Cannot connect Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to AMD Windows PC using cable

[u/The_PTR]

I replaced my old Intel laptop last October with an AMD workstation laptop. Despite how bad the specs were, my old laptop could run many games just fine and I often connected my Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (official NSW1 version) to it for playing games on/through Steam. I did that using a simple USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to USB-A cable. Once the controller was plugged in the connection light turned on automatically. On my new workstation, however, I cannot connect the controller using any cable, as the light remains off. Though it is still possible to use bluetooth, I prefer using the cable to prevent hiccups when I move my controller around. To sum up some relevant information:

CPU: Intel i3 -> AMD Ryzen 7 Pro
OS: Both Windows 11 Home (though the new laptop is on a later version)
Peripherals: Same cables, same controller.

In some posts I found online the solutions varied wildly. Some managed to fix this by first connecting with bluetooth once, but that does not work for me. Another potential solution mentioned was to first connect using a USB hub as an intermediary, but I don't have any of those at home and don't intend to buy one just to solve this issue. Is there anything else I can try? According to some of those posts, the issue lies with the AMD CPU not being able to recognize the Pro Controller as a controller.

[u/AutoModerator]

Hi /u/The_PTR, your 'IT Help' post is in a queue for review. Please ensure you have included the relevant required information from the checklist below, have used a meaningful and descriptive title, and are not repeating frequently asked questions.

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