Xbox 360: The Xbox 360 Controller for Windows is not functioning correctly (908888)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Xbox 360
  • Xbox 360 Controller for Windows
  • Xbox Video Game System

SUMMARY

This article describes how to troubleshoot an Xbox 360 Controller for Microsoft Windows that is not functioning correctly.

MORE INFORMATION

To help diagnose and resolve this problem, follow these steps:
  1. What version of Windows are you using?
    The Xbox 360 Controller for Windows was designed to work for Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and later versions of Windows.
  2. Has the software been installed?
    The controller requires a driver to work on a Microsoft Windows XP-based PC. A disc is included with the controller that contains the driver. The driver can also be downloaded from the Microsoft Web site. Make sure that the software has been installed.
  3. Is the problem just in one game?
    If the problem appears to be with only one specific game, contact the publisher of that game for support.

    You can use the Microsoft Windows Control Panel to test the usage of the controller. Click Start, click Run, type joy.cpl, and then click OK.
  4. Try another USB port.
    If the problem persists, plug the controller into another USB port on the back of the computer. Try to avoid using USB hubs or the front ports on a PC. Unpowered hubs might not provide enough power for the controller.
  5. Look in Device Manager for problems.
    Look in Device Manager to see whether the correct listings are there and make sure that there are no conflicts. Conflicts are displayed as yellow exclamation points. To do this, follow these steps:
    1. Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
    2. On the Hardware tab, click Device Manager.
    When the controller is successfully installed, you see three entries in Device Manager. You see two entries under Human Interface Devices:
    • HID-compliant game controller.
    • USB Human Interface Device.
    The third entry in Device Manager is branching from a new group that is named Microsoft Common Controller for Windows Class:
    • Xbox 360 Controller for Windows
    If you see yellow exclamation points on any one of these entries, there is a problem with installation. Because the two entries under Human Interface Devices are generic, if there is a problem with these entries, you have to verify that the problem is an entry that is related to the controller. To verify that the problem is caused by the controller, unplug the controller to verify that the problem does not remain in Device Manager.

    To resolve problems with the controller that you see in Device Manager, follow these steps:
    1. Use the built in troubleshooter:
      • In Device Manager, double-click XBOX 360 Controller for Windows.
      • Click Troubleshoot, and then follow the process.
    2. To remove and then redetect the controller:
      • Right-click XBOX 360 Controller for Windows, and then click Uninstall.
      • In the Action menu, click Scan for hardware changes.
    3. Try updating the driver:
      • Double-click XBOX 360 Controller for Windows.
      • On the Driver tab click Update Driver.
  6. Try to use the controller on an Xbox 360 Console.
    To help eliminate any possible hardware issues, try to use the controller on an Xbox 360 console.
  7. The controller may be broken.
    If these steps or any steps that are not outlined in this article do not resolve the issue, you may have to contact Xbox Customer Service to replace the device. To contact Xbox Customer Service contact, visit the following Web site:

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/4/2006
Keywords:kbxbox360ext kbXboxPeripherals kbXbox360PacRimPortal kbXbox360EuropePortal kbXbox360AmericasPortal kbPubTypeKC kbinfo KB908888