Bluetooth not Connecting

Question

I will keep it simple, I finally bought a wireless Xbox controller, my PC says a new controller is detected when I try to sync it up, but then, it says it fails to connect? Anybody know how to make it work?

Answer 1

Hello Tyler Norris,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

Your screenshot shows that your Bluetooth and controller can discover each other, that is a good thing. Before we proceed further, may I know if the AI suggestion works for you? Also, may I know if the controller can connect if you use a cable instead of Bluetooth?

Additionally, can you please go to device manager when the controller fails to connect, go to View > Show hidden devices and let me know if there are any greyed-out controller in there?

I'm waiting for your reply.

Answer 2

Try this in order:

1. Put the controller into pairing mode correctly.
   • Turn the controller on.
   • Press and hold the Pair button for about 3 seconds until the Xbox button flashes.
   • On the PC, go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices and make sure Bluetooth is On.
   • Select Add device > Bluetooth, then choose the controller when it appears.
2. Remove the failed pairing and add it again.
   • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
   • Find the controller, select More options (...) > Remove device.
   • Select Add device and pair it again.
3. Turn Bluetooth off and back on.
   • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
   • Turn Bluetooth off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
   • Try pairing again.
4. Restart the controller and check power.
   • Make sure the controller battery is charged.
   • Turn the controller off and back on, then retry pairing.
5. Restart the PC.
   • Select Start > Power > Restart.
   • Then try pairing again.
6. Check for Windows updates.
   • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update.
   • Select Check for updates and install anything available.
7. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter.
   • Use Run the troubleshooter in Get Help.
8. If Bluetooth still detects the controller but fails to connect, update or reinstall the Bluetooth adapter driver.
   • Open Device Manager.
   • If the Bluetooth adapter is present, uninstall it, then shut down and turn the PC back on so Windows can reinstall it automatically.
   • If Windows does not reinstall it, open Device Manager > Action > Scan for hardware changes.
   • A vendor-provided resolution in a similar case was updating the Bluetooth adapter driver, which immediately fixed Xbox controller pairing.
9. If the controller still will not pair over Bluetooth, use USB-C temporarily.
   • If it works over USB-C, that confirms the controller itself is working while Bluetooth is being corrected.

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