If you're a gamer who enjoys playing games on your PC with an Xbox wireless controller, you might have encountered an annoying issue - the Xbox wireless controller driver error on PC. This error prevents your controller from connecting to your PC, making it impossible to play your favorite games.
Fixing this error is crucial as it can significantly impact your gaming experience. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix the Xbox wireless controller driver error on PC, and we'll go through them in detail in this article.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix the Xbox Wireless Controller Driver Error on PC
A. Step 1: Check the USB Connection
The first thing you should do when encountering the Xbox wireless controller driver error is to check the USB connection. Ensure that the controller's USB cable is properly plugged into your PC. If it's not, unplug it and plug it back in.
B. Step 2: Update the Xbox Wireless Controller Driver
If the USB connection is not the issue, the next step is to update the Xbox wireless controller driver. There are two methods to do this:
1. Method 1: Use Device Manager
To update the driver using Device Manager, follow these steps:
- Press Windows + X and click "Device Manager."
- Expand the "Xbox Peripherals" section.
- Right-click on the Xbox wireless controller and select "Update driver."
- Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" and follow the prompts to update the driver.
2. Method 2: Use Xbox Accessories App
To update the driver using the Xbox Accessories app, follow these steps:
- Download and install the Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store.
- Connect your controller to your PC using a USB cable.
- Open the Xbox Accessories app and select your controller.
- Click "Configure" and select "Update."
- Follow the prompts to update the driver.
C. Step 3: Reinstall the Xbox Wireless Controller Driver
If updating the driver doesn't fix the issue, the next step is to reinstall the driver. Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + X and click "Device Manager."
- Expand the "Xbox Peripherals" section.
- Right-click on the Xbox wireless controller and select "Uninstall device."
- Disconnect the controller from your PC.
- Reconnect the controller to your PC using a USB cable.
- Windows will install the driver automatically.
D. Step 4: Check for Windows Updates
If none of the above steps worked, the problem may be with your Windows operating system. Ensure that your PC is up-to-date by checking for Windows updates. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press Windows + I to open "Settings."
- Click "Update & Security."
- Click "Check for updates" and install any available updates.
E. Step 5: Reset the Xbox Wireless Controller
If none of the above steps worked, try resetting the Xbox wireless controller. There are two ways to do this:
1. Soft Reset
A soft reset will restart the controller without removing any saved data. Follow these steps:
- Hold the Xbox button on the controller for about 10 seconds.
- The controller will turn off.
- Press the Xbox button again to turn it back on.
2. Hard Reset
A hard reset will erase all saved data from the controller. Follow these steps:
- Hold the "Sync" button on the controller for about 15 seconds.
- The controller will turn off.
- Press the Xbox button again to turn it back on.
Common Problems and Solutions