Xbox Series S controller not staying connected

Good morning, everyone.

I bought a Xbox Series S, and I have a recurring problem.

I'm playing a game and if I leave the game paused for a couple of minutes, the controller disconnects. I am using the controller wirelessly with AA batteries. More times than none, I can simply hit the Home button to reconnect, sometime I have to hit the sync button on the controller, but this morning, no matter what I do, I cannot reconnect the controller. I even tried a wired connection and no luck. As far as I can tell, I have the latest updates. Has anyone else run into this, and if so, how did you fix it?

Thanks for your help.

There are two ways to use the controller wirelessly
1. Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10
2. Bluetooth

Which way are you connecting it?

I use my Xbox Series S controller using Bluetooth. When I first got it it was unstable this way. Updating the firmware solved that problem.

Once in a while when I turn on the controller the light keeps flashing (not paired) even though the Windows settings says it should be. In the Setting>Devices I have to

• Select the Xbox wireless controller
• Select Remove the device
• Restart the pairing on both the PC and controller

Once it is paired again it is OK

Connecting the Xbox wireless controller using a USB wired connection should be automatic with Windows 10. Once connected you can use the Xbox Accessories App (from Microsoft app store) to test it and update the firmware if needed.

Note I also found the following:

• The controller does not need the battery when connected with a USB cable. (it will even work with the battery removed).
• To use with a wired cable do not press the Xbox button to turn it on. With the cable connected the light will come on using power from the USB connection.
• However, I have found that taking out the battery does cause the controller to forget its pairing with the PC. That means it needs to be repaired with the PC if a wireless connection is desired.

I apologize, I should have been more specific (and maybe I'm in the wrong place). I have a separate wired controller for my PC that I have no issues with, the problem is that my controller does not stay connected on my Xbox Series S. I could not find any articles or YouTube videos addressing my specific problem, but I figured the people in Ten Forums are always helpful :)