my controller syncs up with the adapter but the controller still does not work in games. why ...

Hooking up a controller to the computer is one thing. Another thing is checking if your PC game actually supports controller input.

Some PC games (usually console ports) may have full Xbox controller compatibility out of the box. Other PC games may require you manually map each button and input. The rest simply aren't programmed to use controllers.

I am seeing the same issue on Windows 10. After shutting off my PC, I have to re-sync my wireless adapter with my XboxOne controller. In fact, I have to disconnect the wireless adapter from the USB port and reconnect for it to sync up. As OP said, controller
does work fine when it is synced.

(At first I thought it was an USB port issue, but all my other devices: mouse, Steam controller, PS4 wireless headset, all work perfectly fine in the various ports.)

Thanks

Both controllers are up to date. With or without the headset adapter, it still does not work.

I think the Windows wireless adapter would require the controller to be synced with the adapter before it will work, which means the sync data to the console would be changed to the computer, until you resync the console with the controller.

it does work when i just press the sync button on my controller, without it being plugged in, and while its synced to the xbox, but this is a rare occurrence. and i still have to power on the xbox just to turn on the controller.

this is a newly refurbished controller, so i doubt it is the sync button itself either.