Xbox Wireless Controller won't connect to PC Game Pass

Hi,

I suspect you're attempting to connect an Xbox 360 wireless controller to your PC using a Play & Charge cable? Effectively making it a wired controller?

I'm afraid this won't work. Unlike Xbox One/Series X controllers, wireless 360 controllers are always wireless, connecting a Play & Charge simply charges the battery or powers the controller if no battery is present. Unfortunately the cable doesn't send data.

The only way to connect these controllers to a PC is via an Xbox 360 gaming receiver. The receiver for Xbox one controllers is not compatible.

Hi,

The Series X|S and Xbox One controllers are not compatible with the old Wireless Gaming Receiver used to connect Xbox 360 wireless controllers to a PC device. However, they do support connection to a PC via Bluetooth.

https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/controller/connect-xbox-wireless-controller-to-pc

The Bluetooth controllers don't come with an adaptor, is has Bluetooth built in. The device it connects to need to have Bluetooth to work, if your PC doesn't then you need to get a Bluetooth adapter for the PC.

The wireless part of the controller works on a unique frequency only for the xbox controllers, so it won't work with WiFi, so for your PC to use the Xbox Wireless part, you would need the Xbox Wireless Adapter.

Hello Jeremiah Tang,



Greetings!



Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.



It appears that you're having trouble connecting your Xbox Wireless Controller to your PC Game Pass. Let us check and see on what we can do to help resolve your concern in a timely manner.



It is possible that there is some missing updates of Windows or it could be the recent updates that is causing the breakdown of Xbox Wireless controller in your Windows PC. Let us check it though by trying some troubleshooting steps.

Here are the steps that we can try:

1. Make sure that your PC is up to date with the latest Windows updates and that your Xbox Wireless Controller is updated with the latest firmware.

To check and install Windows update, follow the steps below:

• Press the Start button on the taskbar, type settings, and then select Settings.
  
• On Windows 10, select Update & Security. On Windows 11, select Windows Update.
  
• On the Windows Update page, select Check for updates to see if any updates are available
  

including optional updates for your device.

• Once the updates have downloaded, select Install now to start the installation.
  
• Following installation, we recommend that you restart your device so that the latest updates can take effect.
  

To update Xbox Wireless controller to the latest firmware update:

Update your controller on Windows 10/11 by using the Xbox Accessories app:

• If you don’t already have the app installed, get it in the Store:Microsoft Store
  
• Open the Xbox Accessories app.
  
• Connect your Xbox Wireless Controller by using a USB cable or the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows.
  
• When the controller is connected, you'll see the message Update Required if an update is mandatory. Install the update.
  

2. Try connecting the controller to your PC using a USB cable instead of wirelessly.



3. Uninstall and reinstall the Xbox app on your PC.

Uninstall and reinstall Xbox app.

• To uninstall, type Xbox app in the Windows search box, right-click and click Uninstall. After uninstalling, restart the computer.
  
• To reinstall, Open the Microsoft Store, search for Xbox app using the search box, and click on install. Or you can click on this link: Xbox App for Windows PC | Xbox click on download the app button.
  

4. Try resetting your Xbox Wireless Controller by pressing and holding the pairing button on the back of the controller for 10 seconds until the Xbox button starts flashing.



5. Try connecting the controller to a different USB port on your PC.



We look forward to your response. Kindly let us know, if there is any misunderstanding or clarifications of our description by sending us a reply.



Sincerely,

Hello Jeremiah Tang,



We haven't heard from you, so we assume that your issue has already been addressed. We will not be monitoring this thread moving forward so, if you need further assistance, please create a new thread to discuss these concerns by clicking this link: Create a new question (microsoft.com)





Thank you for your understanding.



Respectfully,