Manager.

3) Expand Microsoft Xbox One Controller. Right-click on it and click Update Driver Software.

4) Select Search automatically for updated driver software. Then Windows will install the new driver.

If the issue persists, follow steps below to update the driver again:

1) In Device Manager, right-click on Microsoft Xbox One Controller and click Update Driver Software.

2) Click Browse my computer for driver software.

3) Click Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.

4) Select Microsoft Xbox One Controller then click Next button.

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Causes Of Xbox One Controllers Not Connecting

Lifewire / Derek Abella

When an Xbox One controller won’t connect, there are a handful of root problems that may be in play. At the most basic level, your controller and your console aren’t talking to each other. This can be caused by too much distance between them, too much interference, weak batteries, sync issues, and actual hardware failures.

The Difference Between The Two Xbox Controller Types

To understand more if your Xbox One controller works or not, its best to learn the differences between the two devices first. Here are the following:

Wired Controller

The original Xbox One Controller does not have any wireless connection, and can only be connected via USB cable. However, the gamepads that came with the Xbox One S and higher versions have the Xbox wireless communication and Bluetooth.

The wired controller can be identified by the plastic material around the guide button. If the plastic material is the same as the material made of the bumper buttons, you have a non-Bluetooth controller.

This type of controller also has a part of it thats not present in wireless controllers. It is the seam located somewhere between the guide button and the face area of the controller.

Wireless/Bluetooth Controller

The very first noticeable feature that can let you identify if its a Bluetooth controller is that its less bulky at the back part. It also does not have any Xbox logo above the USB port. So if youre looking for a wireless controller, do not choose the one thats bulkier to the touch.

Another noticeable feature that can help you find out the wireless controllers is the lack of seam between the guide button and the face area of the controller. The plastic surrounding the guide button is also the same as the material made for the face area of the controller.

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Are You Following The Right Procedure

Before you start troubleshooting, make sure youre connecting to your Xbox controller the right way in the first place. In some cases it can be a little trickier than you might expect.

Before you dig deeper into troubleshooting tips, have a look at Easy Steps For Connecting An Xbox One Controller To a PC to make sure youre not skipping a step.

Contact Microsoft For Repairs

If all else fails, you may need to contact Microsoft for a repair. If the controller works on other Xbox consoles, and you can’t sync other Xbox controllers to your Xbox, there may be an issue with the wireless receiver on your Xbox. If the controller doesn’t work on other Xbox consoles, or even via Bluetooth on your phone or PC, then it could be that there’s an issue with the wireless connection on the controller itself. Getting a repair from Microsoft is relatively simple, but depends on local laws and warranty status.

Read Also: How To Sync Xbox One S Controller

Do Xbox Controllers Work On Windows 11

Furthermore, Windows 11 looks set to retain many great features Windows 10 had, such as being able to easily connect devices like Xbox controllers.

Will there be a Windows 11? Starting today, , Microsoft is rolling out the new Windows 11 to eligible devices. Earlier this year, Microsoft announced the new flagship update to its operating system: Windows 11.

Why is my Xbox controller flashing when connected to PC? With your Xbox controller light blinking, that means itsin pairing mode and it should show up in that list of available devices on your Windows 10 PC. Simply click on the Xbox wireless controller in that devices list, and within a second or two itll be connected and the light on behind the X will be solid.

Is my Xbox One controller compatible with my PC? If your PC has Xbox Wireless built in, you can connect the controller directly without an adapter. If youre using the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10: Turn on your PC and sign in. Turn on your controller by pressing the Xbox button .

How To Connect Your Xbox One Controller With A Wireless Adapter

You also have the option to connect your Xbox One controller using a wireless adapter. Here’s how:

Step 1: Purchase the Xbox Wireless Adapter.

Step 2: Connect Xbox Wireless Adapter to an open USB port on your PC. Complete the setup process for the adapter as outlined here.

Step 3: Press the Guide button on your controller to turn it on.

Step 4: Press and hold the Sync button on top of the controller until the Xbox logo begins flashing .

Step 5: Press and hold the small sync button on the adapter. The Guide button will flash faster while searching for the pair. Once the Xbox logo on the controller stops flashing and turns solid, youre good to go.

• 2.Not Bluetooth compatible

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Update The Driver Using Driver Easy

The steps above may resolve the problem, but if they dont, try to use Driver Easy to automatically update the drivers.

Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct drivers for it. You dont need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you dont need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you dont need to worry about making a mistake when installing.

You can update your drivers automatically with either the FREE or the Pro version of Driver Easy. But with the Pro version it takes just 2 clicks :

1) and install Driver Easy.

