Xbox controller wont connect to pc via bluetooth.

Question

Xbox controller wont connect to pc via bluetooth.

chandler 5

I am able to connect other devices to my pc via bluetooth, and im able to connect my controller via usb-c. My controller will also connect to my xbox and phone with bluetooth. I've tried deleting and installing bluetooth drivers in device manager, resetting the controller, updating the controller, charging the controller, restarting my pc, making sure bluetooth and xbox services are enabled, uninstalling and reinstalling xbox peripherals. This wasn't an issue before I updated to Windows 11, I was forced to delete everything off my PC for the update and since i haven't been able to connect my controller. I've also tried reinstalling files from windows 11 because windows support said it might be corrupt files, so i tried and it failed to download saying it failed in the "SAFE_OS phase" and there was an error during the "MOGRATE_DATA operation". Nothing has worked, ive also been in two different support chats for this issue with microslop and still no solution.

Alan Ellis 0 Reputation points

2026-02-09T22:57:48.31+00:00

I have exactly the same issue, nothing below works at the moment.
Carl-L 12,345 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-02-10T14:38:13.3733333+00:00

Hello Alan Ellis,

Thanks for sharing this.

Just want to make sure, may I know if the controller works if you connect it using a wired adapter instead?

I'm waiting for your reply.

2 answers

Your answer

Alan Ellis 0 Reputation points

2026-02-09T22:57:48.31+00:00

I have exactly the same issue, nothing below works at the moment.
Carl-L 12,345 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-02-10T14:38:13.3733333+00:00

Hello Alan Ellis,

Thanks for sharing this.

Just want to make sure, may I know if the controller works if you connect it using a wired adapter instead?

I'm waiting for your reply.

Answer 1

Windows 11 still supports Xbox controllers as far back as the 360 controller and you say the controller connects to other devices, so the problem isn't the controller or Windows 11 itself.

What forced you "delete everything off my PC" just to update to Windows 11? It sounds like a lot more was deleted than just your own files/apps, especially if reset is failing. Depending on what was deleted, you may need to create a Windows 11 USB installer Installation Media Tool, wipe your computer entirely and reinstall Windows from scratch.

Answer 2

Carl-L 12,345 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello chandler,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

I understand that you are having issue connecting your Xbox controller to Windows 11. Before we proceed, may I know the behavior of the Bluetooth when you try to connect the controller?

In the meantime, please try these steps:

Type "Device manager" in the search bar and press Enter.
Uninstall all Xbox/ Wireless Controller entries.
Select "View" > Shows hidden devices.
Remove all greyed out Xbox and Bluetooth devices as well.
Try the pairing again.

I'm waiting for your reply.

chandler 5 Reputation points

2026-01-07T13:38:26.16+00:00

Nothing happens at all when I try to connect the controller, shortly after nothing happens the troubleshoot prompt shows. I've also already tried your suggestions.
Carl-L 12,345 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-08T14:40:36.49+00:00

Hello chandler,

Thanks for the reply.

It's unfortunate to hear that it didn't work.

I'll see what I can do here. May I know if your Bluetooth can recognize the controller in the device list at all?

I'm waiting for your reply.
Ryan 0 Reputation points

2026-01-09T00:34:31.1866667+00:00

Carl-L,

I have the same issue. It shows up in the device list, but when I click it to connect, it says "Try connecting your device again."

I have been using this device with this same Windows PC for over 2 years and only just now have this issue.

It would not auto-connect today. When I went to Bluetooth devices, I clicked it and it would connect for 0.5 seconds before saying "connection failed".

I followed your suggestion to delete it from my list and now I can no longer add it as a device.

This is a Microsoft issue. Some update was pushed recently that broke everything.

Thank you.
Carl-L 12,345 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-09T14:26:55.73+00:00

Hello Ryan,

Thanks for sharing this.

You said that this just happens recently, may I know if you remember what happened just before this starts?

I'm waiting for your reply.
Ryan 0 Reputation points

2026-01-10T00:38:47.7+00:00

I didn't do anything. Microsoft pushed a Windows update and broke functionality.
chandler 5 Reputation points

2026-01-10T00:52:13.6+00:00

Ryan, if you are having the same issue, and tried all of the troubleshooting, and yes I mean ALL, then support has given me two options, either clean install windows 11 (would have to delete everything so I didn't, though I'm sure this would probably work for me) or buy a bluetooth adapter. If you go the adapter route do not spend big $ on some microslop adapter, the UB500 from tp-link for <$12 on amazon works absolutely perfect and is what I got to solve my issue.
Ryan 0 Reputation points

2026-01-10T01:02:17.61+00:00

chandler, I am already using a Bluetooth adapter. It has worked perfectly for two years.

I am using an Xbox Wireless Controller. Requiring a system wipe or buying a dongle are both ridiculous solutions. The device shows up in the list when I hold the wave button on the top ")))", so it is not an issue with detecting the device.

Nothing else has changed about my setup.
chandler 5 Reputation points

2026-01-10T01:43:24.36+00:00

dang man sorry to hear, I'm ill qualified to give any more assistance. If you'd like a faster response, ms support does have a live chat you can use between like 9am-10pm EST on most days, that's how i got to work through my issues a bit faster then here on the Q&A. They also have the ability to "screen share" and take control of your screen to find the issue. Although it wasn't any help to me it may be worth it to try!
Carl-L 12,345 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-10T14:30:59.1833333+00:00

Hello chandler,

Thanks for sharing.

I'll see what I can do. I'll keep you updated.

Also, I think you should probably consider contacting Microsoft Support in this case. They might be able to access your device to directly work on it for you.
Carl-L 12,345 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-13T13:42:15.5266667+00:00

Hello chandler,

Just check to see if everything is alright. May I know if you have any updates in this.

Just to make sure, can I check the error you see when reinstalling Windows 11 components? And may I know what you used for it?
Carl-L 12,345 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-15T13:37:26.3566667+00:00

Hello chandler,

It's been a while since I last heard from you. May I know if everything is alright now?
victor chave 0 Reputation points

2026-04-04T14:33:29.5666667+00:00

Hi there,

Im having the same issue with a brand new desktop. Ive paired my xbox controller with my previous laptop with no problem. Would it be possible to do a hard reset with my controller? Ive tried switching the controller off then removing batteries, waited for at least 10minutes to retry another connection but still wouldnt work.

I have two controllers and both of them dont work.

My pc had just been updated.

PS.

Just plugged my controller through a usb cable and opened xbox accessories app to start controllers update. Tried reconnecting via blueboooth still didnt work
Carl-L 12,345 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-04-07T13:01:19.3533333+00:00

Hello victor chave,

Thanks for sharing this with me.

Just want to confirm, your controller can connect well using cable, right? Can you please check how the controllers appear in device manager when you connect via Bluetooth?

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Xbox controller wont connect to pc via bluetooth.

2 answers

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