XBOX 360 Wireless Controller for Windows

[vaporfox99]

Hey guys, I finally got around to installing a few games on my new rig (now finished) and went to sync my brand new controller. I installed the provided software, which is terrible (thanks Microsoft), including the driver. Everyone else says their wireless receiver has a steady green light on it when plugged in, but mine does not. I get a syncing light when I try to make it sync to my controller but I cannot get a sync. Both the controller and receiver are actual Microsoft products, not Chinese knock-offs. So, I'm at a loss now. I tried locating the receiver to check for problems and I can't seem to locate it in Device Manager. Anyone know any solutions for this? I've also done some quick googling and found out that these controllers have a tendency for errors such as this and have to be returned inorder to fix it. I really don't want to do that since, the controller is slightly modified now. I also just ordered the wired charge kit, so if I can get it to work that way it'll tide me over until I can get a solution. Thanks in advance, Cheers!

 

[gizmo j]

your supposed to press that tiny button on the controller- link below

 

[vaporfox99]

your supposed to press that tiny button on the controller- link below

I would like to take this opportunity to confirm that I am NOT retarded! I understand the working of a Xbox 360 controller. I get the sync, hence why I'm getting an attempt to sync but no sync. (Sarcasm fully intended)

 

[sora]

Try RMAing it or contacting Microsoft live support. They might be able to send you a replacement for free if you provide them with the PID and/or S/N.

 

[vaporfox99]

Try RMAing it or contacting Microsoft live support. They might be able to send you a replacement for free if you provide them with the PID and/or S/N.

I tried calling Microsoft yesterday, forgot it's a holiday weekend so they are off all weekend. I'm going to try them again Tuesday and see what they say.

 

[ejav092]

First thing is first, did you get the right drivers for that controller? I have one of the knockoffs from amazon and the play n charge kit. I did this under win7 and win8:
1) Get 32 or 64 bit drivers from http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/d/xbox-360-controller-for-windows
2) Install drivers, if reciever is not connected, connect it.
3) Go to start > devices and printers or get to device manager and find anything that says USB reciever with a yellow triangle on it.
4) Update driver, but instead of choosing automatically, your going to choose manual, and then from there hit let me choose from a list.
5) From there on, scroll all the way down to xbox 360 peripherals or something like that. Hit next. Then choose the one with the highest driver version / recent date under xbox 360 wireless, then click next.

It Should be complete! Light should be steady. Hit the button on the wireless reciever and the controller to sync with each other. When you get the play n charge kit/ cable and attach it to the controller, it will automatically sync with each other incase you sync the controller to an xbox.

Edit: Will properly edit this up later on. Did this out of the top of my head under ubuntu.

 

[vaporfox99]

First thing is first, did you get the right drivers for that controller? I have one of the knockoffs from amazon and the play n charge kit. I did this under win7 and win8:
1) Get 32 or 64 bit drivers from http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/d/xbox-360-controller-for-windows
2) Install drivers, if reciever is not connected, connect it.
3) Go to start > devices and printers or get to device manager and find anything that says USB reciever with a yellow triangle on it.
4) Update driver, but instead of choosing automatically, your going to choose manual, and then from there hit let me choose from a list.
5) From there on, scroll all the way down to xbox 360 peripherals or something like that. Hit next. Then choose the one with the highest driver version / recent date under xbox 360 wireless, then click next.

It Should be complete! Light should be steady. Hit the button on the wireless reciever and the controller to sync with each other. When you get the play n charge kit/ cable and attach it to the controller, it will automatically sync with each other incase you sync the controller to an xbox.

Edit: Will properly edit this up later on. Did this out of the top of my head under ubuntu.

Updated the driver as instructed. I have 3 USB items under Device Manager with Yellow warning icons next to them. I tried going into all three and finding the xbox 360 peripherals but i couldn't find it. It's just the generic USB driver. I'm going to call Microsoft again today when I get home from work. But, since that may hold no fix, I hope you can still help, I believe we're on the right track now.

