My PC doesn't recognize my xbox controller

Question

Hi guys,

I have been trying to connect both XBOX controllers I have to my PC (Windows 10).

I did use them in the past, but now my PC doesn't recognize any of them, I can connect them through the cable or via bluetooth that they will not appear.

I don't know how to proceed here as I have tried installing and doing all the solutions that were in Internet but I still can't use my xbox controller.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance,

mi.ki207

Answer 1

Hello Miguel,

Thanks for describing your situation. I’m Adrian, an Independent Advisor. I know how frustrating it can be when your Xbox controllers stop working, especially after they've worked before. Let's work together to get them connected again.

To better understand the issue and provide you with the right solution, may I ask a few quick questions?

1. Do the controllers power on when connected via USB? (Any lights blinking or solid?)
2. Have you tried using a different USB cable or port — especially a USB 2.0 vs. 3.0 port?
3. When connecting via Bluetooth, do the controllers appear in your PC's Bluetooth devices list at all?
4. Are you using an official Xbox controller or a third-party one?
5. Did any recent Windows or driver updates happen before the issue began?
6. Are the batteries in your Xbox controllers fully charged or fresh? If you're using a rechargeable battery pack, try replacing it with AA batteries (or vice versa) to rule out any battery-related issues. A low battery can sometimes prevent proper pairing or cause the controller to disconnect intermittently.

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In the meantime, I recommend trying these steps:

Quick Troubleshooting

1. Check Device Manager

Right-click Start > Device Manager

Look under “Bluetooth” or “Human Interface Devices” for anything with a yellow exclamation mark (or Xbox controller).

2. Manually Install Xbox Controller Driver

In Device Manager, right-click the unknown device (if present), click Update Driver > Browse My Computer > Let Me Pick from a List > select Xbox Peripherals or Xbox Controller if available.

3. Clear Bluetooth Cache (if wireless)

Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth.

Remove any old Xbox controllers from the list.

Reboot your PC and try pairing again.

4. Try the Xbox Accessories App

Download from the Microsoft Store.

It may prompt firmware updates for your controller.

Also, please refer to these guides that provide detailed steps and troubleshooting with your Xbox controller issue.

My Xbox controller won’t connect or turn on

https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-ne...

Set up Bluetooth on your Xbox Wireless Controller

https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-ne...

Hope this helps.

Best regards,

Adrian A.

Answer 2

Hi Adrian,

First of all, thanks for your time and response.

Im answering here your questions:

1- Yes, when connected via USB if I click on the button the light will be blinking and if I click on the bluetooth it will blink faster, but after a few blinks it turns off.

2- I have tried with default USB and USB3.0, nothing worked.

3- They don't, I click on the bluetooth button, the lightning blinks faster but it doesn't appear anywhere.

4- Both controllers are official controllers, none of them is working in PC.

5- I don't think so, I did use them in the past, one year ago probably but now my PC doesn't detect them, the only thing I changed from my PC was the RAM.

6- Batteries were replaced with new ones but didn't work.

Unfortunately, I have tried all the things you mention.

I don't see any exclamation mark in my device manager, there is no Xbox controller or peripherals option, only HID but everything is updated and running.

For the accessories app, the PC doesn't detect anything so when I run this app nothing appears.

I have tried both controllers in different PCs and nothing happened so the problem might be in both controllers but I don't understand why is so difficult when in the past there was no problem.

Thanks again,

mi.ki207

Answer 3

Hello Miguel,

Thank you again for all the information you've shared, Miguel —you've done a great job troubleshooting so far.

Since the controllers aren't being detected on any device and you've already tested different cables, ports, and batteries and even tried the Xbox Accessories app without success, it's possible the issue may be hardware-related.

At this point, I highly recommend reaching out to Xbox Support directly. They’ll be able to check the warranty status of your controllers and explore possible repair or replacement options for you. They may also have additional tools or steps to help bring the controllers back to working condition.

You can contact Xbox Support here:

https://support.xbox.com/contact-us

If there’s anything else you’d like help with in the meantime, feel free to let me know I’m happy to assist!

Best regards,

Adrian A.