Windows PC not recognizing Xbox controller unless plugged in?

If the Xbox 360 controller is a wired controller, then the controller can be used on the PC, just plug it in the USB port, and it should recognize it and let you use it. If it is a wireless Xbox 360 controller, then you will need the Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows to connect the controller to your PC.

Summary: I fixed it by plugging USB cable into a controller and pc, win 10 recognized it, system restart was required and after that controller was working wirelessly also.

Longer description: I installed fresh windows 10, downloaded and installed all win updates, then I tried all these steps and at the end controller started working.

1) plugged wireless adapter into USB windows 10 recognized it but Xbox one controller won't connect (keep on blinking)

2) plugged wireless adapter into another USB port but Xbox one controller won't connect (keep on blinking)

3) plugged wireless adapter into another USB port started task manager removed Xbox one adapter, windows found it again but still noting (gamepad keep on blinking)

4) plugged wireless adapter into another USB port (front) started task manager removed Xbox one adapter and Xbox drivers, windows found it again installed it but still noting (gamepad keep on blinking)

5) FINALLY, I fixed it by plugging USB cable into a controller and pc, win 10 recognized it, system restart was required and after that controller was working wirelessly also.

However, I keep seeing videos on youtube from the past where they used the xbox app and plugged in the 360 controller in their PC or laptop and windows 10 recognizes it.

If you're streaming games from an Xbox One to a PC, the PC can play the games with either a Xbox One or a 360 controller. But the Xbox One can not use 360 peripherals connected directly to it.

And of course PC gamers (like me) can use whatever controller we like with Windows.

Hi! I'm Luis, a fellow Xbox Gamer . Thanks for reaching us out here.

If your controller is fully updated but still won´t power on without a cable then it sadly needs to be replaced or serviced.

Or you can still use it if you do not mind using a cable

Hello Ben,

We understand that you're experiencing an issue with being able to connect your Xbox One wireless controller to your Windows 10 PC as it is not recognized as a device.

Our suggestion here, please review our How to connect an Xbox One Wireless Controller to a Windows PC
support article which has the various processes for setting this up, even containing notes in regards to why the controller might be recognized on the PC.

Try this for us and let us know if this works, or if further assistance is needed.

Best wishes!