 

[velosteraptor]

this is the solution that ended up working for me... i got it off a review for a product on amazon. give it a try...




<<<<<<<These instructions are for Windows 7 64-bit specifically

Do not even take the disc they give you with the receiver out of the bag... it's worthless.

Google "xbox 360 controller pc driver" and the first hit should be a link to the official Microsoft page for the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows.

Under the Support tab you can download the official software, which does work with this HDE 360 Receiver and gives you the on screen display and shows your battery level remaining, etc, just like on the 360 console.

Once the official software has been installed...

Plug in wireless receiver to your PC
Open Device Manager
Right-click "Unknown device" > "Update Driver Software"
"Browse my computer for driver software"
"Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer"
Highlight "Show All Devices" > Click Next
WAIT... it may take a second to load if your PC is slow
Under Manufacturer select "Microsoft"
Under Model select "Xbox 360 Controller for Windows Version: 2.1.0.1349 [8/13/2009]"
Click Next
When you get prompted for the Update Driver Warning click "Yes"

When you right-click and open Properties on the receiver in Device Manager, open the Driver tab and you should see the following:

Driver Provider: Microsoft
Driver Date 8/13/2009
Driver Version: 2.1.0.1349

THAT was the key for my installation on Windows 7 64-bit, the default driver it was finding before was dated 2006 and did NOT work even though it did recognize the receiver.

Once your receiver is working, click the sync button on both the receiver and your wireless 360 controller and you should see a pop up from your System Tray about "USB Input Device" was detected... your controller is now synced.

If you open the Game Controllers menu under Control Panel you should now see the 360 receiver listed, and you can click Properties and verify visually that all buttons, thumb-sticks, etc are working properly and you can even perform calibration of the analog inputs should they need it but I wouldn't bother unless you notice an issue.

For $12'ish shipped this is an excellent value IF it keeps working long term I will be very happy. Microsoft did not stop making the official receiver, they just decided to stop selling it individually. You have to buy the bundle with a new controller, which was foolish of them in my honest opinion and why you see all these knock-off's online.

I had previously been using my PS3 controller on my PC via a software called "DS3 Tool" by "MotionJoy" which you can look up online as well... even works with BlueTooth supposedly. A good alternative if you already have a PS3 controller because no dongle is required and the "DS3 Tool" software is completely free.

I hope this review was helpful for anyone hesitant to give this a try or having issues with the receiver driver installation.

EDIT - 01/06/13 - I've been using it for a few months now with zero issues, thing works like a charm. Also thanks everyone for responding that these instructions were helpful, and I took note of some suggestions and modified the above instructions to reflect that the official M$ driver / software should be installed before you do anything.

I've been using this dongle to rock the new Steam Big Picture mode and it works perfectly... >>>>>>>

 

[ejav092]

Edited version ( The last post I gave you were forthe drivers for the wired controller, not wireless. My bad on the half a**ed post. This one is corrected and done on win 8.1 64, same process on win 7.)

