If you plan to play games on a Windows 10 system with a gaming controller, an Xbox controller is what you should buy to go with it. It will connect easily and it is supported out of the box. Xbox and Windows 10 are both developed by Microsoft which makes an Xbox 360 controller the perfect controller for gaming on a PC.
Connecting an Xbox 360 controller to a PC is fairly easy. Both the wired and wireless version will be able to connect to it.
- Pair the controller if it’s a wireless controller and make sure the controller is On.
- Connect the controller and make sure its light turns on i.e., the X on the controller lights up.
Give Windows 10 a few minutes to set up the new device and check if it works. You can check controller input outside of games.
- Visit Gamepad tester.
- Your controller should be detected automatically.
- Press the buttons or one of the control sticks and you should see input on the screen.
If the controller lights up but no input is detected during tests, the controller hasn’t been set up correctly. If the controller input has been detected but it isn’t working in games. Try the fixes below.
1. Check Xbox controller support
Not all games, no matter how much you want them to, will support a controller. Games like Among Us or Inside are best played with a keyboard. Check if the game you’re trying to use the controller in has support for a controller.
You can check this by going to the game’s settings for control/keyboard/mouse. If a game explicitly says it is best played with a keyboard, it is best to not try to play it with a controller.
2. Steam controller support
Steam can add controller support for any and all games. Normally, it is enabled by default when you connect a controller however you may have to manually enable it.
- Connect the controller to your system.
- Open Steam.
- On the menu bar, go to Steam>Settings.
- Go to the Controller tab.
- Click General controller settings.
- Enable support for Xbox controllers.
- Restart Steam and your system.
3. Manually install Xbox controller drivers
Drivers for the Xbox may not have installed correctly or at all. In this case, it’s best to manually install them.
- Connect the controller to the PC.
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Other Devices.
- You will see an ‘Unknown device’ listed below it.
- Right-click it and select Update device software.
- Select Browse my computer for driver software.
- Select the ‘Let me pick from a list…’ option.
- Scroll down and select the Xbox 360 peripherals option.
- Select the newest driver that is available.
- Install it and accept any prompts that you see on the screen.
- The driver will be installed and you’ll be able to use the controller with your games.
4. Change USB port
A wired Xbox controller needs power to run, just like a wireless controller. The wired controller gets power via the USB port it’s connected to.
Make sure the USB port that you’re connecting the controller to is the charging port. It is normally indicated by a thunderbolt or similar symbol. If you’re not sure which one it is, turn the system off or put it to sleep and connect a phone to the port. If the port charges the device even when the system is off, it is the charging port. All other USB ports will not charge a device until the system is powered on.
5. Turn of Game bar
The Windows 10 Game bar was added so that users could record and broadcast games using native tools instead of installing third-party apps like OBS. Unfortunately, the Game bar is hit and miss. Sometimes it works and other times it causes problems.
- Tap the Win+I keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app.
- Go to Gaming.
- Select the Game bar tab.
- Turn the switch at the top off.
What should I do if my Xbox controller is detected as a mouse and keyboard?
This may occur for any number of reasons. Try uninstalling the driver for the controller and installing it again to see if that fixes the problem. You can uninstall the driver from the Device Manager in Windows 10. If that doesn’t work then the problem might have to do with Steam. Use the following steps to check Steam:
- Open Steam and from the Steam menu item, go to the app’s settings.
- In the Settings window, select the Controller tab. Click the ‘General Controller Settings’ button. Alternatively, just click the controller button at the top right next to the minimize window button.
- On the general settings screen, uncheck the ‘Xbox configuration support’. This should fix the problem and Windows will stop thinking your controller is a mouse or a keyboard.
How to Use Xbox One Controllers Over Bluetooth on Linux
If your Xbox controller isn’t connecting to your Linux PC, there could be various reasons for the issue. Unlike other Bluetooth controllers, the Xbox One controller will not interact with Linux without modifications. The reason? The Bluetooth chip inside of it has a DRM feature enabled, which prevents it from pairing successfully.
