Xbox 360 controller won't work after starting a game PC

Hi and thanks for reaching Microsoft Xbox gamer's community. My name is Josef.

I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft Xbox user like you.

Hope you're doing great today Isidoro

This applies for all games from Steam?

Did you tried using xinput to force xbox 360 controller use?

Usually with newer games (since launch of Xbox One controllers) this controller is not being recognized due to developers didn't release an official support for it.

But if you don't mind I'm thinking couple options more apart from the xinput thing:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedeta...

1. Try uninstalling the most recent windows update, just in case it is the one that is causing conflicts

2. If you're on Windows 11, downgrade to 10 and try again. Or do the opposite case if you're able to upgrade to 11.

For these 2 options in the link below you're able to follow necessary steps:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/rec...

**About steam community thread: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Hi,

There aren't any drivers to download for Windows 10 as the drivers for Xbox 360 controllers are already built into the OS.

The Xbox 360 controller uses its own type of wireless protocol, it's not Bluetooth and so it can't be connected to a PC directly without additional hardware. It needs an Xbox 360 wireless gaming receiver for use on a PC. This receiver needs to be specifically for Xbox 360 controllers. The receivers for the Xbox One controllers won't work either.

[quote user="MayhemsShadow"]

well, to answer your question, voteDC, most pc games use the keyboard as well as a controller, and i'm not a big fan of that. [/quote]

That's not strictly true. Most PC games that have controller support will work with the controller only if you so wish, especially if the game fully supports the Xbox 360 controller. Quite a few of EA's racing games support the Xbox 360 controller. I've
been playing Need For Speed Hot Pursuit with my Xbox 360 controller, no need to use the keyboard and mouse with that game at all.

Other PC games I've been playing recently with full Xbox 360 controller support include:

Fallout 3

Fallout New Vegas

Mafia II

Tomb Raider Anniversary

GTA IV

Resident Evil 5

Bioshock

Test Drive Unlimited II

I've only just started to play PC games again after I built a new gaming PC last week. Those are just the games I've played with an Xbox 360 pad so far, there are loads more.

Hmmm, that's interesting, I just read the following on gametrailers.com

---

Can I use an Xbox 360 controller for Halo: Spartan Assault?

Yes, although use of the Xbox 360 controller is limited to the Windows 8 PC version of the game. This control method won't be available immediately at launch, however. Until 360 controller functionality is patched in a couple of weeks after launch, PC players
will need to use a keyboard and mouse.

---

What a shame there's no demo so we can test the game with our hardware first.

Also, if and when 360 controller support is added, how will we know?

Hopefully it will be clearly displayed on the store page, because I won't be buying it until I'm sure... That said, once the game has full 360 pad support, I'll buy it immediately.

Looking forward to it.

and what does the connect button do on controller?

The connect button starts the pairing process with a Xbox 360 console or the Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows.

The Xbox 360 controller uses a proprietary wireless protocol, and NOT Bluetooth. So the standard wireless devices in your computer can't work with the Xbox 360 wireless controller.

You absolutely definitely need the Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows if you wish to use your Xbox 360 controller on your PC.

Make sure you do NOT get the Wireless Gaming Receiver for Xbox One controllers, as they won't work with Xbox 360 controllers.

Also if you try to use a Play & Charge USB cable on your Xbox 360 controller, this will also not work, as the Play & Charge cable ONLY carries power, but does NOT transmit controller data.

So if you don't want to buy a wireless receiver, your only options are to buy a dedicated wired Xbox 360 controller (that has a non-removable USB cord attached), or get a Xbox One controller with Bluetooth functionality.