1) Remove any driver/software that came with the receiver, its outdated.Get 32 or 64 bit drivers from:
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/d/xbox-360-wireless-controller-for-windows
(MAKE SURE YOU CHOOSE THE PROPER BIT VERSION)
2) Connect receiver to the pc if it isn’t already. Windows should then detect it and try to find the drivers to it, but it won’t find it.
3) Go to start > Control Panel >Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers. From there on you will see a list of devices ranging from devices, multimedia devices, printers etc.
4) Scroll down all the way to the bottom under unspecified. It will be listed as Unknown Device.
In your case you said you had 3 of them, what I would do is disconnect any other usb device except mouse or keyboard and the Xbox 360 wireless receiver
5) Right click it and choose properties. Then click on the hardware tab and hit properties again.
6) From there on you will have 4 tabs, General, Driver, Details, and Events. On the bottom of the general tab, there is a change setting with the UAC shield button and the update driver button greyed out. Click change setttings first, and then UAC will pop up, click yes if it did not, that’s alright. But now the update driver button will be enabled. Click that.
7) 2 options will appear, search automatically for updated driver software and browse my computer for driver software, Click browse my computer for driver software. Then hit Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
8) This is where the files you installed from step one come into play. Scroll all the way down of that list. Xbox 360 Peripherals should be on that list. Double click on Xbox 360 Peripherals.
If not, you installed the .exe file from step 1 wrong or it is not installed at all.
9) Then you will see a list of models and versions and dates. The one I chose is called Xbox 360 Controller for Windows Version: 6.3.9600.16384 [8/21/2013]. Select that and hit next. A pop up box will appear saying it is not recommended, ignore that and hit yes.
10) From here on it should show that it has successfully updated your driver software. Click close if you check back at Control Panel\Hardware and Sound\Devices and Printers you should now see under unspecified as Xbox 360 controller for windows.
Sync up the controller to the receiver. When synced, hit the Xbox button on the controller and you should see the battery life and all these other info on the center of the screen as a Xbox notification.

 

[sora]

Tell me how contacting Microsoft goes!

 

[vaporfox99]

Sorted it out!!!! I got it synced and working. The problem was actually a PCI card issue. So anyone have a recommendation on a good PCI to USB card?
Thanks for all the great answers guys!!!

 

[dugo88]

this is the solution that ended up working for me... i got it off a review for a product on amazon. give it a try...




<<<<<<<These instructions are for Windows 7 64-bit specifically

Do not even take the disc they give you with the receiver out of the bag... it's worthless.

Google "xbox 360 controller pc driver" and the first hit should be a link to the official Microsoft page for the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows.

Under the Support tab you can download the official software, which does work with this HDE 360 Receiver and gives you the on screen display and shows your battery level remaining, etc, just like on the 360 console.

Once the official software has been installed...

Plug in wireless receiver to your PC
Open Device Manager
Right-click "Unknown device" > "Update Driver Software"
"Browse my computer for driver software"
"Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer"
Highlight "Show All Devices" > Click Next
WAIT... it may take a second to load if your PC is slow
Under Manufacturer select "Microsoft"
Under Model select "Xbox 360 Controller for Windows Version: 2.1.0.1349 [8/13/2009]"
Click Next
When you get prompted for the Update Driver Warning click "Yes"

When you right-click and open Properties on the receiver in Device Manager, open the Driver tab and you should see the following:

Driver Provider: Microsoft
Driver Date 8/13/2009
Driver Version: 2.1.0.1349

THAT was the key for my installation on Windows 7 64-bit, the default driver it was finding before was dated 2006 and did NOT work even though it did recognize the receiver.

Once your receiver is working, click the sync button on both the receiver and your wireless 360 controller and you should see a pop up from your System Tray about "USB Input Device" was detected... your controller is now synced.

If you open the Game Controllers menu under Control Panel you should now see the 360 receiver listed, and you can click Properties and verify visually that all buttons, thumb-sticks, etc are working properly and you can even perform calibration of the analog inputs should they need it but I wouldn't bother unless you notice an issue.

For $12'ish shipped this is an excellent value IF it keeps working long term I will be very happy. Microsoft did not stop making the official receiver, they just decided to stop selling it individually. You have to buy the bundle with a new controller, which was foolish of them in my honest opinion and why you see all these knock-off's online.

I had previously been using my PS3 controller on my PC via a software called "DS3 Tool" by "MotionJoy" which you can look up online as well... even works with BlueTooth supposedly. A good alternative if you already have a PS3 controller because no dongle is required and the "DS3 Tool" software is completely free.

I hope this review was helpful for anyone hesitant to give this a try or having issues with the receiver driver installation.

