Xbox Controller Connects, But Randomly Disconnects when Playing Games on Steam

[Cribby_1966]

I am having an issue with my controller. Lately, I have had this issue where my controller is connected to the pc, but when playing using Steam input on big mode, sometimes the controller disconnects but in the settings on my pc it says still connected. I am not sure why this is occurring. I went to using a wired connection and the issue persists. I was wondering if anyone would have a solution to this. I have watched dozens of videos and have tried everything. PLEASE HELP!

[RPG Gamer Man]

There is a couple fixes you could try for this. First, make sure there is no firmware updates for your controller. This might fix the issue. If not, go into controllers under settings in steam, un-checkmark all checkmarks for controllers. Then only put the xbox controller checked left. See if that works. If it does not, you may need to go into devices under window and delete all otehr controllers you use or used in the past so it only detects the xbox controller. Uninstall it too, restart pc, then plug the xbox controller back in. Then install firmware again since you deleted it or the drivers for it. Try these methods.

[Cribby_1966]

Hi, I tried those methods and nothing works. I am not quite sure what the problem is. the controller works for maybe 5 minutes on a game in steam and then just disconnects. My controller works for other platforms such as epic, but for some reason when using steam, the controller refuses to work. I have tried almost every method online, every video and looked at forums. Is there any way to get into contact with steam support to see if they can diagnose the problem. it feels like that is my only option.

[zediiiii]

Does your issue look anything like this one? Here's what I'm trying today. I'll update if I find that it worked.

You said:
I have the Xbox controllers, one from 2017 with micro USB, one from 2021 with USB c, and one from 2024 with usbc and a picture button on it. I often play games with four controllers connected to a win 11 mini computer that connects via steam link to my desktop with strong hardware. The connection is wired and hits close to the 1000 gbps theoretical speed to the bigger computer. I'm using the Xbox wireless dongle in plain sight with no obstructions 6 ft away from me, plugged into the extender it came with.
However, the newest controller will randomly stop being recognized by Windows. None of the other controllers do this. Once it isn't recognized, the controller stays connected to the dongle, can be turned on and off and stay connected to the dongle, and can even be re paired with the dongle, but Windows refuses to recognize the controller exists. I'm using either the Xbox accessories app, steam link app, or the control panel to confirm that controller is no longer in existence according to Windows... Until you restart. That fixes the problem 100% of the time.
I've tried uninstalling/reinstalling drivers, changing the power settings on the dongle in device manager, hard resetting the controllers by holding down the pair button for 20 seconds, and this issue keeps recurring, almost randomly. Any ideas?
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Memory updated
That’s a frustrating issue, especially since your setup is otherwise solid. A few things to try:

Check Windows Event Viewer – When the controller disappears, open Event Viewer (Win + X → Event Viewer → Windows Logs → System) and look for errors related to HID devices, USB, or Bluetooth (even though you're using the dongle). This might give clues.

Try a Different USB Port or Direct Connection – Even though you’re using the extender, try plugging the dongle directly into a different port, ideally a USB 3.0 port if it’s currently in a USB 2.0 slot. Some users report better stability without the extender.

Disable USB Selective Suspend – Go to Control Panel → Power Options → Change plan settings → Change advanced power settings → USB settings → USB selective suspend setting, and disable it. This sometimes helps with peripherals dropping off.

Check for Firmware Updates on the Controller – Sometimes new hardware ships with early firmware that needs an update. Use the Xbox Accessories app to check and update.

Force Reinstall the Controller in Device Manager – When the issue happens, open Device Manager → View → Show hidden devices. Under "Human Interface Devices" or "Xbox Peripherals," find the controller (if it appears), right-click, and uninstall it. Then unplug the dongle, restart, and reconnect.

Test with a Different Xbox Wireless Adapter – If possible, test with a second wireless adapter to rule out a compatibility issue with the newest controller.

Check Steam Big Picture Settings – Since Steam is often in the mix, go to Steam → Settings → Controller → General Controller Settings, and disable Xbox Configuration Support if it's on. Sometimes Steam’s built-in controller support interferes with native Windows recognition.

[76561199763549915]

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[Wren]

This thread was quite old before the recent post, so we're locking it to prevent confusion.