Xbox One Wireless Controller Cannot Connect via Bluetooth to Surface Pro 4 (with Win10 ...

Note: after 2+ hours in chat with the Xbox Technical Support Team, they asked that I document this issue in these forums, so here it is. It's very detailed so the Technical Teams working on Xbox accessories and/or Windows 10 on Surface Pro
4 have as much information as they need to resolve the issue.

Background/Context:

On July 26, 2016, I bought a
Surface Pro 4 (256GB / Intel Core i5 / 8GB RAM) with the Xbox One
1TB Tom Clancy's The Division bundle from the Microsoft Store.

I have used the Wireless Controller (with Bluetooth) on the console without any problems. It goes without saying, but this Bluetooth-ready controller is designed to connect to the Xbox One console or any Windows 10 device (except mobile devices) running
on the Anniversary Update of Windows 10,
version 1607, released Aug 02, 2016, without the need for a USB adapter.

Problem:

I tried to connect my wireless controller last night to my Surface Pro 4, but the controller would not appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices so I could not bind to it. I believe the issue causing this is a
missing driver in the "Network adapters" section in the Device Manager window.

You nice folks reading this will probably want to make sure that I have compatible hardware and software on both sides of the connection, so let's get that out of the way first.

Troubleshooting Measures Already Taken:

There are three pages on support.xbox.com with the most helpful instructions regarding connecting the controller to a PC, troubleshooting Bluetooth issues on Windows 10, and troubleshooting the Xbox wireless adapter for Windows.

Page #1 - How to connect an Xbox One Wireless Controller to a Windows PC

Connect Xbox Wireless Controller to Windows PC | Xbox One Accessories

This page states in the overview section that "You can connect your Xbox Controller to a Windows PC either by using a cable, the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows, or Bluetooth." (emphasis mine)

The table below that paragraph shows the various platforms supporting the use of the wireless controller, including the XBox One Console and Windows 10, 8.1, and 7 PCs. In the row for Windows 10 PCs, there are two notes given - one applies to connecting
the controller via Xbox Wireless and USB, and the other applies to connecting the controller via Bluetooth - it's the Bluetooth connection we're concerned about here. The note states that connecting via Bluetooth "requires Windows 10 Anniversary
Edition and Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth".

In my Windows Update history, it shows two entries related to the Windows 10, version 1607 update:

• Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1607 for x64-based Systems (KB3176495) - Successfully installed on 8/9/2016
  
• Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1607 for x64-based Systems (KB3176929) - Successfully installed on 8/3/2016
  

No additional updates from Windows Update are available at this time (Friday, 8/12/2016, 8:44 AM MDT).

And this is the edition of the wireless controller (with Bluetooth) which I'm trying to connect: Black Wireless Controller | Xbox.
My controller does have the ))) icon next to the Bind button, meaning the controller does have Bluetooth.

Next, the Xbox support page discusses having the right drivers installed. "For Windows 10, the most current drivers are pre-installed with the operating system and are automatically updated through the Xbox Accessories app." I will add here
that on Wednesday, 8/10/2016, while the controller was connected to my Xbox One console, the system prompted me to update the controller firmware, which I did, so the controller is running with its latest update.

A few lines down, the page displays instructions for checking for updates manually in the Device Manager. Apparently I should be able to find a driver titled Microsoft Xbox One Controller in the list, but I didn't see it anywhere in any
of the device categories, but this is likely due to me running on Windows 10, and not on 8.1 or 7. Either way, I went through the next steps and downloaded the Microsoft - Other hardware - Microsoft Xbox One Controller driver from the Microsoft
Update Catalog web app (on IE11) for the AMD64 architecture, since my Surface Pro 4 is a 64-bit machine. I extracted the contents of the downloaded CAB file, right-clicked the file xb1usb.inf and installed the driver, however it failed to
make any change or add any entry into the Device Manager list, despite multiple clicks of the "Scan for Hardware Changes" button and complete system restarts.

So the manual driver installation didn't do anything to help me on the Surface Pro 4... moving on.

