Xbox Controller blinking when plugged into PC

If your Xbox controller is blinking when you plug it into your PC, the solutions provided in this article will help you. This issue can be frustrating for Xbox users because they cannot play the games on their Windows computer until the problem is fixed. If the Xbox controller keeps blinking, it indicates that the connection is not made successfully. However, some users also reported that despite being connected to the Windows computer, the controller keeps blinking.

Xbox Controller blinking when plugged into PC

If your Xbox Controller keeps blinking when plugged into your PC, use the below solutions to resolve the issue.

Replace your controller batteries
Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter
Connect your controller by using USB
Try to connect the controller via an Xbox Wireless Adapter (if available)
Update your controller’s firmware
Update or reinstall your Bluetooth adapter and Xbox controller driver

Let’s start.

1] Replace your controller batteries

The first step you should do is check if your controller batteries are going to die or are drained out. It is possible that your Xbox controller blinks while plugging into the PC due to the weak controller batteries. We suggest you replace your batteries and then try again.

2] Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Running a Bluetooth troubleshooter may help fix this issue. A Bluetooth Troubleshooter is a tool in Windows computers that helps users fix Bluetooth-related problems. You can run a Bluetooth troubleshooter from the Get help app. In the Get Help app, you can type your problem to launch the Bluetooth Troubleshooter to address that particular problem.

3] Connect your controller by using USB

Wired connections are also more reliable than wireless connections. You can try to connect your controller by using a USB cable. Once you plug in the USB, your controller should vibrate once to confirm the connection, and the blinking issue may go away.

4] Try to connect the controller via an Xbox Wireless Adapter (if available)

If the controller still keeps blinking, you can use another method. Try to connect the controller via an Xbox wireless adapter (if available). To do so, follow the below steps.

Turn on your PC and sign in.
Plug the Xbox Wireless Adaptor into your PC.
Press the Xbox button to turn on your controller. Once your Xbox controller turns on, the Xbox button will start flashing.
Press and hold the Pair button on the Xbox Wireless Adaptor. A small light will flash for several seconds.
Press and hold the Pair button on the top of the controller. After doing this, the Xbox button on the controller will flash more rapidly. This means that your controller is searching for the Xbox Wireless Adaptor. Let it be connected to your PC through the Wireless Adapter. When the connection is successful, the Xbox button on the controller will stay lit.

5] Update your controller’s firmware

Outdated firmware is responsible for controlling the basic functions and features of the device. The device manufacturer releases firmware updates to fix bugs, improve performance, or add new features. Check the following steps to update your controller’s firmware.

You can update your controller firmware on your PC, wirelessly, and with USB. If you’re updating the controller firmware wirelessly, then follow these steps:

If you are using a stereo headset adapter, plug in a headset.
Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
Go to Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Accessories, and then select the controller you want to update.
On the Xbox Wireless Controller screen, select “…” to check the firmware version of your controller.
If you see the Update message on your screen, select the firmware version, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

6] Update or reinstall your Bluetooth adapter and Xbox controller driver

You can also try to update or reinstall your Bluetooth adapter and Xbox controller driver. To do so, use the following instructions.

Uninstall and reinstall the Bluetooth adapter:

Open the Device Manager.
Expand the Bluetooth category.
Right-click on your Bluetooth adapter.
Now, click on Uninstall device.
Restart your computer. Windows will automatically install the missing driver after the restart.

You can also download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website and install it manually.

Uninstall the Xbox controller driver:

To uninstall the Xbox controller driver, you have to use the Device Manager. After opening the Device Manager, find your controller driver by expanding each branch. It may be listed under the Human Interface Devices branch. Once you find it, uninstall it and restart your computer. After restarting your computer, pair your Xbox controller again and see if it helps.

I hope the above solutions help you to fix the issue.

Why won’t my PC detect my controller?

There can be a few reasons why your PC does not detect your Xbox controller. The most common reason is a faulty USB cable, drained-out batteries (in case of a wireless controller), USB port not working properly, etc.

How do I manually connect my controller to my PC?

There are three ways to connect your controller to your PC. You can connect your controller to your PC by using USB, by using the Xbox Wireless Adaptor (if available), and with the help of Bluetooth. When you connect your controller to your PC the Xbox button light will start flashing rapidly and once it’s connected light will become stable.