My wi-fi gaming controller at all times acted up. This is the error I made
My spouse at all times will get aggravated after we sport collectively. Not as a result of I full the soar puzzles in It Takes Two sooner than her (I do), however as a result of my wi-fi Xbox controller is “at all times disconnecting.”
Not recurrently, not even that always, however each time we play a sport the place we’re each utilizing our wi-fi gamepads, my controller disconnects for a second. It’s been that method for years. And I’m an fool… as a result of it was such a straightforward repair. I’m nonetheless kicking myself for not doing it sooner.
It turned out all I wanted to do was replace the firmware. However I truly needed to lookup tips on how to do it—I don’t know if I’ve ever up to date the controller’s firmware. It actually was due for a little bit of care.
It’s straightforward to overlook the firmware
On the subject of acquainted expertise, we so simply fall right into a rut. That controller, keyboard, mouse, or no matter doesn’t work fairly prefer it used to, however you’re too busy to determine it out proper now, so that you accept a workaround or simply put up with the difficulty till later.
That’s the way it was with me and my wi-fi controller. I by no means fairly knew what the difficulty was. It simply appeared to randomly lose energy for a second or so whereas enjoying. No warnings, no system crashes, no indicators as to what it might be. Changing the batteries didn’t make any distinction, nor did switching from Bluetooth to the wi-fi dongle.
Jon Martindale / Foundry
I inform you all this as a result of I did strive to repair the issue. I’d usually pause the sport we had been enjoying to spend a pair minutes fussing with settings, or unplugging and replugging the dongle. All to the soundtrack of my spouse’s sighs as she glanced at her cellphone. How lengthy till one of many children inevitably wakes up? Higher to simply flip the controller again on and get again to the sport. I’ll repair it later. Yeah… “later.”
The factor is, if I’d solely plugged the darn factor in, all would’ve been solved. But it surely’s a wi-fi controller, so I’d by no means plugged it in. Why would I’ve? It really works as is! And but, if I had, I’d’ve gotten a immediate to replace its firmware and it could’ve saved me all kinds of problem.
Replace your wi-fi controller on PC
In the event you’re like me and also you’ve by no means up to date your wi-fi controller’s firmware, hopefully you’re now satisfied that it’s best to. Beneath are the short steps I took for my wi-fi Xbox controller, however the course of shouldn’t be too completely different you probably have one other type.
First, you’ll have to obtain the Xbox Equipment app. I’m going to need to ship you to the Microsoft Retailer for it, however bear with me. Click on the Obtain button and get it put in. (PlayStation wi-fi controllers have their very own firmware replace app, and third-party controllers by firms like 8BitDo have their very own as nicely.)
Jon Martindale / Foundry
As soon as the app is put in and prepared, seize a USB-C cable and plug your controller into an obtainable port in your PC. Launch the Xbox Equipment app and it’s best to see your controller displayed on the primary window, although you probably have a number of controllers or different Xbox equipment related, you might need to cycle by way of them.
If you’ve discovered your controller, choose the little three-dot menu, adopted by the firmware replace button. Be sure that the USB cable is plugged in and no children or pets are round to run previous and yoink the cable out. If you’re prepared, hit Proceed to start the replace.
Watch for it to finish. When prompted, unplug the controller. From there, it’s best to have a completely up to date wi-fi controller that’s able to sport with none spouse-frustrating disconnects.
I can’t promise {that a} firmware replace will repair each downside your controller may face, but it surely mounted mine. And simply in time for me and my spouse to take a crack at Cut up Fiction!
Additional studying: Our no-BS information to purchasing PC gaming controllers