Skipping the "Set up a controller using a USB cable" and "Set up a controller wirelessly" (because I'm not interested in using the USB adapter - only the Bluetooth connection), we get to the last section on this page, "Set up a controller using Bluetooth".
Obviously I had tried this first and multiple attempts throughout the previously described troubleshooting steps, but I should at least describe what I encountered while trying to bind the controller to my Surface Pro 4.

For clarity's sake I'll restate here that I do have a wireless controller with Bluetooth, denoted by the O ))) bind button. Holding down the bind button for a couple of seconds makes the Xbox button blink on and off rapidly, putting it into pairing mode.
On the Windows 10 side, on the "Manage Bluetooth devices" window in the Settings app, my PC was already connected and/or paired with the Surface Pen and a Bluetooth headset - both of which work fine so I know my Bluetooth adapter on the Surface Pro 4 is functioning
properly, able to find new Bluetooth devices, and pair/connect with them successfully.

However, when I put the controller into pairing mode, the Surface Pro 4 fails to detect it as an available device. It simply doesn't show up at all. Other users have seen a listing pop up with the name "XBOX ACC" and can fix issues there by updating the
related driver in the Device Manager, but again, it doesn't come up this way for me. There was a split second, just once, where I did see a listing in the "Manage Bluetooth devices" window appear for just a moment before disappearing again. I can't say for
sure, but I think the name of the device (before it disappeared) was "XBOX ACC". I couldn't get it to do that again, no matter what I did.

Here are some more links about the XBOX ACC driver, but I think this driver is only helpful to those using the USB wireless adapter - probably not useful for a Bluetooth connection:

• Windows 10 can't find driver for Xbox One COntroller wireless adapter
  
• Fix for Xbox One Wireless Adapter Not Working in Windows 10 - XBOX ACC Driver | Matt's Repository
  
• Xbox acc driver is unavailable. Cant get the xbox one wireless adapter to work. • r/Windows10
  

None of the above helped me resolve the issue, so let's look at the next Xbox support page.

Page #2 - Connect and troubleshoot Bluetooth on your Xbox One Wireless Controller

https://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox...bleshoot-xbox-one-bluetooth-issues-windows-10

This second page repeats much of the information on the first Xbox Support page I walked through. The page starts by listing several caveats for the Bluetooth connection to work between the wireless controller and the Windows 10 device. Here are the criteria,
and my Yes/No comment added to indicate if my own scenario complies:

1. Xbox One Wireless Controller has the Bluetooth feature, shown on top of the controller next to the Bind button with this symbol O ))) -
   Yes
2. Bluetooth requires PC/device to run the Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607) -
   Yes
3. Bluetooth is supported on a PC, tablet, or laptop, but not supported on mobile device - Yes
   
4. Bluetooth does not support any attachments, such as headsets, Chatpads, or the Xbox Stereo adapter - N/A
   
5. One controller can be connected to your PC via Bluetooth at a time - If only I could get one to connect in the first place!
   
   
6. Supported scenarios:

• Windows 10 / via Bluetooth - one (1) Xbox Wireless Controller only (Yes), running Windows 10 Anniversary Edition (Yes), and Xbox Wireless Controller has Bluetooth (Yes)
  
  

My hardware and software meet the above criteria, so next the page instructs me on how to connect the wireless controller to my PC using Bluetooth, which I've already tried dozens of times but to no avail. Moving on.

In the "Troubleshoot Bluetooth Issues on Windows 10" section, the scenarios don't apply to my case since I never could get the controller to pair with my PC in the first place. As stated, the Surface never detected the controller in the list of Bluetooth
devices available.

Let's move on to the third Xbox support page, where I think we finally get to the root of the issue.

Page #3 - Troubleshoot the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows

http://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-...roubleshoot-xbox-wireless-adapter-for-windows

Looking at the Topics in the support article, which ones apply to my case?

• The adapter didn't auto-install - Probably
• The adapter was working but isn't responding now - N/A for Bluetooth connection issue
  
• The controller won't bind to the adapter - N/A for Bluetooth connection issue
  
• Headset audio issues through the controller - N/A
• The controller frequently disconnects from the adapter - N/A for Bluetooth connection issue
  
• Other controller problems - N/A for Bluetooth connection issue
  

Looks like the only applicable topic on the page is the first one -
the adapter didn't auto-install.

