Troubleshoot your Xbox 360 controller for Windows

• What version of Windows are you using?
  The Xbox 360 Controller for Windows is designed to work on Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and later versions of Windows. Windows XP SP2 is very easy to install. The quickest method is to use Windows Update.
  
• Has the controller software been installed? Make sure that the controller software has been installed. The controller requires a driver to work on a Windows XP-based PC. A disc that contains the driver is included with the controller. You can also download the driver from the Microsoft Hardware website.

Note A driver is a software program that lets the device—in this case the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows—work with Windows and the game.

You can download the latest drivers for the Xbox 360 controller for Windows from the Software Downloads section of the Microsoft Hardware website. You should also download and install any critical or important updates to Windows by running Windows Update.

The Xbox 360 Controller for Windows needs a powered USB port. If the controller is not working correctly, try changing the controller to a differenct USB port. Avoid using USB hubs or the front ports on a PC. Unpowered hubs or ports might not provide enough power for the controller. For best results, plug the controller into another USB port on the back of the computer.

Typically, the ports on the back of a computer are powered ports. Ports on the front of the computer may not be powered ports. An external USB hub doesn’t provide powered ports if it doesn’t have its own separate power supply or AC adapter.

Device Manager can help you troubleshoot your controller settings if you’re still having problems with your controller. Use Device Manager to see whether the correct items are listed and to make sure that there are no conflicts.

Note A conflict is marked by a yellow exclamation point in Device Manager.

To use Device Manager, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
2. On the Hardware tab, click Device Manager.
3. When the controller is successfully installed, you see three entries in Device Manager. There should be two entries under Human Interface Devices:
   • HID-compliant game controller
   • USB Human Interface Device
   Additionally, there should be a third entry in under Microsoft Common Controller for Windows Class:
   
   • Xbox 360 Controller for Windows
4. If you see yellow exclamation points next to any of these entries, there is a problem with the installation. If there is a problem for either of the entries under Human Interface Devices, first verify that the problem is caused by the controller by unplugging the controller. If a hardware conflict with the controller was causing the problem, the yellow exclamation point will no longer appear after the controller is unplugged.

To resolve controller problems in Device Manager, try these solutions one at a time (move to the next solution only if the solution you’re trying fails to resolve your problem):

1. Use the built-in troubleshooter:
   1. In Device Manager, double-click Xbox 360 Controller for Windows.
   2. Click Troubleshoot, and then follow the steps provided.
2. Remove and then redetect the controller:
   1. Right-click Xbox 360 Controller for Windows, and then click Uninstall.
   2. In the Action menu, click Scan for hardware changes.
3. Try updating the driver:
   1. Double-click XBOX 360 Controller for Windows.
   2. On the Driver tab, click Update Driver.

Note This information applies only to the Xbox 360 controller for Windows. For help with other gamepads or joysticks, see the peripheral manufacturer's website or support center. For information on configuring a specific game to be played with a controller, see the game publisher's website or support center.

To help eliminate any possible hardware issues, try to use the controller on an Xbox 360 console.

If you still experience the problem, contact Xbox Support by clicking the “Contact us” link at the bottom of this page.