The Anniversary update for Windows 10 was much talked up by Microsoft, citing that it would improve all aspects of the OS – including bringing many benefits for gamers, from v-sync to multi GPU support. So basically what gamers wanted from them. The only problem is that somehow in improving the experience in many more complicated ways, they’ve somehow broken one of the more basic gamer experiences. A good number of users have reported that upon installing the Anniversary update their Xbox controllers no longer work properly with their computers. Whoops.

Before the update installing and using the Xbox pads was simple, as you’d expect. Windows and Xbox are both part of Microsoft after all. Now however, some games don’t recognise the controllers at all through bluetooth connection or through the official Xbox One wireless adapter. Others are somehow registering a single controller as two controllers, as well as Steam’s Big Picture mode for some reason.

Theories from Ars Technica are suggesting that the XInput API has been altered in some way in the update, and this is why the controllers are no longer working. The XInput API allowed for developers to be able to easily add controller support to their games just by adding it to their game, and the theory is given more weight when you take into account that some programs that allowed for a Dualshock 4 to act as an Xbox controller for the computer are also showing the same odd bugs and they too use this API.

Hopefully Microsoft get it sorted out soon, being able to use controllers is a fundamental part of PC gaming right now. Until they do, it might be an idea to hold off updating quite yet.