Both my headset and Xbox controller disconnect from PC

Understanding and Resolving USB Device Disconnection Issues on Windows 11: A Guide for Gamers and Power Users

Experiencing sudden disconnections of peripherals such as headsets and controllers can significantly disrupt your gaming or productivity experience. If you’re facing recurring issues where your headset and Xbox controller intermittently disconnect from your Windows 11 PC, you’re not alone. This comprehensive guide aims to help you diagnose potential causes and implement effective solutions, ensuring a stable and seamless connection for your devices.

Recognizing the Problem

Many users, including gamers playing titles like Helldivers with friends, report frustrating instances where their audio and input devices disconnect unexpectedly. These issues can stem from various system, hardware, or driver-related factors.

Common Environment and Hardware Configuration

The typical setup involves:

PC Model: iBUYPOWER Intel-based system
Operating System: Windows 11 Home (Build 26100)
Processor: Intel Core i7-12700F 12th Gen
Motherboard: Gigabyte B660 DS3H AC DDR4-Y1
Memory: 16GB RAM
Storage Devices: WD Blue SN570 SSD and Seagate HDD
Graphics Cards: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
Display: MSI G27C5 (1920×1080, 27.2-inch)
Peripherals: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 headset, Xbox controller, multiple keyboards and mice
Audio Devices: Multiple audio outputs including SteelSeries, NVIDIA, Oculus, and Virtual Desktop

Potential Causes of Disconnection Issues

Disconnections of peripherals can be attributed to several factors:

Hardware Power Management Settings: Windows may be turning off USB devices to save power.
Driver Compatibility: Outdated or corrupted device drivers can cause unstable connections.
USB Port or Cable Problems: Faulty ports or cables can intermittently disrupt data transfer.
Conflicting Devices or Software: Multiple audio and input devices may conflict with each other.
System Updates or Firmware Issues: Pending updates or outdated firmware can lead to issues.