Cannot remove Xbox Wireless Controller; Remove failed

Some users are unable to remove Xbox Wireless Controller from their Windows 11/10 computers. When they tried to remove the device, they encountered the “Remove failed” error. If you are getting the same error while removing the Xbox Wireless Controller, the following fixes may help you get rid of the problem.

Xbox Wireless Controller Remove failed

Cannot remove Xbox Wireless Controller

If you encounter the “Remove failed” error while removing the Xbox Wireless Controller, the first thing that you should do is restart your computer. Restarting the Windows device is the easiest way to fix some common problems. If after restarting your computer, you will get the same error message while removing the Xbox Wireless Controller, try the following fixes.

1. Uninstall Xbox Wireless Controller from the Device Manager
2. Remove Xbox Wireless Controller from the Devices and Printers
3. Delete the respective key from Windows Registry

Let’s see all these solutions in detail.

1] Uninstall Xbox Wireless Controller from the Device Manager

You can uninstall the Bluetooth device from the Device Manager. Some users were able to remove the Xbox Wireless Controller using this trick. The steps for the same are listed below:

1. Press the Win + X Keys and select the Device Manager.
2. When the Device Manager appears, search for your Bluetooth device. If you do not find the Xbox Wireless Controller, go to “View > Show hidden devices.”
3. Now, right-click on the Xbox Wireless Controller and select Uninstall device.

2] Remove Xbox Wireless Controller from the Devices and Printers

You can also remove the Xbox Wireless Controller from the Devices and Printers. If the above method did not fix your problem, you could try this method. Go through the following instructions:

1. Launch the Control Panel.
2. Select Category in the View by mode.
3. Go to “Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers.”
4. Right-click on Xbox Wireless Controller and select Remove device.

See if you receive the same error message this time. If yes, remove your Bluetooth device from the Registry.

3] Delete the respective key from Windows Registry

If none of the above methods solve your issue, you have to remove the Xbox Wireless Controller from Registry. When we connect a Bluetooth Device to our computer, Windows creates a key that belongs to that device automatically in the Registry. If you delete that key from the Registry, your Bluetooth device will automatically be deleted from your computer.

Before you proceed, we recommend you create a system restore point and backup your Registry. Also, follow the instructions carefully as any mistake while modifying the Windows Registry can cause serious errors on your system.

Press the Win + R keys to launch the Run command box. Type regedit and click OK to open the Registry Editor.

Now, copy the following path, paste it into the address bar of the Registry Editor, and hit Enter.

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\BTHPORT\Parameters\Devices

Double-click on the Devices subkey to expand it. You will see different folders under the Devices subkey. Each of these folders represents a different Bluetooth device on your system. You have to delete the folder that belongs to your Xbox Wireless Controller. To find it, select the first folder and look for the Value Name on the right side. Once you find it, double-click on it. This will open a window containing its Binary Value. You will see your device name in the Value Data box.

Repeat the above process until you find the Xbox Wireless Controller folder. Once you find it, right-click on the folder and click Delete. After deleting the folder, close the Registry Editor and restart your computer. This will remove the Xbox Wireless Controller completely from your computer. If you want, you can reconnect it later.

This should fix the issue.

Read: Xbox One Controller Home button is not working.

How do you disconnect a wireless Xbox Controller?

To disconnect your Xbox Wireless Controller from your Windows PC, open Settings and go to Bluetooth and Devices. After that, select Xbox Wireless Controller and click on the Disconnect button. You can reconnect it by clicking on the Connect button.

How do you delete a Bluetooth Xbox Controller?

You can delete Bluetooth Xbox Controller from Windows 11/10 Settings and the Control Panel. Open the Settings app on your Windows 11/10 device and go to Bluetooth & Devices. You will see all your Bluetooth devices there. Select the Bluetooth Xbox Controller and click Remove device.

To remove the Bluetooth Xbox Controller from the Control Panel, open Control Panel and go to “Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers.” Now, right-click on Bluetooth Xbox Controller and select Remove device.

Hope this helps.

Read next: Bluetooth Xbox Controller keeps disconnecting from Xbox Console or PC.