Why does my controller not select apps or options but in games the controller works...

So the controller works fine on other games. Have you already checked for a controller firmware updates via the Xbox Accessories app? Make sure you connect it using the USB cable when you check for updates.

Let's also verify and repair your game files:
Open the Xbox app for Windows.
In My Library, select the game title.
Select the More options (…) button and choose Manage.
Select Files and then Verify and repair.

Sure, you can link your Xbox account to Epic Games. But since game is not loading there, let's try this: Instead of using DS4 Emulator, use the X360 Controller Emulator.

Here's a guide on how to use X360 Controller Emulator for Dual Shock 4:

https://www.reddit.com/r/darksouls3/comments/4e...

After installing and configuring the emulator for Dual Shock 4, repair Maneater:

On the Xbox App, Select the Start button > Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Select the game that's not working, and then select Advanced options under the name of the game. On the page that opens with information about the game, select Repair.

After repairing the game, see if it works with the X360 Controller Emulator.

If it still doesn't work, please let me know, my friend.

Last option, only use this option if everthing here does not work.

Factory reset your Xbox One. If all else has failed, the last thing you can try is to factory reset your Xbox One. Make sure your save data is backed up before factory resetting your game console. Use the following steps to factory reset your Xbox One:

Press the Xbox button on your controller.

Select Profile & system.

Select Settings.

Select System.

Select Console info

Select Reset console.

Select Reset and keep my games and apps. If this option doesn't work, repeat and select Reset and remove everything.

Hi Excesswater, my name is Oskayra and I would be happy to help.

To set up multiple controllers on Xbox Series X, you must follow these steps:

-Connect all controllers to the console. You can do this using a USB cable or connecting them wirelessly.
-Open the Settings app.
-Go to "Devices and connections".
-Select "Accessories".
-Select the controller you want to configure.
-Select "Assigned to".
-Select the user account you want to assign the controller to.
-Once you have assigned all controllers to user accounts, you can use them to play multiplayer games.

In your case, it seems that you have correctly assigned the controllers to the user accounts. However, the controllers can be configured to function as a single controller. To check it, follow these steps:

-Open the Settings app.
-Go to "Devices and connections".
-Select "Accessories".
-Select the controller you want to configure.
-Select "Advanced Settings".
-Select "Pairing".
-If the "Pairing" option is activated, the controllers will work as a single controller. To disable it, uncheck the option.

If you disabled pairing and the controllers still work as a single controller, there may be an issue with the console or controllers. In this case, you can try restarting the console or contact Microsoft support. If so, ask me for the link and I'll send it to you here.

Through the following link that I will provide you you will be able to see more detailed information regarding the solutions that I gave you in case you want to be sure that my information is correct, keep in mind that I specified the information to help you in a more personalized way with your problem.

https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/accessories/xbox-accessories-app

I really hope your problem was solved with my help, have a nice day.
Oskayra

Its usually auto depending on your settings. Try to check for updates on the game app. If it's ps4 I usually press options on the controller while the game app is selected and you can select "check for update"