2) Run Driver Easy and click Scan Now. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.

3) Click the Update button next to a flagged Xbox driver to automatically download and install the correct version of this driver .

Or click Update All to automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out of date on your system .

Hope you can solve the Xbox One controller not working issue with methods above. If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below. Wed love to hear of any ideas and suggestions.

Xbox One Controller Firmware Problems

If your Xbox One controller still won’t work, you may have a hardware or firmware problem. Before you reach for a USB cable, send your controller in for servicing, or throw it away, you should try to update the firmware. If the built-in firmware is corrupt or out of date you may experience connection issues.

The solution to this problem involves updating your controller:

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Using The Xbox Accessories App

So youve connected your controller, and youre ready to get gaming. But before you start, you may want to customize your controller through the Xbox Accessories app. You can find this app through the Microsoft Store. It lets you remap buttons, switch out thumbsticks, and much more.

Those who own the heavy-duty Xbox Elite Series 2 controller can also manage all their profiles within the app. Probably the most important part is the ability to update the firmware on your controller. Firmware updates result in a variety of improvements and support for other peripherals. If you notice an update is available, make sure you connect your Xbox One controller with a USB cable. Although our team has never run into any issues, some user reports say updating the Xbox Accessories app bricked their controller.

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Does Windows 10 Install Drivers Automatically

Windows 10 automatically downloads and installs drivers for your devices when you first connect them. Even though Microsoft has a vast amount of drivers in their catalog, they are not always the latest version, and many drivers for specific devices are not found. If necessary, you can also install the drivers yourself.

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How To Connect Your Xbox One Controller Using Usb

Here’s how you can connect your Xbox One controller using a USB cord:

Step 1: Use a micro USB cable to connect your Xbox One controller to your PC.

Step 2: If you have a wireless controller, simply use your charging cable.

Step 3: If you have a wired controller, you can just plug it in like you would with your console.

Use The Xbox Wireless Adapter To Pair Xbox One Controller To Pc

Microsoft has a standard called Xbox Wireless that’s built into a few computers, though it’s likely not part of yours. So to sync your Xbox controller and PC wirelessly without Bluetooth, you’ll need to buy the Xbox Wireless Adapter.

This adapter lets you connect your Xbox controller to your PC wirelessly, through the same proprietary connection used by your Xbox console. Keep in mind that it’s not officially supported for Windows 11.

To use the wireless adapter, plug it into a USB port on your PC and let Windows install drivers. Once it’s done, press and hold the button on the adapter and you’ll see a light flash.

Next, hold the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on, then press and hold the Pair button on top of the controller. After a few seconds, the controller and adapter should see each other and connect.

From here, you can enjoy your Xbox controller on your PC wirelessly, just like using Bluetooth. We only recommend this method if you have an Xbox One controller that’s not Bluetooth-enabled, though. Otherwise, it’s better to add Bluetooth to your computer with an adapter that’s cheaper than the Xbox Wireless Adapter.

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Why Isnt My Controller Working When Playing The Elder Scrolls Online On Pc / Mac

Some players have reported that after updating the game, their Gamepad Mode defaulted to Off. You may have to reactivate your controller using the steps below.

The Elder Scrolls Online for PC supports XInput controllers, which includes the Xbox 360, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controllers. If you are not using an XInput controller, it may not be compatible with ESO

• Note: You cannot use a controller before logging into a character unless you enable Accessibility Mode at launch. If you have already disabled this setting, you will have to enable it from the Settings menu.

To activate your controller on PC/Mac:

How To Connect An Xbox Controller To Your Mac

1. Go to GitHub and driver for your Mac. On the download page, scroll down and expand Assets and then click the .dmg file.

2. Install the 360Controller driver by opening the downloaded .dmg file, then follow the installation steps, which consist of clicking Continue and Agree when prompted. You’ll need to restart your computer afterwards.

3. Once your computer restarts, click the Apple logo at the top-left of your screen and select System Preferences.

4. Click on the Xbox 360 Controller icon.

5. Now connect the Xbox controller to the Mac via a microUSB to USB cable, or via microUSB to USB-C, depending on how new your Mac is.

Quick tip: Make sure you’ve before connecting to the Mac to avoid any connectivity issues due to out-of-date firmware.

6. A picture of an Xbox 360 controller will appear on the screen, along with a number of customization options. The dropdown menu at the top of the page should read, Xbox One Wired Controller .

You can now configure the gamepad’s buttons as you see fit, then start playing your favorite games on a Mac using your Xbox controller.

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