xbox 360 controller for windows can't connect anymore

Did your controller ever work before, or are you just trying to get it to work now?

The drivers for the Xbox 360 are not available for download independently anymore, and there is no reason for them to be, as Xbox 360 controllers have been natively supported by Windows since Windows Vista. The drivers can't be downloaded because they are already part of the Windows Operating System.

Is your controller wired or wireless?

Unlike Xbox One or Series X|S controllers, Xbox 360 wireless controllers are always wireless. If you've attempted to connect a Wireless Xbox 360 controller to your laptop with the Play and Charge cable, it won't work. This is because the Play and Charge does not send data. It will just flash. Xbox 360 wireless controllers need an Xbox 360 gaming receiver.

Only Xbox One or newer Series X|S controllers can be both wired and wireless.

Not all 360 controllers will work. It must be the one for windows.

No that's not correct. All Xbox 360 controllers will work with Windows. The only difference with the Xbox 360 controller for Windows is that these were largely sold as wireless controllers and came bundled with the Xbox Gaming Receiver for Windows.

Unlike the Xbox One/Series X|S controllers, you can't make a wireless Xbox 360 controller wired by connecting a Play & Charge cable to it. A wireless controller connected with a Play & Charge cable are always wireless. The cable does not send data it only recharges the battery or powers the controller if no battery is present.

If you want to use a wireless Xbox 360 controller with a PC, you'll need a 360 Gaming Receiver. And, it must be the Xbox 360 receiver, the Xbox One wireless adaptors don't work.

Hi,

Unfortunately unlike the Xbox One controllers, the wireless Xbox 360 controllers remain wireless regardless of whether you connect them to a PC with a Play and Charge. You can't make an Xbox 360 wireless controller a wired controller.

If you want to use your 360 wireless controller on a PC you'll need to buy an Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows.

If it's a wired controller, then just connect via the USB connection, and Windows should install the driver for you. If it is wireless controller, then you will need the official Xbox 360 wireless controller adapter for PC.

Here is instructions how to connect the controller https://support.xbox.com/en-GB/help...accessories/xbox-controller-for-windows-setup

Are you sure the Xbox 360 is a wired Xbox 360 controller, and not connected by a separate cable like the play and charge cable? If it is the play and charge cable, it will not work on Windows 10, as it only charges the batteries on a PC. If it is a actual
wired controller, then Windows 10 should detect and then download the drivers if needed.

More info on connecting a 360 controller to a PC can be found here
https://beta.support.xbox.com/help/xbox-360/xbox-on-windows/accessories/xbox-controller-for-windows-setup