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Fix: Can’t Remove Xbox Wireless Controller Device
These three methods are guaranteed to help remove the controller
4 min. read
Updated onMarch 29, 2024
updated onMarch 29, 2024
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Key notes
Playing your favorite game on your PC doesn’t necessarily have to be done using a mouse and keyboard. In fact, many games are easier and a lot more fun to play with a controller.
And, if you are using a Windows PC, for optimal compatibility, you are most likely using an Xbox controller. The software for these devices can sometimes bug.
If you have a wireless Xbox controller, you will also want to know what to do when it isrecognized but not working in games.
Knowinghow to set up your Xbox wireless adapterwill also make your life easier when trying to connect your controller.
Windows 10, as well as Windows 11 users, have complained about not being able to remove the Xbox controller from their PC. Today, we are going to show you how.
Why can’t I remove my Xbox wireless controller device?
This mostly happens when there is an error with the current driver for the gaming device. Files associated with the controller might have become corrupted, again, triggering this error.
However, before updating the driver for the controller, you will need to remove it somehow. If you are unable to remove the Xbox wireless controller from your Windows 10/11 PC, stick around.
That being said, before we start, make sure you restart your PC. Many users claim that this was enough for the process to run as intended.
No, you don’t need to go that far. We will show you exactly what you need to do in order to get this done without downloading and installing anything.
Only resort to third-party apps for the job when you’ve wasted all available paths to do it in-house, or so to speak.
How do I remove my Xbox wireless controller device?
1. Uninstall the Xbox wireless controller from Device Manager
2. Remove the Xbox wireless controller from Devices and Printers
Before we proceed with the last step, we recommend youcreate a system restore pointandbackup yourRegistry, just to be safe.
If you want to make sure that this procedure will be done safely, then you might try using third-party software. Asystem repair toolsimplifies the process of protecting your PC from malware and optimizing it to perform flawlessly at all times.
3. Delete the registry key from Windows Registry
Each of the folders you find underDevicesrepresents a different Bluetooth device currently connected to your system.
You have to delete the folder for the Xbox wireless controller, and to find it you have to select the first folder and look for the Value Name on the right side.
After you found it, double-click on it, and a window will open containing itsBinary Value. You will see then be able to see your device’s name in theValue Databox.
After locating the Xbox wireless controller folder, right-click it and click delete it. Once you deleted the folder, close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.
You have now completely removed the Xbox Wireless Controller from your PC. You can reconnect it later if that is what you want.
How do I update the Xbox wireless controller’s driver?
That is pretty much all there is to be said on the matter and we hope this guide has helped you overcome this software issue.
Leave a comment in the dedicated section below if you know of any other methods to remedy this problem.
Alexandru Poloboc
Tech Journalist
With an overpowering desire to always get to the bottom of things and uncover the truth, Alex spent most of his time working as a news reporter, anchor, as well as TV and radio entertainment show host.
A certified gadget freak, he always feels the need to surround himself with next-generation electronics.
When he is not working, he splits his free time between making music, gaming, playing football, basketball and taking his dogs on adventures.
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Alexandru Poloboc
Tech Journalist
With a desire to always get to the bottom of things and uncover the truth, Alex spent most of his time working as a news reporter.
