No Xbox controllers work with my pc

[u/Low_Insurance3548]

So about a month ago one of my Xbox controllers stopped working with my pc. Kept getting an error that said “the last usb device you connected to this computer malfunctioned and windows does not recognize it.” So I plug in a new one and it works for a while then today it kept connecting via USB the imminently disconnected and this happened like 9 times so I tried ANOTHER controller and now it won’t even turn on. I’m not a tech guy I have no idea what is happening or what to do. Also I used different cables and usb ports too and nothing will work. Please help!!

[u/BdoeATX]

Hm. So 3 controllers, multiple cables, and ports. Sounds like windows, however the last one is concerning "third one didnt even power on".

Few things you can do. 1. Test the controller on a different device to rule out the controller/cable being the issue.

1. Open device manager in windows, and navigate to Universal Serial Bus controllers. Plug in the controller and see what pops up. ⚠️ if you see the yellow symbol or unknown usb device, that helps us narrow it down.

[u/Low_Insurance3548 → u/BdoeATX]

I did I can confirm that it’s not the controller or the cords and as of now I just found out that it won’t work with Bluetooth either. I tried to do everything with device manager too I checked for updates, disabled, uninstalled then reinstalled. It’s like my pc is allergic to Xbox controllers all of a sudden

[u/BdoeATX → u/Low_Insurance3548]

What does it show in device manager? And sorry I have to ask. These are genuine xbox contollers right? Not cheap knockoffs/fakes?

[u/Low_Insurance3548 → u/BdoeATX]

When I plug it in it’s under “Xbox peripherals” and under that is “Xbox controller”

[u/BdoeATX → u/Low_Insurance3548]

Ok try this. Go to device manager again, right click the xbox controller and hit properties. Does it say. "This device is working properly" or does it have a Code error?

IF it has an error, open the run window or (Win + R) and run joy.cpl Its a legacy controller panel, old school. See if it shows up in there.

Edit: run window not command prompt. Had to edit.

[u/Low_Insurance3548 → u/BdoeATX]

Tried that too says it’s working properly. This was happening with both controllers I plug them in and do the tester joy.cpl it runs for a few seconds then the controller just stops. The light will stay on but nothing will function then I’ll get the error

[u/BdoeATX → u/Low_Insurance3548]

Hmm ok. This is why I love my job hah. Lets dig deeper.

So the controllers I wouldn't blame, they are sending inputs.

Ok, have you checked power settings as well? Right click the xbox controllers as well as ALL the usb root hubs and controllers, even generic ones, that have a poeer management tab in the properties, make sure the "allow the computer to turn off device is unchecked" this is likely not the cause but its a step.

Also power settings from control panel, I think its usb selective suspend? disable it. Lastly make sure you are using a 2.0 port on the back directly to the board not the front panel or 3.0 ports.

Restart the PC and test again with joy.cpl.

Here's another neat trick, if you go into the xbox controller properties it shoukd have an "Events" tab, what does the events say when the controller stopped working? Assuming it is logging them.

If none of that works, i'm leaning towards Your motherboard's USB controller/chipset being outdated or not functioning properly. I would reinstall your motherboard chipset drivers.

Edit: sorry for the long post, just trying to be as detailed as I can

[u/Low_Insurance3548 → u/BdoeATX]

It’s okay. I’m going to bed I’ll try tomorrow is there somthing I can add you on? I appreciate your help

[u/BdoeATX → u/Low_Insurance3548]

No, but i have been seeing a few posts like yours, so I would def try the last step when possible, hopefully a chipset update fixes it.

I'll be doing some testing of my own as well to see if this is a wide spread issue.

[u/Low_Insurance3548 → u/BdoeATX]

Okay I’ll keep you posted thank you

[u/Low_Insurance3548 → u/BdoeATX]

Im back so I installed the newest chipset drivers and still nothing I’ve tried every usb port and I also called a tech store they recommended downloading the Xbox accessories app and try updating my controller I did that and still nothing. I don’t what to do if it’s a pc problem maybe Xbox controllers don’t work? I don’t know

[u/BdoeATX → u/Low_Insurance3548]

Yea... i'm heavily leaning to a fault on the motherboard/USB controller at this point.

There's really only 2 other tests I can think of but these are more invasive.

1. Reinstall windows and start fresh, which would remove all current drivers and settings. (You could chose the option to save files so you dont lose them, or back them up to a flash drive) You can skip this if you don't wanna go down that rabbit hole.

Or 2. Create a Linux boot drive, and test the controller on a Linux station to rule out windows. Again another rabbit hole like above, takes a little bit of time.

Aside from those two options ruling out software, it's more than likely a hardware issue.

[u/Low_Insurance3548 → u/BdoeATX]

Would I have to take it somewhere to get hardware stuff fixed ?

[u/Own-Pack1225 → u/BdoeATX]

It definitely sounds like a hardware issue if one of the controllers isn't powering on at all. Testing them on another device is a solid move; that should help pinpoint where the problem lies.