16 Easy Ways To Fix Xbox Controller Not Working On PC

Matching the energy of a PC with the commodity of an Xbox controller is a delight. In principle, Xbox controllers ought to connect with a Windows PC with out problem. After all, Microsoft needs you to play on both console.

But, generally it doesn’t work resulting from causes, like issues along with your USB ports, the controller’s USB ports, outdated or lacking drivers, corrupted Windows registry, anti-virus points, or broken cables.

Why Doesn’t My Xbox Controller Work on My Pc?

You could discover one among two issues. Wired controller customers might even see the pc doesn’t acknowledge the USB connection; the answer is updating the USB drivers or just using one other port.

The second problem pertains to wi-fi controllers. They will fail to sync to your Windows PC when one thing is amiss. There are varied options, however the commonest ones are updating the controller’s firmware and resyncing.

• Issue 1: “USB Device Not Recognized” (Wired Controller)

  When a wired Xbox controller doesn’t work on a PC, your Windows could throw the “USB Device Not Recognized” message. Alternatively, it could not say something whereas not recognizing the USB connection.

  If your PC doesn’t acknowledge your controller’s plug, there’re could also be issues along with your laptop’s USB ports.

  So, now let’s take a look at the 16 straightforward options to repair your Xbox controller on your PC. 

• Issue 2: Xbox Controller Is Blinking (Wireless)

  If your wi-fi Xbox Controller is blinking or flashing, it means it’s not pairing correctly with the PC.

  Please begin by updating your controller’s firmware and your Windows for both resolution.

How to Fix Xbox Controller Not Working on Pc

Update Your USB Drivers Manually

The most typical problem is outdated drivers. It’s a typical trigger that explains why your PC fails to acknowledge the Xbox USB plug or every other plug. 

You could contemplate that is the trigger in case you’re attempting different units to no avail. For instance, you might join your smartphone, exterior storage, a keyboard, or a mouse to see if it’s working. 

To update your USB drivers:

1. Type “Device Manager” on the Windows search tab. Open the Device Manager menu.
2. Search for the “Human Interface Devices” sub-menu.
3. Right click on on each “USB Input Device” choice, and choose “Update Drivers.“
4. Use the automated choice. If Windows can’t discover any, use the Windows Update choice as effectively.

Update Your USB Drivers Automatically

There are varied instruments able to updating your PC’s drivers higher than Windows Update. 

We advocate Driver Booster, which provides a free trial for a fast rundown:

1. Download Driver Booster without cost from the official web page.
2. Install this system.
3. Press “Scan.”
4. The free model lets you update most drivers, however others require shopping for a license.

Update the Xbox Controller Driver Manually

The problem is probably not your laptop. As I mentioned, it is best to take a look at with different USB cables earlier than pinning down the perpetrator.

Another choice may very well be that the Xbox controller drivers are corrupted or lacking. You can attempt to update these drivers manually with the Device Manager.

1. Plug your Xbox controller into the PC.
2. Type Device Manager on the Windows Search Bar. Open the menu.
3. Expand “Microsoft Xbox One Controller.” Right-click on the merchandise and press “Update Driver Software.” 
4. Choose the automated choice. 

If the issue persists, right here’re extra steps:

1. Instead of choosing the automated driver update choice, choose “Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.”
2. Select “Microsoft Xbox One Controller,” and click on next. 

Run a Restoration Tool

Some fixes are arduous to sort out as each PC configuration is totally different. In specific, Windows information could also be lacking or corrupted, that means your system may very well be partially damaged.

We advocate operating a restoration instrument in case you’re discovering frequent points with exterior units, installations, crashes, and comparable. You can set up Restoro, which provides a free license.

Turn-off Anti-virus and Re-install Xbox Controller Drivers

In uncommon instances, the antivirus may very well be interfering along with your drives. You might flip off this system and reinstall the motive force. If your safety software program is inflicting an excessive amount of hassle, you could uninstall it and run with the default Windows Security resolution till you purchase a brand new one.

Either manner, after you disable your antivirus, comply with these steps: 

1. Open Device Manager once more. You can do it rapidly by urgent Windows Key + X, after which clicking on Device Manager.
2. Find your Xbox One controller. Right-click the merchandise, after which choose Uninstall Device.
3. Confirm and uninstall. 
4. Afterward, click on on the Scan for Hardware Changes icon. Windows ought to immediate a brand new driver set up. 

Unplug and Plug the Cable Again

If all else fails, maybe you may resort to the apparent. Try eradicating the USB cable after which plugging the controller once more into a distinct port. If you’ve a PC, plug it on the Motherboard’s ports on the back.

Try Another Cable

The final apparent choice could be swapping the cable, if attainable. USB cables don’t final ceaselessly, so you could strive a distinct one to see if it solves the issue.

Update Windows

Our final attempt to repair wired Xbox controllers is just by updating Windows. Sometimes, the “USB device not recognized” means the device isn’t engaged on a specific port.

The resolution is both attempting one other port or updating Windows to its latest model. Often, an update pack bundles USB enhancements that can enable your PC to work along with your Xbox equipment.