To fix this issue, we’ll go over 2 methods to disable the DRM feature that makes it impossible to pair your Xbox One controller to Linux over Bluetooth.
Method 1: Temporarily disable Ertm
If you do not plan to use the Xbox One controller via Bluetooth on your Linux PC a lot, the best course of action is to disable Ertm, rather than shutting it off forever temporarily. To disable Ertm temporarily, start by opening up a terminal window. To open up a terminal window, press Ctrl + Alt + T or Ctrl + Shift + T on the keyboard. Then, follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Step 1: Elevate the terminal session from your Linux PC’s user account to Root. Accessing Root is a must because it is not possible to shut off Ertm without doing this.
sudo -s
Step 2: After gaining Root access in your Linux terminal, use the bash command below to shut off the Ertm feature in Bluetooth temporarily.
echo 'Y' > /sys/module/bluetooth/parameters/disable_ertm
Once the command above is run, the Ertm feature will be temporarily disabled, and you will be able to connect the Xbox One controller to your system. However, keep in mind the command will only work after you reboot your system.
Method 2: Permenantly disable Ertm
If you’re a heavy Linux gamer, the best course of action is to permanently disable the Ertm feature so that you no longer have to deal with it. There are many different ways to shut off Ertm. However, the best approach is by installing the Xpadneo kernel module. It automatically disabled Ertm and adds in some Xbox One controller enhancements as well. To get Xpadneo working so that Ertm is permanently disabled, follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Step 1: Open up a terminal window by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or Ctrl + Shift + T on the keyboard. Then, using the installation commands outlined below, install the dependencies required to build Xpadneo.
Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install dkms git linux-headers-`uname -r`
Fedora
sudo dnf install dkms make bluez bluez-tools git kernel-devel-`uname -r` kernel-headers-`uname -r`
Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S dkms linux-headers bluez bluez-utils git
Step 2: Using the Git tool in the Linux command-line, download the latest release of Xpadneo to your PC.
git clone https://github.com/atar-axis/xpadneo.git
Step 3: Move the terminal window into the xpadneo folder with the CD command and run the install.sh script to install the Xpadneo kernel module, effectively disabling Ertm forever on your Linux system.
cd xpadneo sudo ./install.sh
When the installation of Xpadneo is finished on your Linux PC, reboot it. Upon logging back in, Ertm will be shut off and your Xbox One controller will be ready to pair.
Conclusion
An Xbox controller, once detected, will not cause problems. Setting the connection up is where you might run into trouble but installing the driver for it manually is a sure-fix. Make sure the hardware i.e., the controller itself isn’t damaged and all buttons are working. If you’re running apps to remap the controller, quit them all.
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Many gamers like to use their Xbox 360 Controller with Windows 10 while playing their favorite games.
This is great if you don’t want to spend money on an additional controller, but there have been reports that Xbox 360 Controller is not working with Windows 10, and today we’ll try to fix that.
There are many things that could go wrong, and we will try to focus on all of them:
- Xbox 360 Controller driver problems
- Xbox 360 Controller Steam issues
- Xbox 360 Controller blinking buttons
- Xbox 360 Controller Play and Charge issues on Windows 10
- Problems with wired Xbox 360 Controller on Windows 10
- Xbox controller blinking when plugged into PC.
How do I fix Xbox 360 controller driver issues on Windows 10?
1. Install the driver manually
If you’re using a wireless Xbox 360 Controller, you need to use a wireless receiver in order to connect it to your computer.
Sometimes, drivers for wireless receivers have to be updated, or your Xbox 360 Controller might not work on Windows 10.
To update the drivers for your receiver, follow these steps:
- Open Device Manager. You can access Device Manager by pressing Windows Key + X and choosing Device Manager from the list.
- When Device Manager opens, make sure that your receiver is connected to your PC. Navigate to Other Devices section and expand it. Right-click the Unknown device and choose Update Driver Software from the menu.
- Click Browse my computer for driver software.
