Many players utilize Microsoft Xbox controllers for Windows PC games. There’s no doubt that gamepad controls are better for some gaming genres. However, some players report their Xbox controllers don’t work when they try to play Windows PC games. This gaming issue can occur when trying to play games with wireless or non-wireless Xbox controllers. Players can’t play PC games with their Xbox controllers when Windows 11/10 doesn’t recognize it. These are some ways you can fix an Xbox controller not working on a PC.
Plug the Controller into an Alternative USB Slot
If you’re connecting the controller with a cable, try plugging the controller into a different USB slot on your PC. First, you can ensure the cable is properly connected by unplugging and plugging it back again. Using an alternative port could also make a difference if there’s an issue with the current USB slot.
USB slots on a laptop
Change the USB Cable
Another possible reason for an Xbox controller not working on a PC is a damaged or faulty USB connection cable. Try changing the USB cable for your Xbox controller if that’s your connection method. Some users have confirmed they’ve fixed their Xbox controllers not working with PCs by doing exactly that.
Disable Interfering Bluetooth Devices
Disabling Bluetooth on other devices near your PC is a potential resolution for fixing a wireless Xbox controller not working on PC. Other Bluetooth devices such as smartphones, tablets, speakers, and headphones can generate interference and cause issues with PCs identifying controllers. So, try disabling Bluetooth on nearby mobile devices to ensure they can’t cause any interference.
A mobile device
Remove and Reinsert the Controller’s Batteries
Removing and reinserting batteries is another way to fix an Xbox controller not working that some players confirm to have worked for them. It could be the case that there’s a battery in your controller that isn’t properly inserted. Try removing the gamepad’s battery and reinserting it about five minutes later. Then go through the usual steps for Bluetooth pairing by clicking Add device in the Windows Settings app.
Change the Controller’s Batteries
If reinserting batteries doesn’t resolve a wireless Xbox controller issue, you may need to replace them with fresh alternatives because the batteries could have run out. However, some users have also confirmed that some fresh rechargeable batteries don’t work with Xbox controllers. So, it’s best to use regular AA batteries for wireless Xbox controller usage with Windows PCs.
Open the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooting Tool
Windows 11/10 includes a hardware and device troubleshooting tool that can help users fix issues with peripherals. So, that could come in handy for fixing an Xbox controller not working on PC. However, this troubleshooter isn’t accessible within the Settings app. You can open the Hardware and Devices from the Command Prompt like this.
- Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows logo + R keyboard shortcut, entering cmd in Run, and clicking OK.
- Plug the Xbox controller into your PC.
- Input the msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter.
The msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic command
- Click Next to start the device troubleshooting.
The Hardware and Devices troubleshooter
Update the Xbox Controller’s Firmware
Xbox controllers have firmware software for the functioning of the peripheral devices. Microsoft Xbox gamepad issues can sometimes arise because of outdated firmware. So, make sure your controller has the latest firmware. You can update your Xbox controller’s firmware as instructed within the PC section of this Microsoft page.
Update Your Windows PC
Updating Windows will install all patch and build version updates available on your PC. Some users have confirmed installing new Windows versions fixed their Xbox gamepads not working with PCs. These are the steps for updating Windows 11/10.
- To access the fool for finding files, right-click Start and select Search on the Power User menu.
- Type in the keyword update in the search box.
- Click Check for updates inside the search box.
- Next, press Check for updates to find and install options.
The Windows Update tab
- If there’s an optional build version update available, select the Download and install option.
- Restart Windows 11 or 10 to finish the update.
Try applying those troubleshooting methods whenever you need to fix an Xbox controller not working on a PC. If the controller still doesn’t work after applying those resolutions, there could be a hardware issue with the gamepad. Users who’ve fixed an Xbox gamepad not working on their PCs with other potential resolutions are welcome to share their fixes in the comments below.
