About a month ago, one of my Xbox controllers suddenly stopped working on my PC with the message, "The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it." A replacement controller worked briefly, but then it repeatedly connected and disconnected over USB. I tried a third controller, different cables, and several USB ports, but now that controller will not even turn on when connected. The controllers and cables work with other devices, and Bluetooth connection fails too. I also checked Device Manager, including updating, disabling, uninstalling, and reinstalling the USB devices. What could cause the PC to stop recognizing Xbox controllers altogether?
1 Answer
Since multiple controllers, cables, and USB ports are affected—and the controllers work on another device—the problem is probably on the PC rather than with the controllers. Check Device Manager under Universal Serial Bus controllers while plugging one in. Look for an Unknown USB Device or a yellow warning icon. It would also be worth testing the controllers on another computer and trying a full power reset of the PC, including shutting it down, unplugging it briefly, and starting it again.
I confirmed the controllers and cables work elsewhere, and Bluetooth also stopped working on this PC. I tried updating, disabling, uninstalling, and reinstalling the USB devices in Device Manager, but Windows still acts like it is rejecting Xbox controllers.