- Now click on Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
- You should see a list of device drivers. Select Xbox 360 peripherals and click Next.
- Choose the latest Receiver driver that’s on the list and click Next. If you get a warning message, just click OK and wait for the driver to install.
- Now you just need to hold the pairing button on your Bluetooth receiver and on your Xbox 360 Controller for about 3 seconds. After doing that, your computer should recognize your controller.
After the driver has been installed, your Xbox 360 Controller should start working on Windows 10 without any problems.
It has been reported that this solution works with third-party receivers as well, so even if you don’t use Microsoft receiver, it should work without any problems as long as you install Microsoft’s drivers.
2. Uninstall the driver
Sometimes Xbox 360 Controller might not work on Windows 10 due to bad driver, and if that’s the case, the best solution is to uninstall that driver and allow Windows to install it again.
To uninstall the driver, follow these steps:
- Start Device Manager.
- In Device Manager locate Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows and right-click it.
- Choose Uninstall from the menu.
- After the driver has been uninstalled, restart your computer. When your computer restarts, Windows 10 will automatically install the missing driver.
3. Install the latest drivers
Sometimes your Xbox 360 Controller might not be recognized due to outdated driver, and if that’s the case, make sure that your Windows 10 is up to date with latest patches.
In addition, you can also download the necessary drivers from this link. After you’ve downloaded and installed the appropriate driver, Xbox 360 Controller should start working again.
If this method doesn’t work or you do not have the necessary computer skills to update/fix the drivers manually, we strongly suggest doing it automatically by using an automated driver updater.
3 ways to fix Xbox 360 Controller Steam issues in Windows 10
1. Uncheck Remember this application is a game in Windows Game overlay
- Press center button on your Xbox 360 Controller while you’re playing any Steam game.
- When Windows Game overlay appears, uncheck Remember this application as a game.
After you’ve done that, Windows Game overlay will be disabled while you’re playing games on Steam, and the Steam overlay should be restored.
It has been reported that Xbox 360 Controller has some issues with Steam, and according to the users, they cannot access Steam functions by pressing the center button on Xbox 360 controller.
By default, pressing the center button on your Xbox 360 Controller should give you Steam overlay, but for some reason, Windows Game overlay appears instead.
2. Disable Game DVR in Xbox app
- Press Windows Key + S and type Xbox. Choose Xbox app from the list of results.
- When Xbox app starts, click Settings (gear icon).
- Now go to Game DVR tab and make sure that Take screenshots using Game DVR option is disabled.
It has been reported that the Game DVR functionality of the Xbox app can sometimes create problems with Xbox 360 Controller and Steam.
Users report that the center button isn’t working properly, and it’s giving them Windows Game overlay while playing Steam games.
This isn’t a big problem, and it can be fixed by disabling the Game DVR functionality in the Xbox app.
After disabling the Game DVR option, Xbox 360 Controller should work with Steam without any problems.
By disabling the Game DVR option you won’t be able to record gameplay or take screenshots using the Xbox app, but you can always use alternative software to fix this problem.
3. Turn off the Game bar
- Open the Windows 10 Settings app
- Go to Gaming
- Turn it off via the toggle switch at the top
How can I fix Xbox 360 controller blinking buttons?
1. Make sure that you have the latest updates installed
- Open the Settings app and go to Update & Security section.
- Go to Windows Update section and download all available updates. In addition, you might want to download optional updates as well because those updates are often designed to update your gaming devices and hardware.
- After the updates have been downloaded, restart your computer.
- After your computer restarts, check if the issue is resolved.
Users have reported blinking buttons on Xbox 360Controller, and if you have this issue, it’s advised that you install the latest updates for Windows 10.
2. Reconnect your controller
Users report that their wired Xbox 360 Controller is blinking after Windows 10 wakes up from Sleep Mode.
In order to fix the blinking Xbox 360 Controller, you just need to unplug it and connect it to your computer again.
