Xbox Controller Isn't Registering Correctly on Windows 11

Question

I've used Xbox controllers on my computer for a few years for gaming and never had any issues. However, yesterday I tried to connect 2 controllers at the same time and ever since then I haven't been able to get them to connect correctly. My Xbox One controller connects, but none of the inputs work, and it doesn't show up in the Xbox Accessories app. No big deal, I'll just use my Xbox X/S controller. However, it seems like I'm having the weirdest issue with the X/S controller.

So if I connect it with Bluetooth, it shows up as "Xbox Wireless Controller", but it doesn't seem to actually register as an Xbox controller. I use the software "AntiMicro" for assigning controller buttons to keyboard buttons so I can use them on games not fully optimized for controller. I've always used this software and it always showed it as an Xbox controller. However, when I started having issues, I noticed AntiMicro isn't recognizing the controller as an Xbox controller, but instead a generic 2-joystick controller. Button inputs work for the most part, but the triggers don't. On top of this, it also doesn't show up in the Xbox Accessories app. Even when I plug it in via USB-C, the computer makes a notification chime and the controller vibrates and yet the controller doesn't show up on the PC. I've searched Microsoft support forums for hours, and official Microsoft troubleshooting literally lead me to "You need to replace the controller", which is crazy considering the controller works fine on Xbox and the issue clearly lies in Windows. It's like Windows isn't believing it's actually an Xbox controller, but it did before. Like I said, I never had any issues before until yesterday, now I can't connect any Xbox controller. It's almost like the drivers quit working and aren't re-installing themselves. I've posted on multiple support forums already and haven't got a single answer from any of them, so hopefully someone here can help me out.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hello, thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community. I'm here to help with your questions or issues. Just note – this is a place where passionate Microsoft users help each other, we don't work directly for Microsoft.

I understand the issue you're experiencing. I've had a similar problem, but with a PS5 controller instead of an Xbox controller, however, I believe the workaround should be quite similar.

Here's what you should do:

1. Ensure no controllers are connected to your computer, except for your keyboard and mouse.
2. Press the Windows+X keys and select Device Manager.
3. Click the View tab and choose Show Hidden Devices.
4. Look for the controllers under "Bluetooth" and "Universal Serial Bus Controllers." They might be labeled as Wireless Controller, Xbox Controller, or something similar.
5. Identify all these controllers, right-click on each one, and select Uninstall. If there's an option to remove the driver, click on it and confirm.
6. Make sure all controller-related devices are removed from the Device Manager.
7. Restart your computer and try pairing your controller again.

Hopefully, this resolves the issue!

Answer 2

I misread your response at first and I thought you said MY issue was with a PS5 controller and I lost hope for a second thinking these forums are full of AI bots misunderstanding questions lol.

Anyways, unfortunately this didn’t fix my issue. In the device manager I saw an Xbox 360 Controller and my DualShock 4, nothing for a One / X|S controller. I decided to remove them anyways along with an unknown device in the same category, restarted my computer, and re-paired the controller. Same issue unfortunately.

Answer 3

Oh lol, no worries! I apologize for the way I phrased that earlier. Since the previous steps didn't work, could you try creating a new Windows profile? Here's how:

1. Click Start > Settings (or Windows key + I).
2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
3. Click "Add account" under Other users.
4. Choose sign-in method.
5. Select "I don't have this person's sign-in information" > "Add a user without a Microsoft account."
6. Enter username, password, and hint.
7. Click Next, confirm, then Finish.

After this, login to the new profile and try pairing your controller, let's see if this somehow helps.

Answer 4

Still no trigger input.

I did just realize something with Device Manager though..

Before I was having issues, it was using a driver called bthleenum.inf, version 10.0.22621.3374. After o started having issues, it was on version 10.0.22621.3672. I wonder if it auto-updated the driver when I first reconnected it and the new version is causing problems? I’ll try to reinstall the previous version and see if my problem is fixed.

Answer 5

Thank you for the information. It's possible that the current driver may not be the right one. If you uninstall that driver, Windows Update will automatically fetch and install the default driver for the controller.

Is there any chance you can try pairing it to another computer?