Fix: Steelseries Stratus XL Not Working

Kevin ArrowsUpdated on April 29, 2024
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer

SteelSeries is a Danish manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories, including headsets, keyboards, mice, and gaming surfaces. The Stratus XL is a joystick controller manufactured by SteelSeries for Windows and Android devices.

Stratus XL

However, a lot of reports have been seen where the controller works fine on android but either doesn’t connect at all on Windows 10 or immense lag is seen while playing games. This problem is caused by a Windows 10 update and was not addressed by the manufacturer. In this article, we will discuss the causes of the issue and come up with viable solutions.

What Causes the “Stratus XL Not Working Error”?

The cause of the error seems to be a bug relating to

  • Windows Update: The cause of the error seemed to be a windows 10 update that seemingly caused these connection issues with the controller. The software developers at SteelSeries overlooked the modifications to be made in the controller software in order to make it compatible for the next build of Windows. However, a firmware update was released later to eradicate the problem.

Solution 1: Updating Firmware

Firstly, we will be updating the device firmware to the latest because the new firmware is promised to eradicate this issue. Make sure that you have SteelSeries software installed on your computer.

  1. Connect your controller to the PC with a micro USB cord (not included so you have to buy it separately) before connecting through Bluetooth
    Note: Make sure it is not a “power only” cable.
  2. It will now show up on the SteelSeries Engine
  3. Now open the SteelSeries Engine and click on this icon (it should be having a red notification on it like indicated in the picture)
    Clicking on the icon
  4. Now simply click on update and it will update the SteelSeries Engine to the latest version
    Clicking on Update
  5. Also, you will see a red banner below your controller that reads “Critical Update“. Left-Click on the banner
    Red Banner below the controller
  6.  Allow the firmware update to run completely and leave the controller plugged in. Once complete, you should get a pop-up dialog that looks like this.
    Update complete notification banner
  7. Now connect via Bluetooth and wait for it to say “the device is ready”.
  8. Now restart the controller and it should work fine.

This process should solve all the problems regarding the connection of the controller, its configuration and lag.

Note: The Micro-USB connector is in the place where the batteries go and you will need to remove the batteries in order to connect it via a Micro-USB cable. Also, the cable does not come with the box so u will have to buy it separately from the controller.

Kevin ArrowsUpdated on April 29, 2024
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.

Comments

10
    MU
    Mustafa Mar 13, 2019

    no its not work fine. Windows show that its work fine but u can use it with any game.

    Reply
    SG
    ScenepupX MDL Research Group Nov 11, 2019

    it just sucks ass expecting to be messing around for hours to get it working is just crazy, i have
    updated mine firmware ect it pairs but it sucks playing metro exodus and outer worlds it completely ruined my gameplay to the point that i am now replacing it sadly with a new xbox controller which kills me
    because i love the feel of it but the bottom line is that a product needs to work its that simple, its not down to consumers to figure it out, that’s just wrong

    Reply
      LM
      Lou Manzano Oct 22, 2020

      I bought two Steeleseries controllers about two years ago. Worst experience ever. They don’t work
      work properly. Sometimes I can’t get them to pair and even if they do, they become messed up as I’m playing BF4 or BF5. Great product but lousy software and support. I will never buy anything from this company again

      Reply
    WI
    will Dec 27, 2019

    I dont get a notification when i plug my controller in, im pretty sure im using the right cable but nothing happens

    Reply
      SW
      Shane Warren Author Dec 29, 2019

      Maybe a fault in the controller? have you tried it on any other computer?

      Reply
    BH
    BuggyBoy Hulk Jan 19, 2020

    only forward reverse left and right i can use at my stratus joystice been 3 month now im keep it ,kust wase money to buy but cannot use at my android

    Reply
    DC
    David Chaves Jan 8, 2021

    I fixed the problem by following this tutorial, Thanks so much!

    Reply
    CH
    Chris Henning Feb 23, 2021

    I have never gotten my money worth for this controller. Updated Firmware and I can not get it connected to windows 10 via bluetooth but the Engine 3 software shows connect but still does not react to the controller in live preview. Support website give no clue to a real fix.

    Also it will not connect to my Android Phone (Moto Z4) or Tablet (Samsung S8).

    Just another paperweight in my office.

    Reply
      PJ
      Paul Jakovich Feb 28, 2021

      I have had the exact same experience 🙁

      Reply
      HA
      Hanter Apr 21, 2022

      Me too 🙁

      Reply