How to Fix Xbox Controller Driver in Windows 11

Windows 11 is currently unstable and has various errors. Any of them can render your Xbox device useless. But there are solutions; you can fix xbox controller driver in windows 11.

In most cases, the problem only occurs when using the controller with Steam. This also happens with wired, wireless, or Bluetooth connections.

Alternatively, the controller may work on Windows 11 but intermittently or unreliably. Either way, you’ll probably see the Xbox controller lights blinking non-stop, the buttons not responding, or the PC not recognizing the device.

Troubleshooting is easy if the controller is working before updating to the latest operating system. This is to update Xbox controller driver in Windows 11.

Xbox Controller Driver Error Causes

The Xbox controller may stop working on a Windows 11 operating system for the following reasons:

The error occurs with wired or wireless connections. For example, if you look at Device Manager, you will see something like this:

This means that Windows 11 does not recognize the device and marks it as an unknown USB item.

You can use any Xbox 360, Xbox One or Xbox Series controller on Windows 11. Both are native to the operating system, as well as Windows 10.

How to Fix Xbox Controller Driver in Windows 11?

These are simple and effective solutions. They will fix the problem, but we recommend making sure the controller works on other systems first. Also, make sure the the controller usb cable works by testing it elsewhere.

Either way, you can try the fixes one by one until you solve your problem.

Update Windows 11 to its latest version

Xbox controller not working on Windows 11 because the operating system is in its infancy.

Right after upgrading from Windows 10, Windows 11 reaches a prime build. It is still missing many drivers, performance and upgrades and security updates.

Updating Windows 11 to its latest version may fix the problem. It will help you connect the controller wirelessly, wired or via Bluetooth.

Here are the steps:

1. Click one Windows button
2. Open Settings
3. In the left panel, select Windows Update
4. In the right panel, choose Check for updates
5. If updates are available, download and install the updates. The PC will ask you to restart to complete the process.
6. After applying the updates, return to the Windows Update tab
7. Select Advanced options
8. Select Optional updates
9. Install all optional updates
10. Restart the system again

Then go back to Windows Update and check if any more downloads are available. Keep updating and restarting until there is nothing left to update.

Update the Xbox Accessories app

After updating Windows 11, the next step is to update the Xbox Accessories app.

This software provides updates for Xbox controller, so it helps you to plug the device into Windows PC.

Here are the steps:

1. Open your browser and go to Xbox accessories webpage
2. Click on Access the Store app
3. You will see either a Install Where Update button. If everything is in order, you will see a Open button instead.
4. Click on the button. If it needs to be downloaded or updated, wait for the process to complete.

You can also find the app in the Microsoft Store. However, for some reason sometimes it does not show up on the app.

Alternatively, if the app does not open or recognize the device, you can reinstall it:

1. Right click on the Windows button
2. Select Apps and features
3. To find Xbox Accessories
4. Click on the three vertical ellipsesand select Uninstall
5. Confirm the uninstallation and follow the process
6. Restart the system after reinstallation
7. Install the app again. Download it from the webpage as I explained above

Either way, once the Xbox Accessories app is up and running, proceed to the next step to update your controller.

Update Controller via Xbox Accessories

You must update the controller firmware (drivers) through the Xbox Accessories app.

1. Connect the Xbox controller to your PC via a USB cable
2. Click the search icon on the Windows taskbar
3. Type Xbox Accessoriesand open it Xbox Accessories app
4. In the app, click Continue to update the controller
5. After the update is complete, you can still open the app to check for updates for your Xbox devices

Additionally, each Xbox controller comes with a micro USB port and a micro USB to USB cable. A wired connection is the fastest way to operate the controller.

Manually update controller drivers

There is another way to update controller firmware, through Windows Device Manager.

Here are the steps:

1. Connect the controller to the PC via its USB cable
2. Right click on the Windows button
3. Select Device Manager
4. Expand the Universal bus section controllers
5. Right click on each item below and click Update. Then select the automatic update option.

Temporarily disable antivirus

If these solutions don’t work, try manually updating the drivers through the Xbox Accessories app.

But first, turn off the antivirus for at least 10 minutes. Maybe the software is preventing you from downloading the files you need to keep the devices up to date.

I use Windows Defender, the built-in antivirus option. Here’s how to disable it on Windows 11:

1. You can presse Windows key + I to immediately open the Settings menu
2. Go to Privacy and Settings
3. Go to Windows Security
4. Click it Open Windows Security Button
5. Select Application and browser control
6. Below Protection against viruses and threatsselect Manage settings
7. Switch off Real-time protection and Cloud-delivered protection

If you are using other antivirus software, you will find similar options in the program. Anyway, after disabling the antivirus, try updating the controller again.