Some gamers are reportedly having issues with their gamepads like the Xbox controller won’t connect to the PC via Bluetooth after updating the Xbox controller firmware. In this post, we will show you how to rollback, revert or downgrade Xbox Controller firmware update on a PC or Xbox console.
How to rollback Xbox Controller firmware update
Generally, controller firmware refers to the program code that enables the controller to perform all the automation tasks required by the gaming system it operates. A new firmware update for a controller provides new features and comes with fixes and updates that deliver performance improvements.
If your controller is having Bluetooth-related issues after a firmware update, you can choose to revert your controller to an earlier firmware version to correct the problem. You should only revert your controller firmware if your controller is having frequent problems with connections to non-Xbox devices. You can easily roll back Xbox Controller firmware update in either of two ways via PC or Console.
Let’s see the steps involved concerning each of the method. Keep in mind that the option to revert the firmware may not be available for some older model controllers.
Rollback Xbox Controller firmware update on PC
Before you try the procedure, make sure you’re running the latest Windows version/build on your computer and update the Bluetooth driver and Xbox controller driver via Device Manager on your PC and see if that helps. To update the Xbox controller driver via Device Manager on your PC, do the following:
- Make sure your Xbox controller is connected to the PC.
- Press the Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
- In the Run dialog box, type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter to open Device Manager. Alternatively. press the Windows key + X to open the Power User Menu, and then tap the M key on the keyboard.
- In Device Manager, scroll down through the list of installed devices and click to expand the Xbox Peripherals section at the bottom of the window.
- Now, right-click on the Microsoft Xbox Controller entry.
- Click the Update driver software option from the context menu.
- Choose Browse my computer for driver software.
- Click Let me pick from a list of drivers.
- Choose the driver named Microsoft Xbox Controller.
- Click the Next button to install the driver.
Once the driver installation completes the issue should be solved and you won’t need to roll back the Xbox controller firmware update. However, if you’re still having issues with your controller on your PC or other non-Xbox devices, you can proceed with the instructions below to roll back the Xbox Controller firmware update on PC.
- On your Windows device, make sure the Xbox Accessories app is installed. The app is available at aka.ms/xboxaccessoriesupdateapp if you don’t have it.
- Next, press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
- Next, copy and paste the link below into the File Explorer address bar and hit Enter.
xboxaccessories://firmwareupdate?legacyDowngrade=true
- This will open the controller firmware reversion screen in the Xbox Accessories app on your device. Alternatively, you can open the Run dialog box and paste in the link above, and hit Enter.
- Follow the instructions to revert the firmware.
Rollback Xbox Controller firmware update on Console
To rollback Xbox Controller firmware update on Xbox console, follow these steps:
- Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
- Navigate to Profile & system > Xbox Assist > Get Help > Help topics > Console & accessories > Controller.
- On the right side, under the My controller has connection issues after the last update, select Check controller firmware to open the controller firmware reversion screen in the Xbox Accessories app.
- Follow the instructions in the app.
That’s it!
Now read: Xbox Accessories app stuck at 0% Applying update on Controller
What firmware version should my Xbox controller be?
You should always ensure your Xbox controller firmware version is the latest. The latest Xbox controller device firmware whenever available on your console or Windows PC, usually includes fixes and updates that deliver performance improvements to Xbox One controllers with Bluetooth support, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and the Xbox Adaptive Controllers.
Is Xbox or PS5 controller better?
To start with, Xbox controllers don’t have motion sensors, so there’s no way of implementing gyro aiming with the current Xbox controller design. The current verdict is that for modern features, the PS5 DualSense is the best option, but for versatility and battery life, nothing is better than the Xbox Gamepad. However, it all comes down to user preference and there is no clear winner here.