Why can’t Microsoft reliably report Xbox controller battery level on Windows
I’ve had this issue for years and I genuinely don’t understand how something this basic still hasn’t been fixed.
I own five Xbox Wireless Controllers (Model 1914) and all five have the same problem on Windows:
- Over Bluetooth, Xbox Accessories shows “Battery level: Unknown”
- Windows Bluetooth settings shows a percentage, but it can be completely wrong
- Over USB, Xbox Accessories just says “Battery level: Plugged in” rather than telling me the actual charge
- All five controllers are on the latest firmware
- I’m using Microsoft’s official USB-C rechargeable battery packs
- I’ve reproduced the same behaviour on multiple Windows PCs
Most recently, Windows told me my controller had 100% battery. I started playing a game and the controller died shortly afterwards.
For a rechargeable wireless device, knowing whether the battery is about to die is a pretty critical function. Wireless mice, keyboards, headphones, earbuds and even many Bluetooth TV remotes can report their remaining battery level these days. I don't understand how Microsoft's own Xbox controller, connected to Microsoft's own operating system and using Microsoft's own rechargeable battery pack, can't provide reliable battery information.
This isn't just wanting a nice percentage displayed somewhere. Without accurate battery information, I can't tell whether I should charge the controller before starting a game.
Microsoft's own product page specifically advertises that the Xbox Wireless Controller can:
>“Wirelessly connect to Windows 10/11 PCs … using Bluetooth.”
So Bluetooth is an advertised way of using the controller on PC.
Microsoft support suggested USB, but that still doesn't provide an actual battery level and defeats the point of using a wireless controller anyway. They also suggested the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows, which Microsoft no longer sells.
I've already reported the problem through Microsoft support and Feedback Hub, but it still hasn't been addressed.
Does anyone else using a Model 1914 Xbox Wireless Controller over Bluetooth on Windows have this problem? What does Xbox Accessories show for your battery level?