Xbox controller not connecting to PC
A controller that is not detected may need a button press, a data-capable USB cable, or pairing again. Run the gamepad test first to see whether the PC detects it; nothing leaves your device.
Run the test first
Gamepad tester
What the gamepad test checks
The gamepad test checks whether the browser can see your controller when you press a button. It can also show whether the controller sends vibration when the test asks for it. Connect the controller, open the linked test, and press a button to begin.
If the test sees the controller, it is detected. If it does not, the connection or pairing may be the issue. If the controller is detected but does not vibrate, check the no-vibration case. The test shows whether vibration is reported; it does not tell you that every game will use it.
Tell which case you have
Choose not detected if pressing a button does not make the controller appear in the test. The page steps for this case cover USB connection, power, restarting, updates, and pairing. Use the steps for your controller and PC.
Choose no vibration if the controller appears in the test but the test does not show rumble. The listed steps say Xbox controllers do not rumble on PC over Bluetooth, and DualSense haptics on PC need USB. Connect by the method listed for your controller, then run the test again.
Why a controller may not connect
A browser may not see the controller until you press a button. A USB cable may charge the controller but fail to carry data, so the PC cannot detect it through that cable. Low batteries, a power issue, or a pairing problem can also stop a connection.
Wireless connection type matters for the result. The steps cover Xbox Wireless Adapter, built-in Xbox Wireless, and Bluetooth, as well as Bluetooth pairing for DualSense. A controller can connect yet still lack vibration over a particular connection, as the no-vibration steps explain.
What to do after the test
Follow the steps shown for the case you found, then press a controller button in the test again. If it still is not detected, try the other listed connection method for your controller, such as a data-capable cable or the matching wireless pairing steps. If the test detects it but vibration remains absent, follow the listed USB or Bluetooth guidance.
The page's listed steps do not include repair or warranty instructions.
By what the tester showed
Not detected
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Press a button so the browser can see the controller
When a page loads with a controller already connected, the browser reports it only after you press a button or move a stick. Firefox keeps controllers hidden until you use one while the page is visible.
Source: Using the Gamepad API, MDN Web Docs (Mozilla), checked November 6, 2026
Connect an Xbox controller with a USB cable that carries data
Use a micro-USB cable for Xbox One controllers and a USB-C cable for Series X|S, Elite Series 2 and Adaptive controllers. The cable must support data. After sleep, press the Xbox button or replug the cable.
Source: How do I connect my XBOX controller to PC?, Xbox Support, checked November 6, 2026
USB light blinking fast: unplug, switch on, plug in
If the Xbox light blinks quickly over USB on a PC, unplug the cable, press the Xbox button to turn the controller on, and plug the cable in again.
Source: The buttons on my XBOX controller aren't working, Xbox Support, checked November 6, 2026
Check the batteries and power-cycle the controller
Use fresh or fully charged batteries, even if the controller still turns on. Hold the Xbox button for 5 to 10 seconds until it turns off, wait a moment, and turn it on again.
Source: My XBOX controller won't connect or turn on, Xbox Support, checked November 6, 2026
Restart the PC and try a cable
Restart the PC and connect the controller with a cable. If it works by cable, the wireless link is the problem. If not, try another cable or port, or another device.
Source: My XBOX controller won't connect or turn on, Xbox Support, checked November 6, 2026
Update the controller firmware on a PC
Install the Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store and connect the controller while the app is open.
Source: My XBOX controller won't connect or turn on, Xbox Support, checked November 6, 2026
Install the latest Windows update
Check for updates and install them.
Source: My XBOX controller won't connect or turn on, Xbox Support, checked November 6, 2026
Pair with the Xbox Wireless Adapter
Plug the adapter into the PC and turn the controller on. Hold the Pair button on the adapter, then hold the Pair button on top of the controller. The Xbox button stays lit when they are connected.
Source: How do I connect my XBOX controller to PC?, Xbox Support, checked November 6, 2026
Pair an Xbox controller over built-in Xbox Wireless
Hold the Xbox button for 3 seconds, then hold the Pair button on top until the Xbox button flashes fast. On the PC add the device and choose Xbox Wireless Controller.
Source: How do I connect my XBOX controller to PC?, Xbox Support, checked November 6, 2026
Pair an Xbox controller over Bluetooth
Only controllers with Bluetooth support this, and Windows 10 Anniversary Update or later is needed. Turn the controller on, hold the Pair button for 3 seconds until the Xbox button flashes fast, then add it as a Bluetooth device. Headsets and chat pads do not work over Bluetooth.
Source: How do I connect my XBOX controller to PC?, Xbox Support, checked November 6, 2026
Pair a DualSense over Bluetooth on a PC
Make sure the player indicator is off (hold the PS button until it goes off) and unplug any USB cable. Hold the create button and press and hold the PS button until the light bar blinks. Turn on Bluetooth on the PC and pick the controller. You pair it again each time you move it to a new device.
Source: How to use DualSense wireless controllers with PC, Mac and mobile devices, Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation Support), checked November 6, 2026
Connect a DualSense with a USB-C cable
Use a USB cable with a Type-C connector. PlayStation lists Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows 11 as supported on PC.
Source: How to use DualSense wireless controllers with PC, Mac and mobile devices, Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation Support), checked November 6, 2026
Turn on Bluetooth and add the controller
Make sure Bluetooth is on and the device is discoverable, then add it.
Source: Pair a Bluetooth device in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Remove the controller and add it again
Remove the device from the list and pair it again. Turn Bluetooth off for 10 seconds and on again, and charge or replace the battery first.
Source: Troubleshoot Bluetooth not connecting in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
No vibration
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
No rumble on PC over Bluetooth
Microsoft says controller vibration does not work in PC games while the controller is connected through Bluetooth.
Source: How do I connect my XBOX controller to PC?, Xbox Support, checked November 6, 2026
DualSense haptics on PC need USB
Haptic feedback on PC needs a USB connection and a game that supports it. Adaptive triggers also depend on the game.
Source: How to use DualSense wireless controllers with PC, Mac and mobile devices, Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation Support), checked November 6, 2026
Questions
How do I test if my controller is connected to my PC?
Open the linked gamepad test and press a controller button. If the browser sees the controller, it appears in the test. If it does not appear, use the not-detected steps.
Why is my Xbox controller not connecting to my PC with USB?
The cable may not carry data, even if it powers the controller. Try the listed data-capable USB cable steps, then press a button in the test again.
Why does my Xbox controller connect but not vibrate on PC?
The listed steps say Xbox controllers do not rumble on PC over Bluetooth. Check the no-vibration steps and use the connection guidance shown there.
Why does my controller not show up in the gamepad test?
Press a button so the browser can see it. If it remains absent, the connection, power, cable, or pairing may be the cause. Follow the not-detected steps for your controller.
Does a controller need USB for vibration on PC?
The listed steps say DualSense haptics on PC need USB. For Xbox controllers, they say there is no rumble over Bluetooth on PC.