Can't connect Xbox Xeries S/X wireless controller (brand new) to Windows 11 bluetooth

JJYT 20 Reputation points
2026-02-26T20:44:33.88+00:00

I've tried updating the firmware on xbox accessories app (succeeded), the controller works plugged in via USB-C, and my mobo is the ASUS B550 Plus Wi-Fi II. Realized hours ago that I hadn’t updated the Bluetooth adapter and that was it. Hopefully that helps someone else in the future, but then the controller wanted to connect immediately.**

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Gaming

Answer accepted by question author

Huy-K 13,980 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-02-27T01:16:33.4633333+00:00

Dear @JJYT,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

I apologize for any inconvenience you may encounter when using our services/ products. Based on your description, kindly try these following steps:

Do the correct Bluetooth pairing sequence

  • Turn the controller on (press the Xbox button).
  • Press and hold Pair for 3 seconds until the Xbox button starts flashing (pairing mode).
  • On the PC: Settings > Bluetooth & devices > ensure Bluetooth is On > Add device > choose Bluetooth > pick Xbox Wireless Controller when it appears. How to Connect Your Xbox Controller to a PC | Microsoft Windows

Remove the old pairing and re-pair cleanly

  • Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices > find the controller > Remove device.
  • Then repeat the pairing steps

Clear hidden/ghost controller entries

  • Open Device Manager > View > Show hidden devices
  • Under Bluetooth and Human Interface Devices, uninstall any greyed/faded Xbox controller entries
  • Restart, then pair again

Run Microsoft’s Bluetooth troubleshooter

Update or reinstall Bluetooth drivers from ASUS

  • Check Bluetooth is enabled (including BIOS setting checks)
  • Check for Bluetooth driver updates
  • Uninstall and reinstall Bluetooth drivers, downloading them from the ASUS support site for your motherboard

If you are still unable to connect via Bluetooth, I suggest you using a USB‑C connection instead, since you said this method worked. This approach is generally more reliable, and I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the Bluetooth issue.

I sincerely hope you understand that the initial steps I suggested may not have completely fixed the issue, as there may still be underlying causes that have not yet been identified. I am here to work closely with you, troubleshoot effectively, and explore every possible solution to ensure the best possible outcome.


If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment". 

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments

0 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.