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Xbox Controller Firmware Update Linux

Firmware Update Guide for Xbox Controllers via VirtualBox

Context

I spent two days troubleshooting an issue caused by neglecting to download the linux-headers. This wasn’t auto-installed as a dependency by either xpadneo (expected) or DKMS. During the process, I mistakenly assumed a firmware issue and attempted to update the controller firmware through VirtualBox. Unfortunately, I managed to soft-brick my controller, preventing it from appearing on my computer’s or phone’s Bluetooth while in pairing mode. However, I learned a foolproof method to update the firmware through VirtualBox, which I’m sharing here as it might help others facing similar issues.

Controller Model

  • Xbox One S controller
  • Xbox Elite 2 controller
  • Xbox Series X|S controller
  • Other

This method should work for other controllers as well.

Steps to Update Controller Firmware through VirtualBox

  1. Download Required Tools

    • VirtualBox: Install VirtualBox.
    • Windows 10 ISO: Get it here from Microsoft. If you are using a Windows device, skip this guide and download Xbox Accessories directly on your system.

  2. Set Up the Virtual Machine

    • Load the Windows ISO into VirtualBox.
    • If an error occurs upon starting up the VM indicating that the KVM module is currently using the AMD-V (hardware virtualization) feature, which VirtualBox also needs, run sudo modprobe -r kvm_amd to temporarily disable it.
    • Install Windows, apply all Windows updates, and update the Microsoft Store apps for compatibility.
    • Install Xbox Accessories from the Microsoft Store and shut down the VM.

  3. Disable the xpad Driver

    • If xpad is installed (it was by default in my case), disable it:
      1. Create a .conf file in /etc/modprobe.d/ (name it anything, e.g., disable-xpad.conf).
      2. Add the line: blacklist xpad.
    • This prevents the xpad driver from interfering with the USB passthrough.
    • Restart your PC after making this change.

  4. Configure VirtualBox USB Passthrough

    • Open VirtualBox, right-click the newly created VM, and go to Settings > USB.
    • Plug in your controller, then click the Add USB filter button and select your controller from the list. VirtualBox USB Settings
    • Edit the new USB filter:
      • Keep only the Port (ensures the controller stays connected during the firmware update) and Name fields, and delete the rest.
      • Ensure you use the same USB port throughout the process.

  5. Update Firmware

    • Launch the VM, open Xbox Accessories, and confirm the controller appears correctly.
    • Proceed with the firmware update.

  6. Re-enable xpad (Optional)

    • If you want to use xpad again (e.g., for wired play), delete the .conf file you created in Step 3.

Credits

This guide is based on the solution provided in xpadneo issue #472.