Xbox Series X Controller won't stay on after turning on and connecting to PC wirelessly

Byron Lau · Jan 22, 2023

Been looking everywhere for a possible fix for this problem, but can't find it.

I have an Xbox Series X controller that I'm using for my PC games, with the official Wireless Adapter. It was working fine, until recently in the last week whenever I turn it on, it connects, is working and detected on my computer, but then shuts back off after a few seconds. I even clearly see it being connected in the Xbox Accessories app, then disconnecting once it turns off again.

I've swapped batteries multiple times, so it's not a battery issue. I've updated the firmware with the Xbox Accessories app, and it's still happening. The only way I can keep the controller connected was connecting it with a USB C cable, starting my game, then unplugging the cable, and then it would remain connected through my wireless adapter, for some reason.

:)

Byron Lau

I've not installed or plugged in any other wireless devices that weren't already previously present (my phone, my wireless mice, other laptops) when the controller was working as normal.

Rostom L

Thanks for your response. That's weird because it will work fine if you connect it first using a USB cable then uplug it.

My suggestion here is to update all your drivers like GPU etc. You may refer to any of your manual there to update your PC drivers.

Rostom L

Hi Byron! I'm Rostom, an Independent Advisor. I will be glad to help you here.

It looks like it may be a wireless interference issue. Have you checked if there are other wireless devices near you or plugged into your PC? If there's one, please turn it off or unplug it so we can observe if it causes the disconnection or not.

Luke_917

Thanks for the reply. Interesting, I did not know that it was "wirelessly" connected while connected to a USB C Data Cord. As soon as I unplug, it stays disconnected (in sync mode the controller also keeps blinking then turns off). If this is right I don't know why I also can't sync any of my other Xbox controllers to the series X unless connected with a cord (works on an One X controller also, stops when unplugged). I don't know why the sync button (blinking) stopped operating all together.

I replaced my batteries and tried to pull and place back in earlier with no luck. I also updated the controller as I set up as new.

The interesting thing is I am able to use the series X controller perfectly on PC wirelessly with windows 10/Xbox PC adapter. I have no problems on PC wireless.

MageCoerlin

Not sure if this is relevant, but my Xbox also sometimes doesn't connect wirelessly to my controllers and I have to hard reset. Occasionally if I connect via cord, it gets done and I can detach the cord and it stays connected. But more often than not, even
after getting positive feedback from the controller on a wired connection, the Xbox still won't recognize the equipment and refuses to connect. Repairing obviously doesn't work here either.

If the Xbox is using the same tech to connect to the wifi and the controllers, could this also be a problem?

Xbox Series X Controller won't stay on after turning on and connecting to PC wirelessly