How To Turn Off Xbox Controller On PC? [Answered]

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Abdul Hadi

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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It is essential to know how to turn off the Xbox controller on a PC so the batteries don’t get drained when the controller is not in use. As a result, it will prolong the lifespan of your Xbox controller.

Key Takeaways 

• Xbox Controller lets you wirelessly play games on your PC without using your keyboard and mouse.
• You can turn off your Xbox Controller on your PC by disabling Bluetooth connection,  long pressing the Xbox Guide Button, removing batteries, disconnecting USB cables, and more.
• Although newer Xbox controllers automatically turn off when left idle for some time, older Xbox controllers’ batteries may get consumed if not turned off.

All Methods To Turn Off Xbox Controller On PC

While connected to the PC, we noticed that you can switch off the Xbox controller in various ways, such as;

1. Holding Down The Xbox Guide Button.
2. Disabling The Bluetooth Connection.
3. Disconnecting The USB Cable.
4. Using Third Party App.
5. Removing Batteries.
6. Leave It On Idle For A Few Minutes.

Holding Down The Xbox Guide Button

The easiest way of turning the Xbox controller off on a PC is by holding down the Xbox button in the middle of the Xbox Controller for a minimum of 6 to 8 seconds. After that, you will notice the backlight will be put out, implying that your Xbox Controller is turned off. 

To turn it back on, you must hold the Xbox button again. Once it’s turned on, it’ll automatically connect to the last paired Bluetooth connection. 

Also Read: How To Connect Matricom Controller To PC?

Disabling The Bluetooth Connection 

Most Xbox controllers, such as the Xbox One Controllers and Xbox Series X S Controllers, use Bluetooth to connect to the PC. However, it seems that disabling the Bluetooth connection fixes the issue.

To do so, follow these steps: 

1. Open “Settings” from the “Start” menu.
2. Head to “Devices.”
3. Disable the Bluetooth button.

If this doesn’t work, you can temporarily disable Bluetooth service in your PC so your Xbox controller disconnects from the PC.

You can do that by following these steps:

1. Open the “Run” dialog box by pressing the “Windows + R” keys.
2. Search for “services.msc” and press Enter. 
3. Search for the “BluetoothUserService” from the list of services. Right-click on it and select “Properties.”
   
4. Click on “Stop” service and select “OK.” 

   

This will stop the Bluetooth service on your PC, so once you see that your Xbox controller is disconnected, you can turn the service back on by repeating the same steps. 

Also Read: How To Connect PS5 Controller To PS4 Without PC?

Using Third Party App

We came across a dedicated app to disable the Xbox 360 controller on a PC when other methods fail. The Turn Off Xbox 360 Controller app is a simple way to proceed with the process.

Below are the steps you can use to turn off the Xbox controller using the app:

1. Go to the website and then click on the “Download” option.
2. Wait a few seconds for the download to start.
3. Once it’s finished downloading, click on the app to run it in the background. You’ll see that all Xbox controllers connected to your PC have been turned off. 

Removing Batteries

If the previous methods didn’t work, you should try this. Removing the batteries of your Xbox Controller is the simplest of all since it completely shuts down the controller.

All you need to do is to follow these steps:  

1. Take out the battery cover from the backside of your Xbox controller. 
2. Then, pull out one of the cells among the two that are inside. 
3. Once it’s done, the controller will be turned off. 

Be careful when removing the battery cover because it might become loose if you apply too much force. Just insert the battery back in to turn the Xbox controller back on. Moreover, if you’re facing battery issues on your PS4 controller, read our guide about checking the PS4 controller’s battery on your PC.

Leave It On Idle For A Few Minutes 

The final method for turning off the Xbox controller on a PC is to let it sit idle for a while. Newer Xbox controllers have this feature of automatically turning themselves off after 5-10 minutes, so the battery doesn’t drain too much. 

Also Read: Explained: How To Use Two Controllers On PC?

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Abdul Hadi

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com