According to users, this solution works if you’re using a wired Xbox 360 Controller, but if you’re using a wireless Xbox controller, you might want to unplug your Bluetooth receiver and connect it back again.
In addition, you might have to pair your wireless Xbox 360 Controller by pressing the pairing button on the Bluetooth receiver and Xbox 360 Controller.
How to fix Xbox 360 controller Play and Charge issues on Windows 10
If you have Play and Charge problems, the solution is to use a wired controller or purchase a Bluetooth receiver for Xbox 360 Controller.
Xbox 360 Play and Charge cable is designed to recharge your wireless Xbox 360 Controller while you play games on Xbox 360.
Play and Charge cable works with Windows 10, but using Play and Charge cable won’t allow you to play games on Windows 10 with a wireless Xbox 360 Controller.
The Play and Charge cable is designed just to recharge batteries on your wireless Xbox 360 Controller, and even if you have your controller connected to your console or PC, the controller still uses wireless signals to communicate with your PC / Xbox console.
Therefore, if you want to recharge your wireless Xbox 360 Controller while playing games on Windows 10, you’ll have to purchase a special Bluetooth receiver for Xbox 360 controller.
Fix Xbox 360 wired controller not working
The solution is pretty simple: you’ll have to make sure that you’re using a powered USB port.
Sometimes wired Xbox 360 Controller might not work with Windows 10 if you connect it to the USB port on the front of your computer.
In order to fix any potential issues with wired Xbox 360 Controller, it’s always better to connect it to the USB port on the back of your computer since those ports are usually powered USB ports.
If you’re using a USB hub, it’s also advised that you don’t connect the wired Xbox 360 Controller to it since most USB hubs don’t come with powered USB ports.
Using Xbox 360 controller on Windows 10 is a great way to save money since both wireless and wired Xbox 360 Controllers are compatible with Windows 10.
Although Xbox 360 Controller might have some issues on Windows 10, you can easily resolve most of them by following our solutions.
Don’t forget to share your problem and how you solved it in the comments section below.
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By
José Zapata
Matching the power of a PC with the commodity of an Xbox controller is a delight. In theory, Xbox controllers should connect to a Windows PC without issue. After all, Microsoft wants you to play on either console.
But, sometimes it doesn’t work due to reasons, like problems with your USB ports, the controller’s USB ports, outdated or missing drivers, corrupted Windows registry, anti-virus issues, or damaged cables.
Why Doesn’t My Xbox Controller Work on My Pc?
You may find one of two problems. Wired controller users may see the computer doesn’t recognize the USB connection; the solution is updating the USB drivers or simply using another port.
The second issue pertains to wireless controllers. They will fail to sync to your Windows PC when something is amiss. There are various solutions, but the most common ones are updating the controller’s firmware and resyncing.
- Issue 1: “USB Device Not Recognized” (Wired Controller)
When a wired Xbox controller doesn’t work on a PC, your Windows may throw the “USB Device Not Recognized” message. Alternatively, it may not say anything while not recognizing the USB connection.
If your PC does not recognize your controller’s plug, there’re may be problems with your computer’s USB ports.
So, now let’s look at the 16 easy solutions to fix your Xbox controller for your PC.
- Issue 2: Xbox Controller Is Blinking (Wireless)
If your wireless Xbox Controller is blinking or flashing, it means it’s not pairing properly with the PC.
Please start by updating your controller’s firmware and your Windows for either solution.
How to Fix Xbox Controller Not Working on Pc
Update Your USB Drivers Manually
The most common issue is outdated drivers. It’s a common cause that explains why your PC fails to recognize the Xbox USB plug or any other plug.
You may consider this is the cause if you’re trying other devices to no avail. For example, you could connect your smartphone, external storage, a keyboard, or a mouse to see if it’s working.
To update your USB drivers:
- Type “Device Manager” on the Windows search tab. Open the Device Manager menu.
- Search for the “Human Interface Devices” sub-menu.
- Right click on every “USB Input Device” option, and select “Update Drivers.“
- Use the automatic option. If Windows can’t find any, use the Windows Update option as well.
