How to Fix an Xbox One Controller That Won’t Connect to PC

There are multiple ways to connect your Xbox One Controller to your PC, such as through a Bluetooth connection, an Xbox One Adapter, or a micro USB cable. However, you may sometimes encounter issues where your system fails to recognize the controller.

The failure to connect could stem from various reasons, including incorrect drivers, a faulty USB cable, or outdated firmware. To address this connectivity error, we have prepared a guide detailing the simplest solutions to this issue.

Troubleshooting Prerequisites

Before delving into the solutions listed in this guide, ensure you’ve completed the following troubleshooting prerequisites:

1. Firstly, check your controller’s battery. A low battery could prevent the controller from connecting to your PC until charged.
2. Try restarting both your controller and PC. A simple restart can resolve numerous connectivity issues.
3. Disable and then re-enable the Bluetooth connection on your PC, which can often rectify Bluetooth connectivity problems.

If the controller remains undetectable after following these steps, continue with the solutions provided below.

1. Update Xbox One Controller Drivers (If Applicable)

Should your Xbox Controller establish a connection to your system but fail to operate correctly, you need to update its drivers using Device Manager.

If the controller refuses to connect entirely, bypass this step and proceed to the subsequent solution.

1. Connect your controller to your PC.
2. Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager.
3. Right-click on Microsoft Xbox One Controller and select “Update Driver.”
4. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
   
5. Allow the system to update the drivers.

2. Use a Different Cable

The issue might reside with your USB cable instead of the controller. To determine the cable’s functionality, attempt to use an alternative cable with your controller or connect the original cable to a different device.

If a different cable enables the controller to connect without issue, your original cable is faulty. If connectivity problems persist with a new cable, move on to the next solution.

3. Update Controller Firmware

An out-of-date firmware on your controller can cause various connectivity problems. To check if your controller’s firmware is current, use one of the two methods below:

The simplest method is to plug the controller into an Xbox One, which will automatically check for and install any available firmware updates.

For those without Xbox One access, download the Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store onto your PC. Connect your controller and use the app to look for firmware updates. Should an update be available, install it and reboot your PC to address the connectivity issues.

4. Run the Windows Hardware Troubleshooter

The Windows Hardware Troubleshooter is an integrated tool designed to detect and resolve problems with hardware devices connected to your system automatically.

It identifies and corrects configuration issues, compatibility conflicts, and other hardware discrepancies involving the Xbox One Controller. Execute the following actions to operate the Windows Hardware Troubleshooter:

1. Press the Windows Key, type Troubleshoot, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to “Additional troubleshooters.”
   
3. Select the Bluetooth option.
4. Select “Run the troubleshooter.”
   
5. Adhere to the on-screen prompts to conclude the troubleshooting process.

5. Disconnect Other Devices

A multitude of USB devices connected to your PC can create conflicts, potentially preventing your Xbox One Controller from connecting.

To identify if this is the issue, remove all USB devices from your PC and connect only the Xbox One Controller. If the controller operates correctly after this, one or more of your USB devices may be causing an interference.

Reconnect each device one at a time to pinpoint the problematic device. If the controller begins to malfunction again, the last reconnected device is likely to blame.

6. Update Windows to the Latest Version

The Xbox One Controller requires the latest version of Windows for optimal performance. Using an older version could result in compatibility issues, hindering controller operation.

1. Press Windows Key + I to access Settings.
2. Select “Update & Security.”
3. Click on the “Check for Updates” button.
4. Install any available updates.

If no update appears, your system’s Windows version is up to date. In this scenario, proceed to the final solution.

7. Contact Microsoft Support

If you’ve attempted all the aforementioned solutions without success, reaching out to Microsoft Support for assistance might be beneficial.

Visit this page and click on the “Contact Us” or “Ask a Question” button to engage with a support agent.

If Microsoft Support cannot resolve the issue, consider requesting a controller replacement if your controller is still under warranty.