CtrlWin

Support

Answers to common questions, and how to reach us.

Need help? Email support@ctrlwin.app. Tell us your phone model, Android version, controller, and what happened. You'll find the app version in CtrlWin under Menu › About.

Getting started

CtrlWin's guided setup walks you through everything the first time you open it. To run it again, open Menu › Setup guide.

  1. Allow Bluetooth access. Grant the Nearby devices permission.
  2. Connect your controller to your phone. Put your Xbox controller in pairing mode (hold the pair button until the Xbox button flashes quickly), then pair it in your phone's Bluetooth settings.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC. On your PC, open Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Add device › Bluetooth, and choose CtrlWin. Confirm the pairing code on both screens.
  4. Pick a game profile and start playing.

Troubleshooting

My PC doesn't show CtrlWin when I add a Bluetooth device

Open CtrlWin and keep it on screen, then choose Menu › Pair with PC so it advertises again. Close and reopen Add device on the PC and try again. Close your phone's Bluetooth settings screen while you pair: when that screen is open, Windows may connect the wrong way. If CtrlWin still doesn't appear, turn Bluetooth off and on on the PC.

The controller stops working when I leave the app

Android only sends controller input to the app that's on screen, so switching apps, locking the phone, or taking a call pauses your controller until you come back. CtrlWin keeps the screen on while it's open, so you may want to plug in your phone. App pinning (the setup guide can turn it on) and Do Not Disturb help keep CtrlWin in front.

My PC keeps disconnecting, or doesn't reconnect

Some phones can't keep a steady Bluetooth connection to a PC, and this can't be fixed in the app. Try removing CtrlWin in your PC's Bluetooth settings and pairing again. If the problem continues, try another phone if you have one.

Some keys don't work after an update, or my PC shows an old name

Windows remembers a Bluetooth keyboard's details when it first pairs. After an update, or if your PC still shows an older name, remove CtrlWin in your PC's Bluetooth settings and pair again.

Aim feels too slow, too fast, or drifts

Open Edit, choose the stick, and adjust its mouse speed and curve. Drag the top-left handle to set the dead zone and maximum output (move it right if the cursor drifts when you aren’t touching the stick), and drag the handle on the curve to shape it. The red dot shows the stick's current output as you move it.

Which controllers work?

Xbox Wireless Controllers with Bluetooth (the models sold since 2016, including Xbox Series X|S and Elite Series 2 controllers) and compatible Bluetooth controllers. Pair the controller with your phone, not with your PC.

Do I need to install anything on my PC?

No. Your PC sees CtrlWin as a standard Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. There's no driver or PC software.

Is CtrlWin allowed in online games?

Your PC sees a normal keyboard and mouse, but some games and tournaments restrict remapping tools or input devices. Check each game's rules before you play online. See our Terms of Use.

Does CtrlWin work with Mac, Linux, or consoles?

CtrlWin is designed and tested for Windows PCs. Other computers that support Bluetooth keyboards may work, but we don't support them yet.

Privacy and your data

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