Xbox Wireless Controller - Cannot be paired with PC

Looking at the guide it says thus:

"The Xbox Wireless Controller that comes with Xbox Series X|S includes a feature that allows for quickly switching between a paired Bluetooth device and an Xbox console or a PC using Xbox Wireless. If the controller is connected to a Bluetooth device, double-press the Pair button and the controller will immediately switch its connection to the last Xbox Wireless connection it was paired to. Then, to switch back to the paired Bluetooth device, press and hold the Pair button to start pairing mode".

This only works between a the controller paired to a PC with Bluetooth or another PC or Xbox paired via the proprietary 'Xbox Wireless' protocol. So, if you're using an Xbox Adaptor on your laptop and also own an Xbox you can only pair it to one of them. If you want to quickly swap between console and PC you'll have to use Bluetooth on the PC.

It's the same issue you'd get if you owned two consoles, you can only pair a controller to one console.

Hello, I hope you are well.

Please check these steps below.

What you are seeing with the LEDs is an indication that the Xbox 360 Explorer controller is entering pairing mode, not working mode. In order for the controller to function on your PC, you must first pair it with the Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter.

Steps to pair the controller with the wireless adapter:

Connect the wireless adapter: Connect the Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter to a USB port on your PC.

Press the pairing button on the adapter: On the wireless adapter, there is a small button (usually near the USB port). Press and hold this button for a few seconds. The LED on the adapter should start blinking.

Turn on the controller: Press the Xbox button in the center of the controller to turn it on.

Please ensure you are following Xbox Support's steps to pair the controller: https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/controller/connect-xbox-wireless-controller-to-pc

To pair an Xbox Wireless Controller to your PC via Bluetooth:

Turn on your Xbox Wireless Controller by pressing the Xbox button.

Press and hold the Pair button on your controller for three seconds (the Xbox button will start flashing rapidly).

On your PC, press the Start button, then choose Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices (on Windows 11: Settings > Bluetooth & devices).

Turn on Bluetooth. Select Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth (on Windows 11: Add device). Your PC will begin searching for your controller.

Select Xbox Elite Wireless Controller > Done.

If it's still not going into pairing mode, try holding the Pair button for longer than 3 seconds.

Thanks,
Kyle

Hey Chance,

Thanks for posting! When wiring an Xbox One controller into a Windows PC to charge, the PC will switch to prioritizing that USB connection over the wireless dongle. When you unplug the controller from your PC, the PC may not pick up the wireless connection
and a pairing the controller again would be necessary.

Hope that helps clear up the issue.

To the OPs problem for no sound and no vibration that should be fixed with the latest driver updates.

For pairing, how are you pairing the controller? I have mentioned this on other posts, one easy alternate way to pair is to have your controller connected wired to the PC, plug in the Wireless Adapter to the PC as well, wait like 5 seconds, and unplug the
controller, the driver stack will automatically have paired the controller to the adapter, just like on the Xbox.

Once you pair the controller successfully and never use that controller for any other PC or Xbox, then the address of the adapter is saved in the controller. Repairing to the same adapter is not required. If it is not connecting, plug/unplug the adapter
instead to reset the adapter.

We are working with our partners to address some of the major issues.