Fix: Xbox Controller Blinking When Plugged Into PC

Xbox controllers are one of the most popular wireless devices. Remember, they are not entirely error-proof, but the likelihood of facing issues is bleak. Yet, a few users reported that their Xbox controller keeps blinking when plugged into a PC.

The problem could lie with the PC, the connection between the devices, or the Xbox wireless controller. The list of underlying causes is endless, but each has a definite solution. Identify the former, execute the latter, and you are good to go!

Why is my Xbox controller blinking when wired to the PC?

The controller batteries don’t have enough charge.
The connection between the controller and the PC is weak, or the two are not connected.
Hardware issues or component malfunction in the controller itself.
For those wondering why is my Xbox One controller flashing and not connecting, you may be using an incorrect cable for wired connections.

How do I fix my Xbox controller if it’s blinking when wired to the PC?

Before we start with the slightly complex solutions, try these quick ones first:

If the Xbox controller is flashing but not turning on, charge the controller or replace the battery pack. Also, if you have an Xbox console, connect the controller to it for a while.
Disconnect the Xbox controller and re-pair it with the PC, the same way you did initially.
Use the Xbox Wireless Adapter to set up the controller when the Bluetooth connection doesn’t work.
In case the wired Xbox controller is blinking when plugged into the PC, make sure you are using the right cable. Some are meant only for charging. Use one that supports data transfer.
As surprising as it may sound, turning on the controller and then connecting it via the cable works when the Xbox controller’s home button flashes.

If none work, head to the fixes listed next.

1. Update the controller firmware

Press Windows + S to open Search, type Xbox Accessories in the text field, and click the relevant search result. If you don’t have it, download Xbox Accessories from Microsoft Store.
Connect the controller to the PC using the official USB cable. Firmware updates over Bluetooth connection are not supported.
Once the wired controller is detected, click the ellipsis button under Configure.
Now, click on Update now.
Read the update instructions and click Continue to proceed.
Wait for the firmware update to install.
Once done, again head to the update section and make sure it reads, No update available.
Finally, restart the devices and check whether the Xbox controller is still blinking when plugged into the PC.

2. Update Windows

Press Windows + I to open Settings, go to Windows Update from the navigation pane, and click the Check for updates button.
如果有可用更新，請點選下載並下載安裝以防它沒有自動下載。
重新啟動電腦並檢查 PC 上的 Xbox Series X 控制器是否仍閃爍。

3.重新安裝控制器驅動程式

按Windows + X 開啟「進階使用者」選單，然後選擇裝置管理員 < a i=4> 從選項清單中。
展開各個條目，找到 Xbox 控制器，右鍵點選它，然後選擇卸載裝置。
勾選「嘗試刪除此裝置的驅動程式（如果有）」複選框，然後點選卸載按鈕。
重新啟動計算機，Windows 將自動安裝驅動程式的新副本。

如果 Xbox 控制器無法工作並且在插入電腦時只是閃爍，則可能是驅動程式損壞所致。如果您在裝置管理員中看到控制器圖示旁邊有一個黃色感嘆號，則重新安裝驅動程式即可解決問題！

4. 恢復韌體

提示

要恢復 Xbox 控制器固件，您可以使用主機上的 Xbox Accessories 應用程序，如本官方指南中所述。但對於無法使用 Xbox 主機的人來說，可以透過 PC 完成相同的操作。確保您已下載適用於 PC 的 Xbox Accessories 應用程式。

使用 USB 連接線將 Xbox 控制器連接到 PC。
按Windows + E 開啟檔案總管，將下列路徑貼到網址列中，然後點選Enter ： xboxaccessories:\\firmwareupdate?legacyDowngrade=true
Xbox Accessories 應用程式啟動後，按一下恢復韌體按鈕。
在出現的確認框中點選是，恢復韌體。
等待韌體回滾過程完成並檢查是否有改進。