Microsoft fixes Xbox controller connection issues with March update

By Sean Endicott
last updated

Microsoft fixed the controller connection issue with the latest Xbox update.

Xbox Series X Controller
Xbox Series X Controller (Image credit: Matt Brown | Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • The March Xbox Update addresses issues causing controllers to have connection problems.
  • The change wasn't initially noted in the release notes but has since been specified.
  • Microsoft's Jason Ronald says that the update "fixes many of the controller disconnects players have reported," so some issues could still remain.

Xbox Wireless Controllers shouldn't run into connection issues following the March Xbox Update. Microsoft rolled out the Xbox update earlier this week, but the release notes didn't mention a fix for the irritating controller connection issue. Team Xbox's Jason Ronald pointed out on Twitter that the update also fixes "many of the controller disconnects players have reported."

Ronald's use of the word "many" implies that some issues remain, but people should run into problems less frequently following the update. Affected Xbox Wireless Controllers have issues registering button presses. A video by YouTuber "Jake" shows off the issue in action.

The issue only seems to affect newer Xbox Wireless Controllers that started shipping with the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.

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It's nice to see Microsoft jump on this issue, as it could become increasingly frustrating the more you play. While Microsoft addressed this issue, you may be on the hunt for one of the best Xbox Series X and Series S controllers as an alternative or a replacement. There are plenty to choose from, including the well-reviewed Xbox Elite Controller Series 2.

Xbox controller perfected

 (opens in new tab)
Xbox Elite Controller Series 2

The pinnacle of Xbox accessory engineering.

With premium features, premium construction, and premium details, the Series 2 also comes with a very premium price tag. If you can weather the bill, you won't find yourself disappointed, though. This might be the best controller ever made.

Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott brings nearly a decade of experience covering Microsoft and Windows news to Windows Central. He joined our team in 2017 as an app reviewer and now heads up our day-to-day news coverage. If you have a news tip or an app to review, hit him up at sean.endicott@futurenet.com (opens in new tab).

3 Comments
  • This is great news. Every time I changed my batteries my controller would lose its pairing with my Xbox and would have to power both down, remove the new batteries and re-pair them. Really sucked in the middle of the zombie apocalypse in State of Decay 2
  • Now that you mention it, I haven't had the controller disconnect since getting the update.
    I don't play the kinds of games where it was a major problem but it's good for the new controller to behave like the old one.
    Even better if it doesn't start drifting the day after the warranty expires, like the last two.
  • I can confirm that the issue I was having when I disconnected my headset from the console it would desync the controller have been fixed. And it's absolutely glorious, I can actually use my headset a lot more now just in general, not just when playing with people (sounds better than the poxy TV speakers) without having to worry about shutting down the console and losing my quick resume locations.