Xbox 360 controllers not working on Windows 11

Question

Xbox 360 controllers not working on Windows 11

SpartanA47 0

I've been trying to get my Xbox 360 controllers to work on my gaming laptop for the last two hours now and I have gotten nowhere. I have drivers installed so that they can work, but Device Manager doesn't even recognize that the controllers are plugged in at all. Does anyone have a fix or a work around for this at all

Sean Horner 0 Reputation points

2026-09-24T18:59:45.2266667+00:00

Hi I am also having a similar problem I am on windows 11 insider preview build 26340.9502 my xbox 360 wireless receiver having problems connection to xbox 360 controllers , My adpatter is the official wireless receiver my controller connects but blinks on player one indicator but runs no problem when playing games.

I am assuming its the latest update the previous one did not do this at all.

I would like to know why It's blinking ? this is a actual xbox 360 Racing Wheel I have to plug this one in for power to control rubble and force feed this never happened since this update. hopefully gets fixed next update.
Clary-N 16,580 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-09-25T07:43:53.15+00:00

Hi Sean,

Thanks for sharing those details. Since the official receiver and racing wheel still connect and work normally in games, the blinking Player 1 light may be an indicator issue introduced by the latest Insider build, but I can’t confirm the exact cause from the light alone.

Please check Settings > Windows Update for a newer Insider build. I’d also suggest pressing Win + F to report this through Feedback Hub, including the build number, receiver and wheel details and the fact that it did not happen on the previous build. Feedback Hub can collect diagnostics that may help the Insider team investigate.

Could you confirm whether only the Player 1 light blinks or whether all four indicators cycle and whether Device Manager shows any warning icon for the receiver?
Sean Horner 0 Reputation points

2026-09-25T16:36:12.1833333+00:00

ok thanks for a quick response . It's just the Player 1 light that blinks constant.
Sean Horner 0 Reputation points

2026-09-26T01:48:21.6166667+00:00

Update I have fixed my problem. It was my power plan I changed in advanced settings I disabled USB Selective Suspend Settings to Disabled and restarted my Pc now the xbox 360 wireless receiver is connected Proper . no blinking lights a complete solid light now. I am now on preview update just today (26340.9577).

I suggest better tech for helping people in need . I figured this out using Google AI.
Clary-N 16,580 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-09-26T06:22:24.2266667+00:00

Hi Sean,

Thanks for the update. I’m glad you found the cause and that disabling USB Selective Suspend resolved the blinking light. I also appreciate you sharing the solution, as it may help others experiencing the same behavior.
Sean Horner 0 Reputation points

2026-09-26T19:31:26.9466667+00:00

No Problem.
Andrea 0 Reputation points

2026-10-06T17:57:09.9266667+00:00

Hi same problem with my Xbox wireless receiver gamepad, I'm on Windows 11 Pro Insider Preview 26340.9596. I think something get broken with one of the last updates in September. Gamepad tested on Windows 10 and working flawlessly.
Clary-N 16,580 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-10-07T07:25:42.1733333+00:00

Hi Andrea,

Thanks for adding those details. Since the same gamepad and wireless receiver are working correctly on Windows 10, that’s helpful for narrowing this down.

As you’re currently on Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26340.9596, could you check whether the receiver appears anywhere in Device Manager when you connect it, including under Other devices or Universal Serial Bus controllers? Also, did the receiver stop being detected immediately after a particular Insider update or was it already happening on the previous build?

If this started specifically after an Insider update, I’d also recommend reporting it through Feedback Hub so the Windows Insider team has the hardware and build information associated with the report.

I hope that helps narrow down whether this is build-related or something with how Windows is detecting the receiver.

1 answer

Your answer

Sean Horner 0 Reputation points

2026-09-24T18:59:45.2266667+00:00

Hi I am also having a similar problem I am on windows 11 insider preview build 26340.9502 my xbox 360 wireless receiver having problems connection to xbox 360 controllers , My adpatter is the official wireless receiver my controller connects but blinks on player one indicator but runs no problem when playing games.

I am assuming its the latest update the previous one did not do this at all.

I would like to know why It's blinking ? this is a actual xbox 360 Racing Wheel I have to plug this one in for power to control rubble and force feed this never happened since this update. hopefully gets fixed next update.
Clary-N 16,580 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-09-25T07:43:53.15+00:00

Hi Sean,

Thanks for sharing those details. Since the official receiver and racing wheel still connect and work normally in games, the blinking Player 1 light may be an indicator issue introduced by the latest Insider build, but I can’t confirm the exact cause from the light alone.

