Firmware Update Guide for Xbox Controllers via VirtualBox

Troubleshooting and 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 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 [x] 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.
   • 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.