EDIT - 01/06/13 - I've been using it for a few months now with zero issues, thing works like a charm. Also thanks everyone for responding that these instructions were helpful, and I took note of some suggestions and modified the above instructions to reflect that the official M$ driver / software should be installed before you do anything.

I've been using this dongle to rock the new Steam Big Picture mode and it works perfectly... >>>>>>>

This works perfectly! Thanks so much!

 

[AnimalsArentFood]

I see that this has been marked as solved but since this thread kept coming up in search results when I was looking for a solution, and because it's a fairly new thread, it makes sense to post here rather than start a new thread.

If you've tried using the official Microsoft installer (usually called Xbox360_32Eng.exe or Xbox360_64Eng.exe) and you've tried velosteraptor's instructions (posted in this thread) and you've tried the Microsoft Common Controller For Windows Class solution (the most common solution; it's posted all over the web) yet your device is still listed in Device Manager with a yellow flag (usually listed as Unknown device but not always), then you might have one of the generic (aka: knockoff, aka: imitation) devices that requires a different driver. The Microsoft devices usually have Microsoft written on them somewhere, while the generic ones usually do not.
The most common generic device that requires a different driver is white/grey and just has XBOX 360 printed on the top, but the appearance of your device may be different.

If you think you may have one of these generic devices, you should first try the driver that came with the device.
If your device didn't come with a driver or you lost it, or it doesn't work, try one of these two drivers:

Alternate Microsoft driver (extract with 7-Zip):
20258516_288ade5984a88d007b5b3249e9d36ac3fb15f713.cab
(mirror1, mirror2, mirror3)

Driver from nikingstore.com (they used to sell the generic devices):
VG00086-driver.rar
(mirror1, mirror2, mirror3)

Note: To install either of those two drivers, find the device in Device Manager (as mentioned above, it has a little yellow flag on its icon and is probably listed as Unknown device), right-click on it then click the Update Driver option and direct the system to the folder containing the driver files.


Other files:
wdfcoinstaller01009.dll
If, while the driver is installing, you're prompted for a file called wdfcoinstaller01009.dll, you can obtain that file by extracting it from the official Microsoft installer (mentioned above) using 7-Zip.
When you extract the files from that installer, wdfcoinstaller01009.dll may be located in a win7 folder (or one of its subfolders) but it should still work for Windows XP.
(mirror1, mirror2, mirror3)

xusb21.sys
If, while the driver is installing, you're prompted for a file called xusb21.sys, it just means the system got confused and needs to be directed back to the folder containing the driver files you downloaded.
xusb21.sys will likely be in the x86 subfolder or the x64 subfolder (don't use the one in the x64 subfolder unless you're using 64-bit Windows).

 

[Ben Phoenix]

)((

 

[immortalkarma]

ok, after many headaches, I figured out how to get my controller to sync with the adapter, my problem is that now that the controller is synced, I can't get the controller to actually control anything on the computer....anybody got a solution?

 

[kanitolo]

ok, after many headaches, I figured out how to get my controller to sync with the adapter, my problem is that now that the controller is synced, I can't get the controller to actually control anything on the computer....anybody got a solution?

I got the exact same problem 10 minutes ago, download this software: https://code.google.com/p/x360ce/downloads/list
And then paste it in the root of the game.

 

[immortalkarma]

ok, after many headaches, I figured out how to get my controller to sync with the adapter, my problem is that now that the controller is synced, I can't get the controller to actually control anything on the computer....anybody got a solution?

I got the exact same problem 10 minutes ago, download this software: https://code.google.com/p/x360ce/downloads/list
And then paste it in the root of the game.

which one? there's four different files
and then how do you paste it in the root of a game?

 

[abeirokid]

my adapter ins't sync with my controller.
I've installed all at 100% right but when I press the sync button in the adapter it happens this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrtmu3JIo_M&feature=youtu.be

It only blinks once and then stops. I can't get to sync the controller with the adapter. Anyone has and idea ?

