USB wireless game controller does not work on this laptop

[rainking430]

I have been in touch with MSI already about this issue and they insist it is a simple plug-and-play device so the issue is not on their end, but rather an issue with the laptop. Anyway, on to my issue:

I have been using an MSI Force GC30 V2 game controller for several months on a Lenovo laptop with USB 3.2 ports. Recently I switched to this HP laptop and the controller no longer works with any of the USB A or C ports. When I plug the wireless receiver in, the controller connects to the receiver just fine, but Windows 11 does not pick up any signals from the controller. If I go into the "Set up USB Game Controllers" app in Windows, it shows up as an Xbox 360 controller with "OK" status, which is what it's supposed to do, but testing the buttons and sticks does nothing. However, this controller works totally normally if I plug the wireless receiver into certain USB hubs that are connected to the laptop, and also if I connect the controller by USB cable directly to the laptop, but I would prefer not to have to use that workaround. The controller should just work in any USB port, as it did with my previous laptop.

[Deep_World]

Hi @rainking430,
 
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

I understand how it must be to have your controller working perfectly on one laptop but not on your new HP device. 

Could you please share the exact HP laptop model you’re using? Also, let me know if you’ve already tried updating or reinstalling drivers.

Here are a few steps you can try in the meantime:

Update Windows drivers: Go to Device Manager, locate the Xbox 360 controller under “Human Interface Devices” or “Universal Serial Bus controllers,” and update the driver.

Uninstall and reconnect: Right‑click the controller in Device Manager, uninstall it, then unplug and replug the wireless receiver to let Windows reinstall automatically.

Check power settings: In Device Manager, under USB Root Hub properties, disable “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.” Sometimes power management interferes with USB devices.

Test different ports: Even though you mentioned trying multiple ports, testing again after driver reinstall can sometimes resolve detection issues.

Windows updates: Ensure your system is fully updated, as controller compatibility often depends on the latest patches.

I hope this helps.

[rainking430]

Thanks for responding! Here are my answers to your questions:

Exact HP laptop model: OmniBook X Flip 14fk0033dx

Update Windows drivers: Already up-to-date according to the OS

Uninstall and reconnect: No change.

Check power settings: No change.

Test different ports: No change.

Windows updates: Up-to-date. No change.

Please let me know if there is anything else to try.

[Deep_World]

Hi @rainking430,

Thanks for your response and thank you for providing those details. Since you’ve already tried the general troubleshooting steps, let’s go a bit deeper to isolate the issue with your USB wireless game controller on the HP OmniBook X Flip 14fk0033dx.

Here are a few additional checks:

Device Manager: Please open Device Manager and look under “Human Interface Devices” or “Universal Serial Bus controllers.” See if the controller appears there with a warning icon. If so, right‑click and select “Update driver” or “Uninstall device,” then reconnect it.

Controller drivers: Some wireless game controllers require manufacturer‑specific drivers or software. Could you confirm the brand/model of your controller? Installing the official driver package may resolve compatibility issues.

USB selective suspend: In Windows Power Options, disable “USB selective suspend” to ensure the port isn’t powering down the device.

BIOS update: Check HP Support  https://support.hp.com/ for the latest BIOS update for your OmniBook X Flip. Sometimes USB compatibility is improved with firmware updates.

Test on another PC: If possible, test the controller on a different computer. This helps confirm whether the issue is with the controller itself or the laptop.

I Hope this helps !

[rainking430]

Device Manager: Note that it does not appear under “Human Interface Devices” or “Universal Serial Bus controllers", but rather as it's own separate entry "Xbox 360 Peripherals" > "Xbox 360 Controller for Windows" (the same as on my previous laptop in which the controller worked fine). Still, no warning icon for the controller. Everything is normal.

Controller drivers: The controller is an MSI Force G30 V2. Previous to this I had contacted MSI, and they do not provide any special drivers for it. According to them the controller is a "simple plug and play device" and should just work in any USB port.

USB selective suspend: This setting does not appear in my Windows Power Options (Control Panel\Hardware and Sound\Power Options\Edit Plan Settings)

BIOS update: Up-to-date. No change.

Test on another PC: The controller works fine on all USB-A and C ports on a different laptop. Lenovo Yoga 6 13ALC6

[Jerry_57]

Hi @rainking430,

Thank you for your response.

Here’s a structured troubleshooting guide you can follow:

01 Uninstall and Reinstall Driver

Most Common Fix

Windows may have loaded a generic or corrupted driver.

Open Device Manager → Xbox 360 Peripherals → Xbox 360 Controller for Windows

Right‑click the entry → Uninstall device

Disconnect the controller

Reboot your laptop

Reconnect the controller → Windows should reinstall the driver automatically

02 Install Xbox Accessories App

This app ensures proper firmware and driver communication.

Open Microsoft Store → Search 'Xbox Accessories' → Install

Launch the app after installation

Connect the controller via USB

Check if a firmware update is offered

03 Update Optional Windows Drivers

Windows Update sometimes hides controller drivers under optional updates.

Go to Settings → Windows Update → Advanced Options → Optional Updates

Install any available driver updates (especially Xbox or USB drivers)

Restart your PC after updates

[rainking430]

01 Uninstall and Reinstall Driver: Followed the directions, no change.

02 Install Xbox Accessories App: Does not detect controller, says "Don't see your device? Make sure it's on and connected." Viewing the help documentation, it says "The Xbox Accessories app does not support the Xbox 360 controller or non-Xbox devices". Which seems to include this controller.

03 Update Optional Windows Drivers: Followed the directions, installed all optional updates. No change.