Here’re the steps to update Windows:

1. Press the Windows Key + I.
2. Select “Update & Security.”
3. Check the panel on the fitting to see accessible updates to obtain or if it’s essential restart to put in updates.

Update Your Xbox Controller’s Firmware With the Console

June 2015 onwards Xbox Wireless controller mannequin acquired contact updates. If the controller has a spherical 3.5mm port on the backside, you may update it wirelessly. 

We’re assuming it’s essential update it with the console. Follow these steps: 

1.  Connect your stereo headset adapter to your controller if you would like it to update.
2. Power up your Xbox controller by urgent the Xbox button. Pair it to the console. Alternatively, join it with the three.5mm USB cable. 
3. Select Profile & System/Setting. Then, click on on Devices & steaming/Accessories. Select the controller you’re updating.
4. Press “Device Info” and select “Firmware Version.” Click “Update Now.”
5. If you plug-in the Xbox controller, the firmware update could seem mechanically.

Update Your Xbox Controller’s Firmware With Windows 10

If you don’t have a console, you can even repair the Xbox controller by updating its firmware with Windows 10. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the Microsoft Store and get the Xbox Accessories app.
2. Connect your Xbox controller to your PC with the USB cable. Otherwise, you should utilize the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows (directions under).
3. Open the Xbox Accessories app. It will immediate an “Update Required” message if wanted. Let it update, and shut it after it finishes. 

Naturally, in case you discover your PC can’t acknowledge your Xbox’s USB cable, comply with the Issue 1 steps.

Use a Windows Wireless Xbox Adapter

To repair the Xbox controller blinking on PC, you may strive getting the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows.

This small device you may plug right into a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port in your Windows laptop. After you join it, it would set up mechanically. The drivers are already built-in in your Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11. 

These are the steps:

1. Plugin the adapter right into a USB port.
2. For Windows 7,8, 10 and 11, look ahead to a couple of minute till it installs the drivers.
3. Turn in your controller by urgent and holding the Xbox button. The Xbox button will flash. 
4. Press the Pairing button on the Wireless Adapter.
5. Press the Pairing button in your controller. When the button stays lit, you’ve related the controller.

Pair the Wireless Xbox Controller Again

Your laptop could have already got the Xbox controller drivers. However, suppose you’re using an Xbox Wireless controller in your console after using it on a PC. In that case, it’s essential re-sync the controller. The rule is similar each methods. 

So, let’s comply with these steps to attach a wi-fi Xbox controller to your Windows laptop. We additionally advocate repairing the controller as a common course of to repair Xbox controllers on PC. 

1. Turn on the PC and sign up.
2. Press the Xbox button for 3 seconds to activate the controller. Afterward, the button will start flashing.
3. Press and maintain the Pair button on the high of the controller. The mild will flash quickly as your controller is looking for the PC. 
4. Press the Start button in your PC. Go to Settings/Devices. On Windows 11, it will be Settings/Bluetooth & Devices. 
5. Select the “Add Bluetooth” choice (“Add Device” on Windows 11). Then, press “Everything else“. 
6. Choose the Xbox Wireless Controller or the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller on the checklist. When it connects, the Xbox button will mild steadily. 

Re-connect Your Xbox Controller by Bluetooth

You may additionally join your Xbox command to your Windows PC through Bluetooth. 

The course of is just like connecting wirelessly, however the performance is totally different. Also, you’ll know an Xbox controller has Bluetooth as a result of the plastic across the Xbox button is a part of the controller’s entrance. On controllers with out Bluetooth, the plastic is on the high.

Also, the Bluetooth connection between the Xbox controller and Windows 10 requires the newest Anniversary Update. 

Setting that apart, right here’re the steps: 

1. Update your Xbox controller if wanted. 
2. Remove attachments like headsets. These don’t work through Bluetooth.
3. Connect just one controller at a time. 
4. Turn in your Xbox controller by urgent the center button. 
5. Press the Pair button till it flashes quickly.
6. Press the beginning button in your PC. Type “Bluetooth” and click on on “Bluetooth & other devices.” On Windows 11, it will be “Bluetooth & devices.” 
7. Press the “Add Bluetooth or other devices” (“Add Device” on Windows 11).
8. Press “Bluetooth” (not “Everything Else,” like earlier than).
9. Select your Xbox controller. 

Troubleshoot Your PC’s Bluetooth

If your Bluetooth isn’t working, you could attempt to run the troubleshooter so Windows can repair the USB drivers and plugs. Here are the steps:

1. Press the Windows Key + I. It opens the Settings app.
2. Go to “Update & Security.“
3. Select “Troubleshoot” on the left-hand panel. Press “Additional troubleshooters” on the fitting.
4. Press “Bluetooth” and let the wizard run.  

Change the Batteries

After you’ve tried the complicated options, you might additionally strive altering the batteries of your controller. Alternatively, you might cost it back.

Try Using a Cable Instead

Lastly, you may strive connecting your Xbox controller with a cable as an alternative of Bluetooth or wirelessly.