Xbox series X controller keeps randomly stop working pc.

Troubleshooting Guide: Resolving Xbox Series X Controller Connectivity Issues on PC

If you’re experiencing intermittent connectivity issues with your Xbox Series X controller while gaming on your PC, you’re not alone. Many users encounter moments where their controller stops responding unexpectedly, disrupting gameplay. This comprehensive guide aims to help you identify potential causes and implement effective solutions to ensure a stable gaming experience.

Understanding the Issue

A common scenario involves the controller randomly disconnecting during gameplay, despite its indicator light remaining solid, suggesting the connection is active. The disconnection manifests as the game acting as if the controller has been unplugged until you manually reconnect it by unplugging and reinserting the USB Type-C cable.

Common Causes

USB Port Issues: Certain ports may not provide a stable connection.
Power Management Settings: Windows power-saving features might disable USB devices to conserve power.
Firmware Compatibility: Outdated or corrupted firmware can cause instability.
Software Conflicts: Background applications or drivers can interfere with device connectivity.
Hardware Problems: Faulty cables or ports may interrupt the connection.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Confirm Hardware Integrity

Inspect the Cable: Use the original USB-C cable or a high-quality alternative to rule out cable faults.
Test Different Ports: Connect your controller to different USB ports, preferably directly to the motherboard rather than a hub.

2. Disable USB Power Management

Windows Settings:
Open Device Manager.
Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
Right-click on each USB Root Hub or Generic USB Hub, select Properties.
Go to the Power Management tab.
Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
Repeat for all relevant USB controllers and hubs.

3. Update Firmware and Drivers

Xbox Accessories App:
Ensure your controller firmware is up to date by launching the Xbox Accessories app.
Follow prompts to install any available updates.
Windows Updates: Keep your operating system current to ensure compatibility.
Device Drivers: Update your PC’s chipset and USB drivers through the manufacturer’s website or Windows Update.

4. Adjust Game and Background Application Settings

Close unnecessary background applications that might interfere with USB connections.
Disable any conflicting controller or peripheral management software temporarily to test stability.