Fix: Xbox Controller Not Working On PC [Solved]

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Game controller is the heartbeat of any gamer. The controller brings easier ways to control games. But what can you do when your controller doesn’t work on your PC?

Many users have reported that their Xbox controller doesn’t work on their PC.

Here in this article, we have discussed what you can do when your Xbox controller not working on PC.

Also read: Xbox One Controller Headphone Jack Not Working!

Why Xbox Controller Not Working On PC?

Table of Contents

Here’s a list of causes/reasons because of which you may face this problem:

Damaged or loose cable connection. This is the most overlooked but simple reason. USB cables are known to be vulnerable and get easily damaged.

PC doesn’t recognize the controller device when plugged into the USB port. This situation arises when you have a problem with the USB Ports on your PC or you have inserted the controller to USB 3.0, which it may not support.
Outdated drivers can conflict with your system devices and lead to this issue.
Malware or sometimes the installed Antivirus programs can also interfere with device drivers.

Xbox Controller Not Connecting To PC Wired? – Fix

Solution 1: Change Ports And Try Another Cable

The ports you have plugged the Xbox controller can be malfunctioning. Change the ports and see if it fixes the issue.

If you have connected the controller to a USB hub, then try connecting to the motherboard ports at the back of the CPU.

Also, make sure to check the controller cable. There is a chance that cables are malfunctioning. USB cables are vulnerable, so try a new cable and see if it solves the issue.

Solution 2: Driver Troubleshooting

This issue is mostly caused by outdated or malfunctioning drivers. First try disabling and enabling the gamepad driver, which would reset it.

To disable and enable the gamepad driver, follow the steps given below:

Open Run utility using Windows + R.

Type devmgmt.msc on Run utility and press Enter.

Expand the Sound, video and game controllers option and right-click on the Gamepad driver.

Click on the Disable Device option and then click on the Yes option on the next window.

After that, open the Device Manager again.

Expand the Sound, video and game controllers option and right click on the Gamepad Driver.
Now select the Enable Device option.

If still the issue persists then it might be the case of obsolete drivers, then try updating the controller drivers. Here is how you can update the controller drivers:

Open the Device Manager ( as mentioned earlier).
Again expand the Sound, video and game controllers option and Right-click on the Gamepad Driver.
Now select Update driver option.

Click on Search automatically for drivers.

Follow the instructions on your screen to complete the process.

If this method also doesn’t work, then re-install the driver. To uninstall the driver, follow the steps given below:

Open the Device Manager (as said earlier).
Then expand the Sound, video and game controllers option.

Right-click on Gamepad driver.
Next, click on Uninstall Device option and then follow the instructions given on your screen.

Now, restart your PC after the PC opens System automatically reinstalls the driver on Windows 10.If issue persists, try the next solution.

Solution 3: Turn Off the Plugged-In Devices Automatically

In Windows there is an option that turns off the plugged-in devices automatically. The Xbox controller not working on PC can be due to this feature.

To disable the auto turn off plugged-in devices feature, follow the steps given below:

Open the Device Manager and expand USB Serial Bus Controllers.
Right-click on the USB Root Hub driver and open its Properties.

Next click on the Power Management tab and deselect Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power box.
Click on the Ok option to Save the changes.

Do the above steps for all the USB root hub 3.0 drivers. Once done, check if still your Xbox controllers for PC is not working. If the issue persists, then try the next solution.

Solution 4: Try Connecting Wirelessly

If Xbox controller is not connecting to PC wired, then try connecting wirelessly through Bluetooth.

Here are the steps to do it:

Plug-in the adapter into a USB port.
Turn on the controller by press and then hold the Xbox button for few seconds. Release it after the Xbox button will turn-on.
Press the Pairing button after the device turns-on.

You will receive a pop up message on your PC to connect the controller.
After accepting the pairing request the Xbox light will become Steady.

So, when your Xbox One wired controller on PC is not working, then running it wirelessly should fix it as mentioned above.

Solution 5: Troubleshooting Bluetooth

If your Xbox controller is still not connecting even wirelessly, then try running the Bluetooth troubleshooter:

Press the Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
Go to Update & Security option.

Select the Troubleshoot option on the left-hand panel.
Then click on Additional troubleshooters on the right.

Expand Bluetooth and select Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instruction on the running wizard to complete troubleshooting.

Conclusion

So here you go! Now you know what to do when Xbox controller is not working on PC. If you still have queries on this topic, feel free to ask us in comment section. Also, send us your feedback, share and stay connected.