Update Your USB Drivers Automatically
There are various tools capable of updating your PC’s drivers better than Windows Update.
We recommend Driver Booster, which offers a free trial for a quick rundown:
- Download Driver Booster for free from the official page.
- Install the program.
- Press “Scan.”
- The free version allows you to update most drivers, but others require buying a license.
Update the Xbox Controller Driver Manually
The issue may not be your computer. As I said, you should test with other USB cables before pinning down the culprit.
Another option could be that the Xbox controller drivers are corrupted or missing. You can try to update these drivers manually with the Device Manager.
- Plug your Xbox controller into the PC.
- Type Device Manager on the Windows Search Bar. Open the menu.
- Expand “Microsoft Xbox One Controller.” Right-click on the item and press “Update Driver Software.”
- Choose the automatic option.
If the problem persists, here’re additional steps:
- Instead of picking the automatic driver update option, select “Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.”
- Select “Microsoft Xbox One Controller,” and click next.
Run a Restoration Tool
Some fixes are hard to tackle as every PC configuration is different. In particular, Windows files may be missing or corrupted, meaning your system could be partially broken.
We recommend running a restoration tool if you’re finding common issues with external devices, installations, crashes, and similar. You can install Restoro, which offers a free license.
Turn-off Anti-virus and Re-install Xbox Controller Drivers
In rare cases, the antivirus could be interfering with your drives. You could turn off the program and reinstall the driver. If your security software is causing too much trouble, you may uninstall it and run with the default Windows Security solution until you buy a new one.
Either way, after you disable your antivirus, follow these steps:
- Open Device Manager again. You can do it quickly by pressing Windows Key + X, and then clicking on Device Manager.
- Find your Xbox One controller. Right-click the item, and then select Uninstall Device.
- Confirm and uninstall.
- Afterward, click on the Scan for Hardware Changes icon. Windows should prompt a new driver install.
Unplug and Plug the Cable Again
If all else fails, perhaps you can resort to the obvious. Try removing the USB cable and then plugging the controller again into a different port. If you have a PC, plug it on the Motherboard’s ports at the back.
Try Another Cable
The last obvious option would be swapping the cable, if possible. USB cables don’t last forever, so you may try a different one to see if it solves the problem.
Update Windows
Our last try to fix wired Xbox controllers is simply by updating Windows. Sometimes, the “USB device not recognized” means the device isn’t working on a particular port.
The solution is either trying another port or updating Windows to its latest version. Often, an update pack bundles USB improvements that will allow your PC to work with your Xbox accessories.
Here’re the steps to update Windows:
- Press the Windows Key + I.
- Select “Update & Security.”
- Check the panel on the right to see available updates to download or if you need to restart to install updates.
Update Your Xbox Controller’s Firmware With the Console
June 2015 onwards Xbox Wireless controller model received contact updates. If the controller has a round 3.5mm port at the bottom, you can update it wirelessly.
We’re assuming you need to update it with the console. Follow these steps:
- Connect your stereo headset adapter to your controller if you want it to update.
- Power up your Xbox controller by pressing the Xbox button. Pair it to the console. Alternatively, connect it with the 3.5mm USB cable.
- Select Profile & System/Setting. Then, click on Devices & steaming/Accessories. Select the controller you’re updating.
- Press “Device Info” and choose “Firmware Version.” Click “Update Now.”
- If you plug-in the Xbox controller, the firmware update may appear automatically.
Update Your Xbox Controller’s Firmware With Windows 10
If you don’t have a console, you can also fix the Xbox controller by updating its firmware with Windows 10. Follow these steps:
- Go to the Microsoft Store and get the Xbox Accessories app.
- Connect your Xbox controller to your PC with the USB cable. Otherwise, you can use the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows (instructions below).
- Open the Xbox Accessories app. It will prompt an “Update Required” message if needed. Let it update, and close it after it finishes.
Naturally, if you find your PC can’t recognize your Xbox’s USB cable, follow the Issue 1 steps.
