Xbox controller not connecting to PC? What to do

You’re ready to game, but your Xbox® controller won’t connect to your PC. Whether it’s not pairing over Bluetooth® or it just isn’t showing up, that kind of glitch can be frustrating—especially when it worked yesterday.

At Asurion, we're the tech experts you can trust—each year, more than 30 million people rely on us to keep their tech running. Whether you’re using a cable, wireless adapter, or your computer’s built-in Bluetooth, we’ll walk you through how to fix the connection between your Xbox controller and your PC.

Check your connection method

Before troubleshooting, make sure you know how your controller is supposed to connect:

• USB-C cable: Plug-and-play for most modern Windows® PCs.
• Bluetooth: Only available on newer Xbox controllers (with plastic surrounding the Xbox button matching the front shell).
• Xbox Wireless Adapter: A separate dongle that plugs into your PC for a low-latency wireless connection.

Knowing your setup will help you figure out where the issue might be.

Fix problems with a USB connection

If you're using a wired connection:

1. Try a different USB cable—some are power-only and don’t transmit data.
2. Plug into a different USB port on your computer.
3. Restart your PC and reconnect the controller.
4. Open Device Manager and select Scan for hardware changes if the controller isn’t showing up.

If your controller briefly connects then disconnects, it’s likely a faulty or loose cable.

Fix problems with a Bluetooth connection

If you’re connecting wirelessly via Bluetooth:

1. Hold the Pair button on your controller until the Xbox button flashes.
2. On your PC, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device, then select Bluetooth.
3. Choose Xbox Wireless Controller from the list.
4. If it doesn’t appear, turn Bluetooth off and back on.
5. Remove the controller from paired devices and re-pair it.

Make sure your PC supports Bluetooth 4.0 or higher and has the latest Windows updates installed.

Fix problems with the Xbox Wireless Adapter

If you're using the USB dongle:

1. Plug the adapter into a different USB port.
2. Press the button on the adapter, then the Pair button on your controller.
3. Check Device Manager for driver updates.
4. Reinstall the Xbox Accessories app if the adapter still won’t pair.

Reset the controller

A quick reset can fix lingering connection bugs:

1. Hold the Xbox button for about 10 seconds to power off the controller.
2. Wait a few seconds, then press the button again to turn it back on.
3. Try connecting again using your preferred method.

When to get help

If your controller still won’t connect, even after trying multiple methods or devices, the problem might be with the controller hardware itself. In that case, bring it to your nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store for a free device diagnostic.

FAQ

Why won’t my Xbox controller connect to my PC?

It could be a faulty cable, outdated driver, unsupported Bluetooth version, or pairing conflict. Try restarting both devices and switching ports.

How do I know if my Xbox controller supports Bluetooth?

If the plastic around the Xbox button is part of the front shell (not a separate piece), it supports Bluetooth.

Why does my controller keep disconnecting?

This could be caused by signal interference, a weak battery, or a failing USB cable. Try moving closer, changing the cable, or replacing the batteries.

Can I use a PS5 controller on a Windows PC?

Yes, you can connect a PS5 controller using Bluetooth or USB, but button mapping and compatibility may vary by game.