Xbox One controller (wireless w/ cable) on pc windows 7

the answer is it is a wireless controller they dont work with the usb charging cable ive tried it on windows 7 and 10 you need a proper wired controller apparently.

That's true for 360 controllers, but not Xbox One. The Xbox One controllers work wired and via wireless on PC. My wiress controllers all work fine via the micro USB cable on my PC.

Windows 7 doesn't come with drivers built in to the OS though, they may need need to be downloaded manually if Windows update isn't picking up the controller.

I would check in the "Device Manager"

Go to where you have the Xbox Controller listed there and right click on it and see if there is any updates to the driver. You system may have updated something and inadvertently removed or messed up the drivers currently pushing your controller.

Hope is works?!

I have the answer it states at the xbox website “The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is also compatible with PCs running Windows 7 or later versions. To connect the controller to a PC, use the included
USB cable or use the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows (Windows 10 only).” hope this helps

Many PC games let you play with an Xbox Wireless Controller instead of a keyboard or mouse. You can connect your controller to a Windows PC by using a USB cable, the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows, or over Bluetooth. Some PCs also come with Xbox
Wireless built in, so you can connect a controller directly without an adapter.
The Xbox 360 Controller for Windows can be easily installed on any PC that has an available USB port and is running Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, or Windows 7.

For more info:

https://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-on-windows/accessories/connect-xbox-one-controller-to-pc

https://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-on-windows/accessories/xbox-controller-for-windows-setup

Are your Windows 7 Updated?

See that https://support.xbox.com/en-Us/xbox...roller-to-pc#5eaad24ecfa0476da13c8e12d375312b

Connect a controller to a Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 PC

When you connect an Xbox Wireless Controller to your Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 PC with a micro-USB cable, Windows will automatically download and install the drivers for the controller. If Windows is not set to automatically download device software, you
can check for updates through Device Manager.

Update drivers through Device Manager

Here’s how to check for updates manually in the Device Manager:

1. Point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, and then select Search.
2. Enter Device Manager in the search box, and then select Device Manager.
   
   Note Windows may ask you for an administrator password or to confirm your choice.
3. Locate and expand Microsoft Xbox One Controller.
4. Right-click the expanded Microsoft Xbox One Controller and select Update Driver Software.
5. Select Search Automatically for Updated Software.

With Xbox Wireless or USB connections, you can connect 4 Xbox Wireless Controllers at the same time. You won’t get audio through the controller so there’s no need to connect a headset. Bluetooth connections are not supported.

Notes

• If the controller doesn't respond, try a different micro-USB cable.
• To use your Xbox Wireless Controller with your console after using it with a PC, you must re-sync the controller to the console. You can do this by using the wireless sync button or a USB cable. For details, see Connect
  a wireless Xbox One controller to your console.
• This information applies only to Xbox One Wireless Controllers. For help with other gamepads or joysticks or for information on configuring a specific game so that you can play it with a controller, refer to the manufacturer’s website.

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