The section reads: "Because the drivers for the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows are embedded within the Windows 10 operating system, the adapter should auto-install."

I think the driver(s) for the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10 are missing on my device, despite my Surface Pro 4 running the Anniversary update of Windows.

The page continues: "If it doesn't, try the following solutions:

• Make sure your Windows 10 device is connected to the Internet. - Yes
  
• Make sure your Windows 10 device is up to date by going to Windows Update on your device and checking for available updates. - Yes
  
• Reboot your device and try again. - Yes
• Ensure your USB ports are not disabled in your Device Manager. - Yes
  
• Try another USB 2.0 or 3.0 port. - N/A for Bluetooth connection issue
  
• Try reinstalling the drivers in case they have partially installed. To do so, you need to uninstall the drivers. - Can't do it; drivers not showing in Device Manager
  

Let's take a closer look at the last one - the page gives steps to manually check on the drivers.

• Try reinstalling the drivers in case they have partially installed. To do so, you need to uninstall the drivers. Follow these steps to complete this process:
  

1. Go to your Device Manager. - OK
2. Locate Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows in the Network adapters section. - Not found!
   

The last step in this list is

8. If the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows still does not install, follow all of the above steps thoroughly one more time. If this doesn't work, your adapter needs to be replaced. See How to get service for your
Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows.

but since we're not concerned with getting a USB adapter replaced, but rather fixing the Bluetooth connection issue, the root of the problem is not being able to properly install the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows if the driver was not
auto-installed or partially installed.

Tech support also asked me to try plugging in the controller via USB/micro USB to my Surface to see if it works on a wired connection, and it does that just fine. I was able to open the
Xbox Accessories app and view my controller which was properly linked to my Gamertag. I made sure the controller wasn't lacking another

update even though the night before the controller firmware got updated while it was connected to my Xbox One console), and tried again to connect via Bluetooth, hoping the controller had pushed the needed driver installation on my Windows 10 OS. This also
made no difference.

Diagnosis:

And now the bad news - the chat representative on the Xbox Support team informed me that, after coordinating this issue with the Technical Team, "based on [their] review, for now, the compatibility is for Windows PC only" (referring to
desktop and probably laptop PCs only; many tablets like my Surface Pro 4 might be missing the driver).

I need help tracking down and installing the Windows 10 driver for connecting the Xbox One Wireless Controller via Bluetooth!

The support guys asked me to post in the forms so that they can track the issue and further investigate it.

I also saved my chat conversation with the Xbox Support representative in a .txt file, which you can view here.

:)

 

Xbox One S Bluetooth Controller For PC

you should have a large update version 1607 if not then a few days at most it will take then the bluetooth controller will work according to

support.xbox.com/.../connect-xbox-one-controller-to-pc it says you need win10 anniversary update which is the new one that came out august 2nd. im still downloading it.

 

Does the Xbox One S console have Bluetooth Capability? I.E Bluetooth Headsets

There is no Bluetooth radio component in the Xbox One S console itself.

The controllers connect to the Xbox One S the same way the controllers connect to the original Xbox One: proprietary RF. You could technically connect an Xbox One S controller to an original Xbox One, and an original Xbox controller to the Xbox One S.

The Bluetooth functionality in the new Xbox One S controller is specifically made for connecting the controller to a Windows 10 PC with the "Anniversary" update, which has the drivers needed for the controller when connected via Bluetooth.

 

I have the same issue whit my Asus ROG. if you find any solution please let me know !

 

I had all the issues but I held down the signal button on the top of the controller and it worked.

 

I am having the same issue since yesterday May 31. 2017 before that my xbox one controller was connecting to my PC's bluetooth with no issue.

 

I have exactly the same problem - I bought two Xbox One Bluetooth controllers for use with my PC (with an Asus Maximus VIII Extreme motherboard). I simply can't get Windows 10 to see either of my controllers via Bluetooth. Very frustrating indeed. I have
also followed all of the troubleshooting steps. Bluetooth works on the PC, I can see other devices fine, just not the controllers.

