Windows 10: Why does my controller disconnect when i start a game?

I’ve recently started having this issue where my controller won’t connect wired to my pc unless I have it plugged in to my pc whenever i boot it. If at any point i unplug the controller while on my desktop, it won’t let me reconnect it back. If i leave it connected after starting my pc and launch a game it will also disconnect. I’ve tried using different controllers, usb ports, and different wires. The controller works fine on other pcs. I also downgraded to windows 10 from windows 11 and the problem persists. I also updated my bios . The weird thing is bluetooth works just fine, I thought may

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Sidewinder Game Controller Software 4.0

Hi Willard,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I suggest you to follow the below steps to download Sidewinder Game Controller Software 4.0

• Disconnect the game controller from your computer's universal serial bus (USB) port.
• Insert the Microsoft Sidewinder compact disc into your computer's CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. Hold down the SHIFT key to prevent installation from automatically starting.
• On your desktop, double-click My Computer, and then browse to the following file:
  CD-ROM drive:\Setup\Setup.exe
  
• Double-click Setup.exe to start the installation process.
• Restart your computer when prompted.
• Plug the SideWinder game controller into your computer's USB port, and then allow Microsoft Windows to detect and install it.
  
  Install the software update if the controller is the Sidewinder Game Controller Software 4.0
• Restart your computer.

Let us know the status.

Regards,

Guru Kiran

 

Game controller ID settings

Hi Joe,

Thank you for the update. I understand your concern.

I would suggest you to look for the Devices settings in Control Panel and check if the game controllers are listed. If so, refer to the following steps to alter the settings and check if these are helpful in resolving your issue.

a. Right click on one of your game controllers and click Game Controller Settings. Note where in the list it is. If it is not at the top proceed to the next step.

b. Right click and remove all your other controllers (not the 360/gamepad) and let them reinstall automatically.

c. Once complete right click and check the list again and see if the 360 controller/gamepad is at the top. If so, give the game another try and see if it detects your controller.

If the issue still persists, restart your console and then try to reconnect your controller.

Hope this information is helpful. Please post back your results for further assistance.

 

Sidewinder Game Controller Software 4.0

The only CD that I have is for Sidewinder Game Controller Software 2.0 and when I put it in the CD/DVD drive there was no
CD-ROM drive:\Setup\Setup.exe file. Can't I download 4.0 from Microsoft's site? Thanks.