Use a Windows Wireless Xbox Adapter
To fix the Xbox controller blinking on PC, you can try getting the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows.
This small device you can plug into a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port on your Windows computer. After you connect it, it will install automatically. The drivers are already built-in in your Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11.
These are the steps:
- Plugin the adapter into a USB port.
- For Windows 7,8, 10 and 11, wait for about a minute until it installs the drivers.
- Turn on your controller by pressing and holding the Xbox button. The Xbox button will flash.
- Press the Pairing button on the Wireless Adapter.
- Press the Pairing button on your controller. When the button stays lit, you have connected the controller.
Pair the Wireless Xbox Controller Again
Your computer may already have the Xbox controller drivers. However, suppose you’re using an Xbox Wireless controller on your console after using it on a PC. In that case, you need to re-sync the controller. The rule is the same both ways.
So, let’s follow these steps to connect a wireless Xbox controller to your Windows computer. We also recommend repairing the controller as a general process to fix Xbox controllers on PC.
- Turn on the PC and sign in.
- Press the Xbox button for 3 seconds to turn on the controller. Afterward, the button will begin flashing.
- Press and hold the Pair button at the top of the controller. The light will flash rapidly as your controller is searching for the PC.
- Press the Start button on your PC. Go to Settings/Devices. On Windows 11, it would be Settings/Bluetooth & Devices.
- Select the “Add Bluetooth” option (“Add Device” on Windows 11). Then, press “Everything else“.
- Choose the Xbox Wireless Controller or the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller on the list. When it connects, the Xbox button will light steadily.
Re-connect Your Xbox Controller by Bluetooth
You may also connect your Xbox command to your Windows PC via Bluetooth.
The process is similar to connecting wirelessly, but the functionality is different. Also, you would know an Xbox controller has Bluetooth because the plastic around the Xbox button is part of the controller’s front. On controllers without Bluetooth, the plastic is at the top.
Also, the Bluetooth connection between the Xbox controller and Windows 10 requires the latest Anniversary Update.
Setting that aside, here’re the steps:
- Update your Xbox controller if needed.
- Remove attachments like headsets. These don’t work via Bluetooth.
- Connect only one controller at a time.
- Turn on your Xbox controller by pressing the middle button.
- Press the Pair button until it flashes rapidly.
- Press the start button on your PC. Type “Bluetooth” and click on “Bluetooth & other devices.” On Windows 11, it would be “Bluetooth & devices.”
- Press the “Add Bluetooth or other devices” (“Add Device” on Windows 11).
- Press “Bluetooth” (not “Everything Else,” like before).
- Select your Xbox controller.
Troubleshoot Your PC’s Bluetooth
If your Bluetooth isn’t working, you may try to run the troubleshooter so Windows can fix the USB drivers and plugs. Here are the steps:
- Press the Windows Key + I. It opens the Settings app.
- Go to “Update & Security.“
- Select “Troubleshoot” on the left-hand panel. Press “Additional troubleshooters” on the right.
- Press “Bluetooth” and let the wizard run.
Change the Batteries
After you’ve tried the complex solutions, you could also try changing the batteries of your controller. Alternatively, you could charge it back.
Try Using a Cable Instead
Lastly, you can try connecting your Xbox controller with a cable instead of Bluetooth or wirelessly.
As Xbox 360 Controller passionate lovers, you can enjoy the great convenience it brings you. However, at the same time, you must be familiar with the scene that when you were playing the computer games, the Xbox 360 Controller suddenly stops working or works with a blinking / freezing buttons or cannot connect to the console.
It is conceivable that you are very upset about its failing to work or sometimes, it is detected by Windows 10 but not configured when you are combating in a game. But how to fix the Xbox 360 wired or wireless Controller not working on Windows 10/11 is far beyond your capacity.
Just as you can imagine, the not working or not connected Xbox 360 Controller can be caused by the Xbox 360 Controller peripheral going wrong and the Xbox 360 Controller driver issues.