 

Any progress on this at all? I have the same setup (SP4, Arctic Forces Bluetooth controller).

I bought the controller in June and it paired, and worked fine for a few days.. got back home from my trip and a week later tried to use it but controller did not pair.

Now I can go through the add BT wizard and the controller does not show at all, it pairs fine to my Android phone and works perfectly but nothing on Windows 10.

In my Device Manager, under Bluetooth devices I actually have "Xbox Wireless controller" listed, but the controller still wont pair and wont show in the Bluetooth devices window!

 

Having the same issue on my surface pro 4, I hope this gets resolved soon.

 

So maybe the issue in the original author's case is the drivers thing but in my case this is what fixed my problem and I figured it could potentially help the OP author, the other people here, and anyone else who ends up having this problem.

After buying my $80 (as it was worth at the time) Dawn Shadow Xbox One Controller and pairing it to my PC I was actually amazed at how well it worked because I generally hate Bluetooth
when it comes to computers. But using this controller has been AWESOME right until it stopped working but I found a solution that just completely fixed the problem and now my setup is working again and the controller is awesome again!

I went out one day and my brother texted and asked if he could use my controller and even though I said nothing, he still took it anyways and paired it with his Xbox One. I get home and it’s back on my dresser, I update Windows to Creative Edition and everything’s
fine until I go to play some games. What do you know, when I turn on my Xbox One controller, it turns on his Xbox One! So I unplug his Xbox One and I try to turn my controller on and it’s still very clearly now paired to his Xbox One and not my computer. I
go into the Bluetooth settings on my computer and it says the controller is “Paired” but it no longer said connected and pressing Connect simply did nothing. Thinking I’d just add it back again I deleted it from my Bluetooth connected devices and I go to “Add
Bluetooth Device” but no matter which option I pick the Xbox One Controller wasn’t popping up anywhere, even in seek mode.

I tried all kinds of different solutions from a ton of restarts hoping that’d fix it to solutions I found online like plugging it in via USB then deleting it from Device Manager and unplugging it and turning it back on and trying to pair it (didn’t work). Nothing
worked, and I got really really scared I’d bricked my beautiful Xbox One Controller that worked so well with my PC (I mean it still worked but only with my brother’s Xbox One which does me no good).

But THEN I FOUND THIS SOLUTION, thanks to "Mr. MendeIli" and it worked and was extremely easy, holy crap. (Spoiler, the solution is just to update the Xbox One Controller).

The link to where I found it (and some other possible fixes if this doesn't work for you, though it did work for me and now I'm using my controller blissfully again, completely back to normal) is here:

https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/287746/problems-when-trying-to-connect-xbox-one-s-control...

And the link to the actual solution is right below where I said, "For instructions on how to update".

Even though I'd seen a lot of "update the Xbox One Controller for optimal functionality" I'd never paid attention because to me, that was a pain in the butt.

But low and behold, that's the solution. All you have to do is update the Xbox One Controller, given it's an S model and it IS Bluetooth compatible according to actual Microsoft. Once you update it, unplug it from the USB again and then just turn the controller
off and back on and go to pair it. It should finally pop up for you there, as it did for me. (FINALLY; and working perfect again!)

For instructions on how to update, just follow the directions that are there straight from Microsoft's website following "Update Via PC", or see my TL;DR instructions in my next post.

http://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-...set-adapter#c7aa20a849374f2b9c4aaaf0129c075c/

Hope this helps guys!

 

Here's the TL;DR of how to fix it: Your PC isn’t discovering your Bluetooth Xbox One controller no matter what you try? It isn’t appearing?

Update the controller:

1. Download “Xbox Accessories” from Windows 10 store.
2. Open the App.

3. Plug in your Xbox One controller to PC via USB.

4. It should say “Update required”, click that, wait for it to update.

5. When it’s done updating, unplug the controller from your PC. Turn it off and back on and go to pair it in your PC’s Bluetooth Options > Add A Device > Bluetooth (click the seek
button on your Xbox Controller so that it searches for your PC). It should pop up there now, simply pair it and you’re set, cheers!

Hope this helps guys!