Windows 10 only supports a single Xbox One pad at a time via bluetooth

Only one of the new Xbox One controllers introduced at the same time as the Xbox One S can be connected to a Windows 10 PC via bluetooth at a time. It is unknown why this limitation applies.

Microsoft will announce the maximum of a single controller on a support page on the official Xbox website. So Microsoft does not provide an explanation, but it cannot be a case of a technical limitation. The website of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, the developer of the technology, states that an ad-hoc Bluetooth network ‘can contain two to eight devices’. So in theory it should just be possible to connect up to seven Xbox One controllers via bluetooth to a single Windows 10 PC. The Xbox One and One S do not work with Bluetooth, but with a wireless technology developed by Microsoft, which the controllers also support.

Now, if users want to wirelessly connect more than a single Xbox One Bluetooth controller, they are forced to purchase Microsoft’s specially designed wireless USB adapter. The prices for these are currently roughly between 20 and 30 euros. This adapter supposedly works with the same protocol as the Xbox One and One S and supports up to eight controllers.

In addition to the limitation on bluetooth controllers, there are even more problems with controllers from Microsoft, but also those from Sony, Ars Technica reports. Since the Anniversary Update for Windows 10, the operating system has struggled to maintain a connection with Xbox One controllers. Also, Steam Big Picture Mode has had problems recognizing Xbox One controllers properly. Also unofficial support for the Dualshock 4 is currently out of order.