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Xbox APP not allowing Xbox Controller's to b e used in the games

S_to_the_mo_key 0 Reputation points
2026-04-02T13:39:51.09+00:00

Hi,

I would like to start of by explaining that most of the forum answers have not worked.

I have spent an immense amount of time troubleshooting this issue, I've done 4 separate windows 11 installs.

2 from 2025 oct build,

1 from 2024 sept build

and finally the last build was the latest install available from media creation tool from Microsoft's official website

I am extremely computer literate, I've built over 450 PC's in my time and i still to this day build gaming/streaming builds for our community, and this issue has never been present.

This isn't something i would ever have as an oversight on my part so this IS a Microsoft issue and it requires patching.

The issue has persisted since the windows update that changed the start menu, so i know this is something that is affecting multiple users on the windows 11 platform.

Here is the basic stuff i will be asked to do so before i get a response asking me to do basic troubleshooting, here it is:

I have used an 8 Bit Do officially licensed Xbox/PC wireless controller in wireless mode, Bluetooth mode AND wired mode. I have also used an MSI Force GC30 V2 wired AND Wireless using both the dongle and Bluetooth mode. then finally a 2016 Xbox One Wireless controller with updated firmware and the latest drivers from Microsoft via the device manager and windows update.

I have checked these controllers (all three of them) on my windows 11 laptop, my wife's PC & Laptop. my Xbox one x and my Xbox series X and they all work no issues. so i would like to think since Xbox app is now the gold standard of PC/Console gaming on the latest version of this windows operating system, this matter is simply unacceptable from a fan of Xbox that uses multiple devices within the Xbox ecosystem.

I would like to add that i can use these controllers on the same PC via Steam, Epic Games and Ubisoft Connect with no problems so i know that narrowing this issue down to the Xbox App is the final piece missing in this extremely stressful and disappointing puzzle.

I would really appreciate anyone with knowledge with how to actually fix this issue reaching out, as a person of influence and respected for troubleshooting to a resolve i have not been able to figure out why ONLY your app is refusing the use of your official products.

PLEASE take this matter seriously guys, I'm a fan of Xbox and i would hate to rule out windows for my "Play Anywhere" ecosystem and it would be disappointing to achieve such a great flow between devices for it to end this way.

Thank you for your time.

<PII removed>

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Gaming
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  1. Carl-L 13,360 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-04-07T13:23:22.5633333+00:00

    Hello S_to_the_mo_key,

    Thanks for letting me know. It's unfortunate to hear that it doesn't work.

    If the Steam SDK is not the problem, I'd think that there might be some driver issue that could lead to it. I think that you've probably tried to uninstall and update the driver. So in this case, can you please go to "Device manager" and check if there are any entries with the name "Xbox 360 controller peripherals" or something similar. If you find it, please try to disable or uninstall it (Let try disabling it first, I'm not sure if uninstall it force Windows to reinstall it when you restart). After disabling it, please restart the computer and try again.

    I'm waiting for your reply.

  2. Carl-L 13,360 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-04-03T07:22:10.5066667+00:00

    Hello S_to_the_mo_key,

    Please understand that our forum is a public platform, and we will modify your question to cover your personal information in the description. Please notice to hide these personal or organization information next time you post error or some information to protect personal data.

    Based on what you've described, I think we can be sure that the controller is not the problem here. For now, what I can think of could be the firmware version, or some other apps might be taking over the mapping of the controller, which might confuse the system.

    Before we proceed further, I'd like to know if there is anything else you have tried so far aside from the basic steps above? Given that you are quite tech-savvy, I'd want to know what you have already think of and doesn't work so we can rule them out.

    In the meantime, here is something you should try if you haven't done so already, which is completely closes other gaming platform to see if it helps. I'll take Steam for example.

    • Right click on its icon in the system tray and select "Exit"
    • Open Task manager, find and end all task and services that is related to Steam.exe and the Steam Client Webhelper.
    • When it is done, please reset the Xbox app and launch it again to see if the controller works now.

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