Please check Settings > Windows Update for a newer Insider build. I’d also suggest pressing Win + F to report this through Feedback Hub, including the build number, receiver and wheel details and the fact that it did not happen on the previous build. Feedback Hub can collect diagnostics that may help the Insider team investigate.

Could you confirm whether only the Player 1 light blinks or whether all four indicators cycle and whether Device Manager shows any warning icon for the receiver?
Sean Horner 0 Reputation points

2026-09-25T16:36:12.1833333+00:00

ok thanks for a quick response . It's just the Player 1 light that blinks constant.
Sean Horner 0 Reputation points

2026-09-26T01:48:21.6166667+00:00

Update I have fixed my problem. It was my power plan I changed in advanced settings I disabled USB Selective Suspend Settings to Disabled and restarted my Pc now the xbox 360 wireless receiver is connected Proper . no blinking lights a complete solid light now. I am now on preview update just today (26340.9577).

I suggest better tech for helping people in need . I figured this out using Google AI.
Clary-N 16,580 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-09-26T06:22:24.2266667+00:00

Hi Sean,

Thanks for the update. I’m glad you found the cause and that disabling USB Selective Suspend resolved the blinking light. I also appreciate you sharing the solution, as it may help others experiencing the same behavior.
Sean Horner 0 Reputation points

2026-09-26T19:31:26.9466667+00:00

No Problem.
Andrea 0 Reputation points

2026-10-06T17:57:09.9266667+00:00

Hi same problem with my Xbox wireless receiver gamepad, I'm on Windows 11 Pro Insider Preview 26340.9596. I think something get broken with one of the last updates in September. Gamepad tested on Windows 10 and working flawlessly.
Clary-N 16,580 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-10-07T07:25:42.1733333+00:00

Hi Andrea,

Thanks for adding those details. Since the same gamepad and wireless receiver are working correctly on Windows 10, that’s helpful for narrowing this down.

As you’re currently on Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26340.9596, could you check whether the receiver appears anywhere in Device Manager when you connect it, including under Other devices or Universal Serial Bus controllers? Also, did the receiver stop being detected immediately after a particular Insider update or was it already happening on the previous build?

If this started specifically after an Insider update, I’d also recommend reporting it through Feedback Hub so the Windows Insider team has the hardware and build information associated with the report.

I hope that helps narrow down whether this is build-related or something with how Windows is detecting the receiver.

Answer 1

Clary-N 16,580 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi SpartanA47,

To help narrow down the cause, could you let me know whether you're using wired Xbox 360 controllers or wireless Xbox 360 controllers with a wireless receiver? Also, when you connect or power on the controller, do any indicator lights appear or flash?

It would also be helpful to know what troubleshooting steps you've already tried so I can avoid suggesting anything you've already done.

In the meantime, please open Device Manager, select View > Show hidden devices and check whether the controller or receiver appears anywhere in the list, including under Unknown devices or Other devices.

If possible, please also test the controller on another PC or Xbox 360 console. This can help determine whether the issue is related to the controller itself or specific to this Windows installation.

Finally, please share your Windows version and build number by pressing Windows + R, typing winver and posting a screenshot of the result. This will help identify the most appropriate next steps.

I look forward to your update.

If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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Clary-N 16,580 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-17T09:06:41.2033333+00:00

Hi SpartanA47,

May I know if you have got any chance to check my answer?

I am glad to help if you have any other questions.
SpartanA47 0 Reputation points

2026-07-18T10:49:33.0333333+00:00

I'm trying to use a wireless Xbox 360 controller via a wired connection. The adapter flashes red once. I've been trying to add the drivers in Device Manager, with no success at all and I have no way to test the controller itself
SpartanA47 0 Reputation points

2026-07-18T10:51:02.07+00:00
Clary-N 16,580 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-21T08:27:35.7533333+00:00

Since this is a public forum, we will hide your personal identifiable information, and I have sent that image of yours containing your personal identifiable information in a private message so we can work together to resolve the issue. Also, please check your private message in case you want to share another screenshot to avoid leaking your PII by click on the Private Message button as show below

Hi SpartanA47,

Thanks for the details. Please try the steps in My Xbox Controller Won't Connect or Turn On and let me know if any of them help.

Also, could you confirm whether you're using an official Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver or a third-party adapter? If the device appears in Device Manager, please share which category it appears under.

Since you currently can't test the controller on another device, these checks may help determine whether the issue is with the controller, receiver or driver.
Clary-N 16,580 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-22T08:43:53.1833333+00:00

Hi SpartanA47,

Have you had a chance to check my latest comment yet?

Please do keep me updated.