 

[kanitolo]

[/quotemsg]

which one? there's four different files
and then how do you paste it in the root of a game?[/quotemsg]
It depends : if your system is a 32 bits, download the first one, if it is a 64 bits download the second.
the root is the folder where the game was installed. Usually it is in C/Program Files

 

[CameraGuy74]

Couldn't find the actual driver anywhere (i.e Microsoft website). But my solution for the problem was....

With the device plugged into the computer, I went to

1. Windows Update
2. Check for updates
3. Update option for Microsoft - Game Devices, other hardware - Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows
4. Update
5. Restart
6. Playing some sweet games!!!

Good luck, and hope this helps others

 

[Magnus OnkliDonk]

I see that this has been marked as solved but since this thread kept coming up in search results when I was looking for a solution, and because it's a fairly new thread, it makes sense to post here rather than start a new thread.

If you've tried using the official Microsoft installer (usually called Xbox360_32Eng.exe or Xbox360_64Eng.exe) and you've tried velosteraptor's instructions (posted in this thread) and you've tried the Microsoft Common Controller For Windows Class solution (the most common solution; it's posted all over the web) yet your device is still listed in Device Manager with a yellow flag (usually listed as Unknown device but not always), then you might have one of the generic (aka: knockoff, aka: imitation) devices that requires a different driver. The Microsoft devices usually have Microsoft written on them somewhere, while the generic ones usually do not.
The most common generic device that requires a different driver is white/grey and just has XBOX 360 printed on the top, but the appearance of your device may be different.

If you think you may have one of these generic devices, you should first try the driver that came with the device.
If your device didn't come with a driver or you lost it, or it doesn't work, try one of these two drivers:

Alternate Microsoft driver (extract with 7-Zip):
20258516_288ade5984a88d007b5b3249e9d36ac3fb15f713.cab
(mirror1, mirror2, mirror3)

Driver from nikingstore.com (they used to sell the generic devices):
VG00086-driver.rar
(mirror1, mirror2, mirror3)

Note: To install either of those two drivers, find the device in Device Manager (as mentioned above, it has a little yellow flag on its icon and is probably listed as Unknown device), right-click on it then click the Update Driver option and direct the system to the folder containing the driver files.


Other files:
wdfcoinstaller01009.dll
If, while the driver is installing, you're prompted for a file called wdfcoinstaller01009.dll, you can obtain that file by extracting it from the official Microsoft installer (mentioned above) using 7-Zip.
When you extract the files from that installer, wdfcoinstaller01009.dll may be located in a win7 folder (or one of its subfolders) but it should still work for Windows XP.
(mirror1, mirror2, mirror3)

xusb21.sys
If, while the driver is installing, you're prompted for a file called xusb21.sys, it just means the system got confused and needs to be directed back to the folder containing the driver files you downloaded.
xusb21.sys will likely be in the x86 subfolder or the x64 subfolder (don't use the one in the x64 subfolder unless you're using 64-bit Windows).

And when this device is not showing in device manager or in "Printers and hardware"? I can not manually install a driver for something that apparently does not exist... When I plug in the receiver (in any USB port) windows does not even bother to try to find it... (I have 8 receivers because I got them cheap - and yes, they all have worked before - also under windows 8.1. The one I have used for several years also still works on my laptop..)
The weird thing about this is that it just stopped working from one day to the other without anything special happening in the meantime (no updates or other changes in OS). I find this baffeling and am annoyed by the thought that I might have to reinstall win8.1 to get them to work... and thats just not going to happen..

 

[AnimalsArentFood]

And when this device is not showing in device manager or in "Printers and hardware"? I can not manually install a driver for something that apparently does not exist... When I plug in the receiver (in any USB port) windows does not even bother to try to find it... (I have 8 receivers because I got them cheap - and yes, they all have worked before - also under windows 8.1. The one I have used for several years also still works on my laptop..)
The weird thing about this is that it just stopped working from one day to the other without anything special happening in the meantime (no updates or other changes in OS). I find this baffeling and am annoyed by the thought that I might have to reinstall win8.1 to get them to work... and thats just not going to happen..

