Unable to turn on Steam Link with Xbox 360 Wireless Controller

[IAmKale]

I'm currently unable to turn on my Steam Link using my wireless Xbox 360 controller connected via the USB wireless dongle. When I press the Xbox button on the controller, the ring of lights flash as though it's trying to connect, but even after waiting a minute for the Link to turn on, nothing happens.

I've discovered that unplugging a USB Device from the Link will cause it to turn on. The first time I discovered this I was attempting to turn on the Link via my 360 controller. When nothing happened, I removed my Steam Controller's wireless receiver at which point the Link turned on.

The second time I attempted to turn on the Link with a 360 controller, I unplugged and then replugged the 360 wireless receiver at which point the Link turned on. Unfortunately this led to Steam crashing on my desktop (from which I was streaming) but not before displaying a pop-up saying something along the lines of "a D3D (?) hardware device has been added. Steam BPM must be restarted before proceeding."

I should note that once the Link is turned on I have zero issues using my 360 wireless controller in BPM or in-game.

Honestly I want to return my Steam Controller (I'm just not feeling it) but until there's a better way to turn on my Link I'll have to keep it around.

[mjhcsta]

Same here...I got the Steam Link with Steam Controller bundle from Game UK and am so disappointed by how poor the Steam Controller is atm...ive came across so many games that don't work with it best example is DMC Devil May Cry where it force crashes on startup at anytime you have a Steam Controller connected lol

I am using my XBox 360 Controller with the Steam Link but sadly face the same issue with not being able to turn on the Link...so basically if you don't own the Steam Controller there's no official set way to turn on the Steam Link???

I seriously think this is utter garbage and to think this is Valve i'm talking about...Here's hoping they fix these issues and give us the ability to turn on the Steam Link with any kind of Controller

[kammikazy]

Yes, I am experiencing the same problem. There is no way to turn on Steam Link with wireless Xbox 360 controller, and as far as I can see, there is no option to have the Steam Link stay on. Please fix!!!

[Joe2400]

Originally posted by csta:

I am using my XBox 360 Controller with the Steam Link but sadly face the same issue with not being able to turn on the Link...so basically if you don't own the Steam Controller there's no official set way to turn on the Steam Link???

You can turn the Steam Link on through the host PC that you're streaming from.

[Shrapnel 24]

Joe, please explain how to turn on the Steam Link from the host computer because that is what I have been trying to find for a few days now. When I look at the In-Home Streaming settings, the Link doesn't show up as available when it is shut down even if it is still getting power, so I figured they didn't intend for it to work like that.

Currently, I just unplug and replug the power cord from the wall socket to power it on. In fact, I just bought a remote control power socket that you plug into the regular wall socket so I can switch it on from my chair. This method works fine, but obviously shouldn't be necessary.

I also wish you could do it with the wireless 360 controller, but personally I am not surprised that you can't. I am just surprised they don't make it clear how they actually expect you to do it when the Steam Controller is not even included with every Steam Link.

[kammikazy]

If given the option, I would just leave it on 24/7, but I don't see the option.

[RawwrBag]

Same issue here. I have to physically unplug something to get it to turn on.

[Atomized]

I'm confused, how do you guys get the steam link to turn off?! if I hit the turn off steam link button it just turns itself back on right away.

[RawwrBag]

For me, hitting "off" onscreen works. Are you using Xbox 360 wireless controllers? If you something else plugged in, it might behave differently. I've also noticed that it turns itself off pretty quickly if I'm not using it, much like a Chromecast.

When I go to turn it back on, the wireless adapter often is lit up, and I can sync new controllers to it, but none of the controller buttons start the Link up.

[Raven]

Turning on the Steam Link with the XBox 360 Wireless Controller (+ USB dongle) works for me with no problems.
Just hold the middle XBox-Button for ~1sec and you should hear the Steam Link sound.

[dlpardoposton]

Originally posted by Raven:

Turning on the Steam Link with the XBox 360 Wireless Controller (+ USB dongle) works for me with no problems.
Just hold the middle XBox-Button for ~1sec and you should hear the Steam Link sound.

Raven,
Which USB dongle (brand) are you using, Microsoft OEM?
I'm curious as I have heard mixed reviews about the new Steam controller, and have lots of extra x360 controllers available ... so thinking of buying a dongle (for the Steam Link & also for my PC).
Not trying to be cheap here, but found an HDE brand which was more affordable and had good ratings on amazon.

[Raven]

i have the official one from Microsoft
The one from the "XBox 360 Controller for Windows" bundle.

[dlpardoposton]

Originally posted by Raven:

i have the official one from Microsoft
The one from the "XBox 360 Controller for Windows" bundle.

Thanks! I found in another thread mention the the HDE (knockoff) works.

I also saw someone complaining the d-pad (using MS or HDE dongle) wasn't recognized and that the Link was confusing the 360 controller as a Steam Controller.

Guessing it's just software glitches need to be worked out.

[Mother]

Originally posted by Raven:

Turning on the Steam Link with the XBox 360 Wireless Controller (+ USB dongle) works for me with no problems.
Just hold the middle XBox-Button for ~1sec and you should hear the Steam Link sound.

Are you turning the Steam Link "off" with the power button in the upper right of the screen or just letting it go to sleep on it's own? When I hold down the XBox button, the controller just flashes and can't connect.

[RawwrBag]

I've tried turning it off both ways. Both exhibit the problem, though only if you wait for awhile. If you try immediately after turning it off, it usually works.

[Wolfwood]

Hell, I have the Xbox 360 Wired controller and i cant get Steam Link to turn on. Also how can i get the X-box button to bring up the steam menu instead of the Xbox settings so i can respond to chat windows?