Now it is the time for curing this Xbox 360 not working disease.
Solutions:
- 1: Check Xbox 360 Controller battery
- 2: Change a USB port
- 3: Update Xbox 360 Controller drivers
- 4: Uncheck Power Management
- 5: Perform Windows Update
Solution 1: Check Xbox 360 Controller battery
You should at first make sure the batteries of the Xbox 360 Controller is working properly on Windows 10. To complete this step, you can choose to insert a new AA battery pack into the Xbox 360 Controller.
Or if you are using the Xbox wireless 360 Controller, you are advised to replace the former one with a new wireless Xbox 360 Controller battery pack. But also if you are rechargeable battery consumer, you can just recharge the battery pack to see if the Xbox 360 Controller is working correctly.
Solution 2: Change a USB port
If the battery is in good condition, now you can try to plug your Xbox 360 Controller to another USB 2.0 or 3.0 port to check if it is the broken USB port that resulted in this Xbox 360 Controller not having a steady connection with Windows 10.
You can try to plug your Xbox 360 Controller into many different USB ports to test it, in this case, you may also be able to fix the Xbox 360 Controller blinking or flashing issues by reconnecting the Xbox 360 Controller to a different USB receiver. And here you can fix USB port not working issue on Windows 10.
Solution 3: Update Xbox 360 Controller drivers
If the Xbox 360 Controller not connected or not working error persists on your PC, it turns out the fact that the Xbox 360 Controller drivers are experiencing some problems, therefore, you would better update the Xbox 360 Controller wireless or wired drivers to the latest version to avoid the driver corruption, missing or interference.
1: Go to Device manager.
2: Expand the Xbox 360 Peripherals and find out Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows 10.
Here if you cannot find the right driver for Xbox 360 Controller, maybe you can find it in Other Devices or Network adapters.
3: Right click Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows and choose to Uninstall it.
4: Click Scan for hardware changes or just restart your PC, then Windows 10 will automatically install a new Xbox 360 Controller driver.
Or if you want to update the Xbox 360 Controller driver for an advanced or customized one, you can turn to Driver Booster, which is a professional and secure driver downloading and updating tool, you can rely on it.
Driver Booster, an automatically drivers download and update tool, can help users to get the latest graphic driver, audio driver, USB driver, mouse driver etc with one click. And as the best driver scanner, it can detect the most outdated and missing drivers for your computer.
Besides the driver function, it supports to download and update the game components such as Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, Microsoft XNA Framework Redistributable, OpenAL, etc.
You need to download, install and run Driver Booster at first.
Then Driver Booster will help you get the latest Xbox 360 Controller drivers as you like, you can do nothing else but click two clicks. In this way, what you can pick up is the high-quality driver as well as the legitimate Xbox 360 Controller driver.
However, it is feasible that you go to the Xbox 360 Controller official site to download and update the latest drivers for Windows 10, but it may be a little troublesome for you if you are not a computer veteran.
Solution 4: Uncheck Power Management
It is possible that your power management causes the Xbox 360 controller fail to work or connect to Windows 10, thus unchecking it may be a reliable way.
1: Under Xbox Peripherals, right click Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows 10 to open the Properties.
2: Navigate to Power Management tab, and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Then click OK.
Related View: Fix Allow the Computer to Turn Off this Device to Save Power Grayed Out
Solution 5: Perform Windows Update
If you have a blinking or flashing or just not working Xbox 360 Controller, you can use the Windows 11/10 embedded-in tool to keep the Xbox 360 Controller driver up to date, thus solving its failing to work issue.
Go as the path: Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update > Check for updates. And this is the tutorial: how to use Windows Update in Windows 10.
Then Windows 11/10 will automatically check for your gaming software drivers, if possible, it will install all the up-to-date drivers for you, including various Xbox 360 Controller drivers.
From all the solutions presented, you can adopt one effective, the Xbox 360 Controller, either wired or wireless, you can find it working properly on your PC, and you can enjoy playing games with Xbox 360 Controller gamepads again.
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