With compatible head-mounted displays, Windows Mixed Reality provides an end-to-end solution for augmented reality and virtual reality experiences. The 3D interface combines the physical and digital worlds, enabling natural and intuitive interactions between humans, computers, and their environment.

Unfortunately, there are some issues with windows updates such as the motion controller’s inactivity, the controller getting stuck, or disappearing in the mixed reality, and obviously the controller’s connection problem.

We will discuss more issues related to WMR controllers and know how to deal with these.

Issues with Windows Mixed Reality Controllers

There are some common issues with the gadget along with the app. So, it is a must to know about the problems first as if you have seen the symptoms then you would know that it is a sign of a technical issue. The notable problems are – 

• The WMR controllers don’t appear in the VR yet after pairing. Just the headset is visible. Also, they are absent from the mixed reliability site. Moreover, it has no troubleshooting options anywhere.
• The controllers are no longer connecting as usual. The buzzing stopped abruptly mid-game. After reconnecting to Bluetooth, it operated once. It used to stop in the same manner, but now it won’t connect.
• The controllers never appear in the Add a new device menu in Bluetooth settings when trying to pair them.
• Motion controllers jitter or flicker randomly. The MR Portal is operational, however, the controller tracking is weak.

Why Windows Mixed Reality Controllers Are Not Connecting?

You can find several reasons behind causing such issues. But not all of them are responsible in your case. The reasons vary from user to user. These are the most common ones that are to blame –

• Windows Bluetooth settings get faulty.
• Temporary unavailability of the controller.
• Mixed Reality driver is outdated or corrupted.
• The controller’s firmware is outdated.
• The controller is out of charge, etc.

Solutions for ‘Windows Mixed Reality Controllers Not Connecting

As you have known about the relatable problems, it is high time to the solutions.

Solution 1: Update Bluetooth Driver

If your computer’s Bluetooth settings not functioning properly, it can cause this problem. Therefore, try updating the Bluetooth driver. So –

Step 1: Press Win + X and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Expand the Bluetooth section and right-click on the driver.

Step 3: Then click on Update driver.

Step 4: Now, update the driver the way you want. 

Solution 2: Reconnect Controllers

It is quite possible that maybe at this time it fails somehow, but reconnecting it can establish a perfect connection.

Step 1: Each controller can be turned on by pressing and holding the Windows button for five seconds. Upon activation, they will buzz.

Step 2: Make sure the controllers are in pairing mode. Battery compartments have pairing buttons. Hold down the button until the controller’s lights begin to flash.

Step 3: Now, on the computer, open the Start menu.

Step 4: Select Settings.

Step 5: Choose Devices.

Step 6: Click on Bluetooth & other devices.

Step 7: Choose Add Bluetooth or other device.

Step 8: Select Bluetooth.

Step 9: Check for controllers. If it is visible then make the pair.

Solution 3: Reinstall Drivers

When your Mixed Reality driver is corrupted or outdated, it will not work as expected and as a result, you have to face this issue. It is better to reinstall it with its latest version. In this case –

Step 1: Go to the Device Manager.

Step 2: Then look for the Mixed Reality devices driver.

Step 3: After that, right-click on it and uninstall it

Step 4: Restart the computer.

Step 5: Download the latest drivers. To download, you can go to the manufacturer’s website.

Step 6: To install the drivers, execute the setup file and follow the prompts on the screen.

Solution 4: Overall Maintenance 

There are some basic things that you need to check before connecting your controller. Ensuring these can let you overcome this problem. Have a look at them –

Step 1: Check if your controllers are turned on, the battery is at full capacity, paired properly, LED is fully functional.Step 2: Check if the motion controllers are listed with the status message from the Mixed Reality Portal app.

Step 3: Remove Bluetooth headphones and speakers from the Bluetooth settings for the optimum audio experience, use the MR headset’s in-built speakers or headphone jack. To do so, 

• Go to the Bluetooth settings.
• Now, select those devices one by one then go for Remove device.

Step 4: To restart WMR, unplug the USB wire from the headset and re-plug it into the computer.

Step 5: Tracking might be impacted by lighting. Ensure that there are not any point light sources visible to the helmet-mounted display. Avoid being in direct sunlight.

Step 6: To make motion controllers visible properly in SteamVR, 

• The motion controllers should both be turned on. Verify that they are properly paired.
• Search for Device Manager. Go to Human Interface Devices and check for Motion Controller.
• Navigate to the Driver tab by double-clicking each Motion Controller device. Verify which of these versions the given driver version corresponds to.

Solution 5: Restore Factory Settings

Our final effective solution is restoring the controller in order to update its firmware with the newest one. Follow the steps to accomplish this –

Step 1: Disconnect the controllers.

Step 2: Apply new batteries.

Step 3: Use and hold down the pairing button.

Step 4: Now, Press the Windows button for five seconds to turn on the controller.

Step 5: Wait for the controller to turn on before releasing the buttons. Up to fifteen seconds are needed for this. When a gadget is recovering, there are no visible signs. The recovery button series is not registered if the device turns on right away after the button is released. Then you must attempt once more.

Step 6: Re-pair the controller after removing it. To do so,

• Go to the Bluetooth settings.
• Then click on Motion Controller and select Remove device. 
• Finally, pair the controllers again.

The device will upgrade to the most recent version of the software after making a connection with the host and headset.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I pair the WMR controller with my computer?

By holding down the Windows button for two seconds, you can turn on the WMR controllers. The LEDs will start to glow. The little pairing button may be found at the edge of the controller after removing the battery cover. To pair with your computer, tap and hold this button. With the headset, launch MR Portal.

How to recover the WMR tracking?

Recover the WMR tracking by plugging the headset back in after unplugging it. Moreover, check that there are no obstructions in the way of the internal tracking cameras on the front of the headset and that the lights are on. It can take a few moments for tracking to start up again if it stops. Tracking does not restart when the WMR Portal is restarted.

Does Windows 11 have the Mixed Reality feature?

Yes, it has the feature. Basically, MR Portal is an essential aspect of the Windows 10 OS. It gets updated through windows update. Same goes for Windows 11. The MS store app is the medium to update the portal for version 11.

Conclusion

Windows Mixed Reality is a popular technology that offers many different organizations a great opportunity to take the plunge and replicate physical presence in both the real world and the virtual world. It is very important to emerging in this reality appropriately so that you can feel the reality properly. The given solutions will help to you to overcome the obstacles and give you an excellent VR (Virtual reality) experience.