xbox controller not working

Question

hi im tryng to pair my xbox contrlloer to my pc and it wont work now it was working the other day and i use it on the girlfriends laptop and now it wont connect

i tryed unpair it and trying to remove it but when try i to pair it the contrller says contected then disconec so what can i do

Answer 1

Hello allen rugbyking9,

The "connects then immediately disconnects" pattern usually points to Windows cutting the Bluetooth device to save power. Here's what to try first:

1. Open Device Manager (right-click Start > Device Manager)
2. Expand Human Interface Devices
3. Look for Bluetooth LE Xinput compatible input device > right-click > Properties
4. Go to the Power Management tab
5. Uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" > click OK

Also worth trying — update the controller firmware via the Xbox Accessories app (available on Microsoft Store), as outdated firmware can cause connection drops.

If neither works, try re-pairing the controller fresh: remove it from Bluetooth settings, restart your PC, then pair again.

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Answer 2

Follow these steps in order on the Windows 11 PC where the controller is failing to connect:

1. Forget/remove the controller from Bluetooth
   1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
   2. In the list of devices, select the Xbox Wireless Controller.
   3. Choose Remove device and confirm.
2. Power‑cycle the controller
   1. Turn the controller off.
   2. Make sure the batteries are charged or replace them.
   3. Turn it back on.
3. Re‑pair the controller
   1. On the controller, press and hold the Xbox button and the Connect button together until the Xbox button starts flashing (pairing mode).
   2. On the PC, go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Everything else.
   3. Select Xbox Wireless Controller when it appears and complete pairing.
4. If it still connects then disconnects immediately
   1. Turn Bluetooth off and back on:
      • Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
      • Turn Bluetooth off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it on again.
   2. Restart the PC: Start > Power > Restart.
   3. Try pairing again as in step 3.
5. Make sure Windows is up to date
   1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
   2. Select Check for updates and install anything available.
   3. Restart if prompted, then try pairing again.

If the controller still won’t stay connected over Bluetooth but works over USB, use it via USB temporarily and see the Xbox controller Bluetooth troubleshooting guidance at Connect and troubleshoot Bluetooth on your Xbox One Wireless Controller.

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References:

• Play Xbox games on Surface
• Troubleshoot Bluetooth not connecting in Windows
• Use a screen reader to fix Bluetooth problems in Windows