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Microsoft fixes Xbox One controller glitches via update

Available to those in the Xbox Preview Program, the update is intended to help the controller connect to the console more quickly and to patch a number of unspecified bugs.

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Lance Whitney is a freelance technology writer and trainer and a former IT professional. He's written for Time, CNET, PCMag, and several other publications. He's the author of two tech books--one on Windows and another on LinkedIn.
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Microsoft is tweaking its Xbox One controller via a new update. James Martin/CNET

Microsoft is rolling out another Xbox One update but this one is aimed at the console's controller.

In a blog post late Monday, Xbox Live chief Larry Hryb, aka Major Nelson, described one specific fix packed into the new firmware update -- faster connect time.

Dubbing the improvement "Quick Connect," Hryb said that in the past the controller took around four to five seconds to connect to the Xbox One console when someone turned it on. Now the controller should connect in under two seconds. The new update also offers a number of unspecified "stability improvements" to resolve issues sent to Microsoft by Xbox One customers and members of the Xbox Preview Program.

Microsoft has been diligent about fixing and enhancing the Xbox One since the console debuted in November 2013. The company rolls out a number of new features and improvements on a monthly basis. That's important to keep existing users happy but also to draw in potential new customers.

Xbox One sales have generally lagged behind those of the console's chief rival, Sony's PlayStation 4. Beyond offering free bundled games, price discounts and other promotions, Microsoft needs to keeps its console up-to-date and appealing with fresh new features if it expects to draw in new users.

There is one catch to the latest update. For now, it's available only to participants of the Xbox One Preview Program. This program gives Xbox One owners an early shot at trying out new features before they roll out to all console users. Those in the Xbox Preview Program are encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions to Microsoft based on new features to help the company determine whether those features are fit and ready for all Xbox One users.

Hryb provided the following steps on how Xbox One Preview Program members can update their controller with the new firmware update:

  • Connect a controller to your Xbox One with a USB cable. Keep any headsets connected to the controller.
  • Connect to Xbox Live.
  • Press the Menu
  • Go to Settings > Devices & accessories. Select the controller.
  • If you have multiple controllers attached, you can select Buzz - which will cause the selected controller to vibrate.
  • Then select Update to download the new firmware to the controller attached via the USB cable, and the screen will show the Updating controller ... progress screen
  • When you see the Controller updated screen, press 'B' to go back to the Devices & accessories main page
  • Reselect the controller, the Firmware version, should now be: 1.2.2236.0

Microsoft did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment.