Bluetooth not Connecting

Tyler Norris 0 Reputation points
2026-08-07T23:55:13.34+00:00

I will keep it simple, I finally bought a wireless Xbox controller, my PC says a new controller is detected when I try to sync it up, but then, it says it fails to connect? Anybody know how to make it work?Screenshot 2026-08-07 195020

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Gaming
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  1. Carl-L 19,410 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-08T07:37:54.47+00:00

    Hello Tyler Norris,

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

    Your screenshot shows that your Bluetooth and controller can discover each other, that is a good thing. Before we proceed further, may I know if the AI suggestion works for you? Also, may I know if the controller can connect if you use a cable instead of Bluetooth?

    Additionally, can you please go to device manager when the controller fails to connect, go to View > Show hidden devices and let me know if there are any greyed-out controller in there?

    I'm waiting for your reply.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-07T23:55:31.61+00:00

    Try this in order:

    1. Put the controller into pairing mode correctly.
      • Turn the controller on.
      • Press and hold the Pair button for about 3 seconds until the Xbox button flashes.
      • On the PC, go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices and make sure Bluetooth is On.
      • Select Add device > Bluetooth, then choose the controller when it appears.
    2. Remove the failed pairing and add it again.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
      • Find the controller, select More options (...) > Remove device.
      • Select Add device and pair it again.
    3. Turn Bluetooth off and back on.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
      • Turn Bluetooth off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
      • Try pairing again.
    4. Restart the controller and check power.
      • Make sure the controller battery is charged.
      • Turn the controller off and back on, then retry pairing.
    5. Restart the PC.
      • Select Start > Power > Restart.
      • Then try pairing again.
    6. Check for Windows updates.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update.
      • Select Check for updates and install anything available.
    7. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter.
    8. If Bluetooth still detects the controller but fails to connect, update or reinstall the Bluetooth adapter driver.
      • Open Device Manager.
      • If the Bluetooth adapter is present, uninstall it, then shut down and turn the PC back on so Windows can reinstall it automatically.
      • If Windows does not reinstall it, open Device Manager > Action > Scan for hardware changes.
      • A vendor-provided resolution in a similar case was updating the Bluetooth adapter driver, which immediately fixed Xbox controller pairing.
    9. If the controller still will not pair over Bluetooth, use USB-C temporarily.
      • If it works over USB-C, that confirms the controller itself is working while Bluetooth is being corrected.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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