Updating the firmware on your Xbox controller is a quick and simple way to improve your gaming experience. Firmware updates can ensure compatibility with new features and hardware, keeping your controller running smoothly for years to come. Whether you’re playing on an Xbox console or a PC, staying on the latest firmware version ensures you’re always ready for whatever challenges your games throw at you.
If you’re looking for more insight into how firmware updates work and why they’re important, check out this guide to maintaining gaming hardware. It offers a look at why keeping your devices up to date is essential for performance and longevity. Although it’s PC specific, every console is a computer, so the information is still 100% relevant.
Now that you understand the importance of keeping your controller updated, let’s explore the reasons why you might want to update your Xbox controller firmware.
In This Guide:
Why should I update my Xbox One controller firmware?
Updating the firmware on your controller doesn’t just guarantee compatibility but can solve various problems, such as input lag, stick drift, or a trigger/button randomly firing or activating without pressing it. In some cases,juto try this first.
On top of fixing other common problems on Xbox One consoles, being on the most recent firmware version helps ensure your controller is operating at peak performance. Some gamers are tens or hundreds of versions behind when it comes to their controller firmware or, even worse, have never updated their controller since purchasing their Xbox!
Let’s cover the few steps you need to take in order to update the firmware on your Xbox controller.
Step-By-Step Guide to Updating Firmware
Updating your Xbox Controller is a straightforward and simple process. Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t make upgrading firmware as obvious as it probably should be.
Following these few simple steps will help you upgrade your controller and get back to gaming in no time.
Note: While we’re using an Xbox One controller and Xbox One X, the Xbox console and version of Xbox Operating System that you’re running could make this approach slightly different than what you see here. As a reminder, use the principals as a guideline, even if you’re here looking at something like a *cough* Playstation *cough* controller, or even a generic gamepad for PC.
Step 1 – Navigate to the Device & Connections Settings Menu
The first step you must take in order to upgrade your Xbox One Controller involves navigating to the settings menu, which can be accessed by pressing the Xbox Home Button, scrolling all the way to the further right-hand menu, and selecting the ‘Settings’ option.
Once you’re in the settings menu:
- Navigate to the ‘Devices & Connections’ menu option
- Select the ‘Accessories’ sub-menu option
This will bring you to the Xbox Accessories menu. If you only have a controller connected, chances are this is the only accessory you’ll see in the menu.
Step 2 – Select the […] Menu Item
Once you’re in the Xbox Accessories menu:
- Navigate to and select the […] menu option
This will bring you to the controller details screen.
Make sure the controller you’re updating is powered on and connected to the console.
Note: Did you know there is a controller test option? It’s the beaker icon, right next to the […] menu option. You can test your controller if you’re having issues with buttons not responding, stick drift, and other problems.
Step 3 – Select the Firmware Version Menu Option
While hidden deep in the Xbox settings application, the controller details screen has various bits of information and options for customizing your Xbox Controller preferences, such as:
- Firmware Version Information
- Which Xbox Gamer Tag the controller is assigned to
- Which Xbox Gamer Tag the controller signs in automatically (or doesn’t)
- Volume Options
- Buzz (to test your rumble motors)
- Turning on Copilot Mode
Once you’re in the Xbox Wireless Controller menu:
- Select the Firmware version menu option and press the ‘A’ button
It doesn’t appear to be clickable, which is a bit of a UX miss on Microsoft’s part, in my opinion. Regardless, the firmware version menu option should tell you right away if your controller needs a firmware update or not.
Step 4 – Select ‘Update Now’ to Update Your Xbox One Controller Firmware
Once you have selected the firmware version menu option and determined whether or not your Xbox Controller is up to date, select the ‘Update Now’ option to update your Xbox Controller firmware to the latest version.
You can also exit from the Xbox Controller firmware update menu if you would like to update your controller at a different time.
Depending on the version, your controller will take a few minutes to update. Make sure you keep the controller motionless and turned on during the update.
Your updates are now complete.
If you missed the notification that your controller does not need an update in Step 3, the Xbox Controller firmware update screen will remind you that no updates are needed.
Step 5 – Restart Your Xbox Controller and Xbox Console
Once you’ve completed your Xbox Controller firmware update, take a few more minutes to restart your Xbox console and Xbox One controller.
If you’re still running into issues after updating your controller, you can always try a hard reset/clearing your Xbox One cache to see if that fixes any issues. The site also has several other Xbox Repair Guides and there’s additional content on the XboxDIY YouTube channel.
We hope this tutorial article helped make your firmware upgrade process easier and provided some additional context on controller options and other troubleshooting steps along the way. Stop by the comment section or visit XboxDIY’s Contact page if you’re still having issues and need Xbox support. Game on!
0 Comments