Xbox controller wont appear when searching bluetooth devices on pc

Hi there! This is Virginia O.

I understand that you are experiencing issues connecting your controller to your PC via bluetooth.

I apologize for the inconvenienced this has caused you. I will do my best to help you.

Please run the Bluetooth troubleshooter. To do this, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Select "Find and fix problems with Bluetooth devices".

Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the troubleshooter.

And make sure that your PC is up-to-date with the latest Windows updates.



Next is to update bluetooth drivers by opening your Device Manager (search for it in the Start menu). Expand "Bluetooth" or "Xbox peripherals".

Right-click on your Bluetooth adapter and select "Update driver".

Choose "Search automatically for drivers".

If that doesn't work, try uninstalling the driver and restarting your PC.

Then update controller firmware. Please update the controller firmware using the Xbox Accessories app on your PC or console.

After that is to check for interference because other Bluetooth devices or wireless routers can cause interference.

If the issue persist after performing the troubleshooting steps, kindly connect the controller to your PC using a USB cable to see if it works. This will help determine if the issue is with the PC or the controller itself.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Good thought, but this doesn't address the controller not appearing under 'Bluetooth & devices'.

One more detail, when I connect the controller wirelessly to the pc via the Xbox Wireless Adapter. Press the sync button, light blinks rapidly. On PC click 'add xbox controller via wireless adapter. The controller light immediately goes solid, but the PC never indicates it found a device, it just keeps searching indefinitely.

Please ensure you are following Xbox Support's steps to pair the controller: https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/controller/connect-xbox-wireless-controller-to-pc

To pair an Xbox Wireless Controller to your PC via Bluetooth:

Turn on your Xbox Wireless Controller by pressing the Xbox button.

Press and hold the Pair button on your controller for three seconds (the Xbox button will start flashing rapidly).

On your PC, press the Start button, then choose Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices (on Windows 11: Settings > Bluetooth & devices).

Turn on Bluetooth. Select Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth (on Windows 11: Add device). Your PC will begin searching for your controller.

Select Xbox Elite Wireless Controller > Done.

If it's still not going into pairing mode, try holding the Pair button for longer than 3 seconds.

Thanks,
Kyle

Hi Cassie,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Xbox Community. I'm sorry to hear that you're having issues connecting your controller to your PC wirelessly via bluetooth.

Here's the step-by-step instructions on how you could connect your controller to your Windows PC via bluetooth:

1. Turn on your controller by pressing the Xbox button for 3 seconds. When you turn on the controller, the Xbox button will start flashing.

2. Press and hold the Pair button on the top of the controller (the raised button). The Xbox button on the controller will flash more rapidly—this means your controller is searching for a PC.

3. On your PC, press the Start button, then select Settings > Devices (on Windows 11: Settings > Bluetooth & devices).

4. Choose Add Bluetooth or other device (on Windows 11: Add device), then select Everything else.

5. Choose Xbox Wireless Controller or Xbox Elite Wireless Controller from the list. When connected, the Xbox button on the controller will stay lit.

Regards,

Alvaro

Hi Jabari,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Xbox Community. I'm sorry to hear that you're having issues connecting your controller to your PC wirelessly via bluetooth. Did you update your controller's firmware prior this issue?

Here's the step-by-step instructions on how you could connect your controller to your Windows PC via bluetooth:

1. Turn on your controller by pressing the Xbox button for 3 seconds. When you turn on the controller, the Xbox button will start flashing.

2. Press and hold the Pair button on the top of the controller (the raised button). The Xbox button on the controller will flash more rapidly—this means your controller is searching for a PC.

3. On your PC, press the Start button, then select Settings > Devices (on Windows 11: Settings > Bluetooth & devices).

4. Choose Add Bluetooth or other device (on Windows 11: Add device), then select Everything else.

5. Choose Xbox Wireless Controller or Xbox Elite Wireless Controller from the list. When connected, the Xbox button on the controller will stay lit.

Regards,

Alvaro