If you are trying to connect an Xbox controller to a Windows 11 computer it should be an easy process. An Xbox controller then works almost immediately.
In some cases, problems arise with the Xbox controller within Windows 11. The connection does not work or the controller does not respond.
The tips in this article can help you get your Xbox controller working again in Windows 11. I recommend that you follow all the steps until the problem is resolved.
Xbox controller not working in Windows 11
Restart your computer
The first thing you should try is to restart the computer. The driver of the Xbox controller may freeze or not function correctly. Restarting the computer will reload all drivers, which may resolve any issues.
Also, if there is a problem with the USB port or the wireless connection between the controller and the computer, a restart can help reset these connections.
Press ALT + F4. Select “Restart” and click “OK” to restart your computer. After the restart, try to connect your Xbox controller to your computer again.
Reconnect Xbox controller
One method to resolve Xbox controller issues in Windows 11 is to resync the Xbox controller wirelessly. This may resolve any connection issues. This method applies to all Xbox console models, such as the Xbox One and the Series X or S. Below are instructions on how to re-pair the Xbox controller:
- Press and hold the Xbox logo button for 10 seconds until the Xbox controller turns off.
- After the controller turns off, press the same button again and hold it until the controller turns back on.
- Press and hold the connect button at the top of the Xbox controller, near the USB port.
- After a few seconds, a notification will appear on your Windows 11 PC. You must then choose 'Connect' in the Bluetooth message to connect the Xbox controller to it.
Manually connect Xbox controller via Bluetooth
If your Xbox controller is not working properly on your PC, consider manually reconnecting it. By doing this, you will solve all the connection issues with your Windows 11 PC and the Xbox controller not working problem. Follow the steps below to do this:
- Right-click on the Bluetooth icon in the system tray and choose 'Show Bluetooth devices'.
- Click on the three dots (…) next to the Xbox controller and select 'remove' from the menu.
- Once the device is removed, click 'Add Device' and then choose the Bluetooth option.
- In the 'Add a device' window, select your Xbox controller to pair it with your Windows PC.
Check the Xbox USB cable
It could be that the USB cable that connects your Xbox controller to your computer is defective, which could be the cause of the Xbox controller not working problem. To verify this, you can try using the same cable on another computer. If the cable works fine on another PC, there may be a problem with the USB port on your original computer. It is always advisable to regularly check the condition of your cables and ports to avoid such problems.
Install Xbox accessories app
The Xbox Accessories app is an application available for Windows 10 and Windows 11. This app allows you to configure and customize your Xbox controllers and other Xbox accessories. If you had not already installed this app, I recommend installing it.
- Open the Microsoft Store app.
- In the Microsoft Store search bar, type “Xbox Accessories” and press Enter.
- Look for the Xbox Accessories app in the search results and click on it.
- Click the 'Download' or 'Install' button to install the app.
- Follow any additional instructions that appear on the screen to complete the installation.
Once the installation is complete, you can open the Xbox Accessories app from the Start menu or the list of installed apps on your PC.
Update the Xbox controller firmware
It is possible that the firmware of your Xbox controller is not up to date or contains errors that prevent it from responding correctly. Given this possibility, we recommend that you update the Xbox controller firmware to the latest version and check if this resolves the problem. These updates may include improvements that resolve known issues, improve controller performance, or add new features.
- Open the Xbox Accessories app on your PC and click the three dots (…) under the 'Configure' button.
- In the menu with the three dots (…), select 'Update required' to install the available update. If you see the 'No update available' option, it means there are no updates to install.
- After updating the Xbox controller, check if the controller now works properly. If it still doesn't work, disconnect it and reconnect it to get it working again on your PC.
Reset the Xbox controller
Resetting your Xbox controller can help resolve several issues, such as connection issues, erratic button responses or joystick movements, and other unexpected controller behaviors. Here's how to reset the Xbox controller in Windows 11:
- Press and hold the Xbox button (the logo in the middle of the controller) for 5-10 seconds until the controller turns off.
- Locate the sync button on top of the controller, near the USB port. Press and hold this button for a few seconds.
- Briefly press the Xbox button to turn the controller back on.
- If you are using a wireless connection, press and hold the sync button on the controller until the Xbox logo starts flashing. Then go to the Bluetooth settings of your PC and choose to connect a new device.
- Select the Xbox controller from the list to re-pair. If you are using a wired connection, simply reconnect the controller via the USB cable.
Resetting the controller clears temporary configurations and connections, which often helps with troubleshooting.
I hope this helped you. Thank you for reading!