I don't know man. I haven't tried using mine in Windows 8 yet (I'm still using XP & 7). If I were in your position, out of sheer curiosity, I think I'd end up backing up my C: drive with disk imaging software and reinstalling Windows 8 just to see if the device starts working again, then I'd restore the drive using the backup image when done.
(Of course, I'd first make sure it isn't something simple like a dirty/failed USB port, but you've likely already done that).
Hope you manage to get it working again.

 

[Anduare2]

this is the solution that ended up working for me... i got it off a review for a product on amazon. give it a try...




<<<<<<<These instructions are for Windows 7 64-bit specifically

Do not even take the disc they give you with the receiver out of the bag... it's worthless.

Google "xbox 360 controller pc driver" and the first hit should be a link to the official Microsoft page for the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows.

Under the Support tab you can download the official software, which does work with this HDE 360 Receiver and gives you the on screen display and shows your battery level remaining, etc, just like on the 360 console.

Once the official software has been installed...

Plug in wireless receiver to your PC
Open Device Manager
Right-click "Unknown device" > "Update Driver Software"
"Browse my computer for driver software"
"Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer"
Highlight "Show All Devices" > Click Next
WAIT... it may take a second to load if your PC is slow
Under Manufacturer select "Microsoft"
Under Model select "Xbox 360 Controller for Windows Version: 2.1.0.1349 [8/13/2009]"
Click Next
When you get prompted for the Update Driver Warning click "Yes"

When you right-click and open Properties on the receiver in Device Manager, open the Driver tab and you should see the following:

Driver Provider: Microsoft
Driver Date 8/13/2009
Driver Version: 2.1.0.1349

THAT was the key for my installation on Windows 7 64-bit, the default driver it was finding before was dated 2006 and did NOT work even though it did recognize the receiver.

Once your receiver is working, click the sync button on both the receiver and your wireless 360 controller and you should see a pop up from your System Tray about "USB Input Device" was detected... your controller is now synced.

If you open the Game Controllers menu under Control Panel you should now see the 360 receiver listed, and you can click Properties and verify visually that all buttons, thumb-sticks, etc are working properly and you can even perform calibration of the analog inputs should they need it but I wouldn't bother unless you notice an issue.

For $12'ish shipped this is an excellent value IF it keeps working long term I will be very happy. Microsoft did not stop making the official receiver, they just decided to stop selling it individually. You have to buy the bundle with a new controller, which was foolish of them in my honest opinion and why you see all these knock-off's online.

I had previously been using my PS3 controller on my PC via a software called "DS3 Tool" by "MotionJoy" which you can look up online as well... even works with BlueTooth supposedly. A good alternative if you already have a PS3 controller because no dongle is required and the "DS3 Tool" software is completely free.

I hope this review was helpful for anyone hesitant to give this a try or having issues with the receiver driver installation.

EDIT - 01/06/13 - I've been using it for a few months now with zero issues, thing works like a charm. Also thanks everyone for responding that these instructions were helpful, and I took note of some suggestions and modified the above instructions to reflect that the official M$ driver / software should be installed before you do anything.

I've been using this dongle to rock the new Steam Big Picture mode and it works perfectly... >>>>>>>

**Fought with this for half the night till I found your correct steps to fix. You would think after several years M$oft could get this to work better through plug n pray

 

[Magnus OnkliDonk]

Just an update from me: It magically came back a few weeks later... I have no clue. No windows update no tinkering with anything or anything special happening other than me going through the device manager again. And there it was. It just decided to work again after a selfimplemented holiday. Not that it did not deserve it after all these years in service. But a heads up would have been nice... It has worked flawless since.

Sorry for not being able to help anyone with the same exact problem I had.
(The device not even appearing in device manager)