A controller that won’t work can ruin a gaming session fast. If your Game controller doesn’t work in Windows 10, the problem is usually caused by connection issues, drivers, compatibility settings, or Windows services — and most problems can be fixed with a few checks and updates. This article walks through the likely causes and gives step‑by‑step fixes so you can get your controller working again.
Key Takeaway
Most controller issues are driver or connection related: check cables or Bluetooth pairing first, update or reinstall drivers (via Device Manager or the manufacturer’s updater), and use Windows’ Game Controllers and calibration tools — if a game still won’t recognize the device, use an input wrapper (e.g., x360ce or DS4Windows) or Steam Input.
Quick Fix Guide
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| 1. Controller not paired or connected (wireless) | Re‑pair the controller via Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices or use the manufacturer’s pairing routine. |
| 2. Faulty USB cable or port | Try a different USB cable and port (preferably USB 2.0 for older controllers). |
| 3. Dead or low battery | Charge or replace batteries; try while plugged in if supported. |
| 4. Missing or outdated drivers | Update/reinstall drivers via Device Manager or the manufacturer’s software. |
| 5. Controller not set as game device / needs calibration | Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Game Controllers and calibrate or set the controller as default. |
| 6. Game or Steam capturing input exclusively | Disable exclusive input in Steam or the game’s controller settings, or use Big Picture/Steam Input. |
| 7. Outdated controller firmware | Update firmware using the manufacturer’s app (e.g., Xbox Accessories, Sony updater). |
| 8. Conflicting devices or ghost entries | Disconnect other controllers and remove ghost devices in Device Manager. |
| 9. Windows update or driver regression | Roll back driver in Device Manager or install a compatible older driver. |
| 10. Controller requires special drivers (DS4, DualSense) | Install DS4Windows, ViGEm, or official drivers for PS controllers. |
| 11. Game supports XInput only (controller is DirectInput) | Use an XInput wrapper like x360ce or enable Steam Input. |
| 12. Corrupted system files or services (HID) | Run sfc /scannow, check Human Interface Device Service, and restart related services. |
Detailed Fixes for “Game controller doesn’t work in Windows 10”
1. Controller not paired or connected (wireless)
Why it causes problems
Wireless controllers must be paired correctly over Bluetooth or proprietary wireless adapters. If pairing fails or the device drops connection, Windows won’t see it.
Step-by-step fix
- Turn off the controller and turn it on in pairing mode (manufacturer-specific; e.g., press and hold the Sync or PS + Share buttons until LEDs flash).
- Open Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Click Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth and select your controller when it appears.
- If the device fails to pair, remove any existing pairing on both PC and controller and retry.
Notes/tips: For some controllers (Xbox Wireless), use the Xbox Wireless Adapter instead of Bluetooth for full feature support.
2. Faulty USB cable or port
Why it causes problems
A damaged cable or incompatible USB port (loose connection, no data lines) prevents the controller from being detected.
Step-by-step fix
- Disconnect the controller and try a different USB cable known to support data (not just charging).
- Plug into a different USB port on the PC; prefer ports directly on the motherboard (rear I/O) rather than front panel hubs.
- If using a USB hub, connect directly to PC to eliminate hub issues.
- For USB 3.0 ports that misbehave, try a USB 2.0 port — some controllers have compatibility problems with USB 3.0.
Notes/tips: If Windows shows “Charging” but not a controller device, the cable likely lacks data wires.
3. Dead or low battery
Why it causes problems
Low battery prevents wireless controllers from connecting or behaving erratically.
Step-by-step fix
- Charge the controller fully or replace batteries with fresh ones.
- Try using the controller while plugged in with a USB cable (many controllers will work wired).
- Check battery status in the manufacturer app (e.g., Xbox Accessories).
Notes/tips: Some controllers show a battery level LED; consult the manual for indicators.
4. Missing or outdated drivers
Why it causes problems
Windows needs drivers to communicate with controllers; outdated or missing drivers can prevent detection or proper function.
Step-by-step fix
- Open Device Manager (right‑click Start > Device Manager).
- Look under Human Interface Devices, Sound, video and game controllers, or Other devices for your controller.
- Right‑click the device > Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver.
- If no update, right‑click > Uninstall device (check “Delete the driver software for this device” if present), then unplug and replug the controller to reinstall.
- Alternatively, download drivers from the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Xbox, Sony, Logitech) and run their installer.
Notes/tips: For Xbox controllers, Windows usually installs drivers via Windows Update; ensure Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update is up to date.
5. Controller not set as game device / needs calibration
Why it causes problems
Windows might detect the controller but not set it as the default game device, or axes may be off and cause behavior issues.
Step-by-step fix
- Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers.
- Right‑click your controller > Game controller settings.
- Select the controller and click Properties.
- Use the Settings and Calibrate tabs to test buttons and recalibrate joystick axes.
- If multiple controllers exist, set the intended one as default by selecting it and clicking Set as Default.
Notes/tips: Use this window to verify Windows can read button presses and axis movements.
6. Game or Steam capturing input exclusively
Why it causes problems
Some games or Steam configurations lock input to a specific API or prevent other applications from seeing the controller.
Step-by-step fix
- In Steam: open Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings and enable the correct support (e.g., Xbox Configuration Support, PlayStation Configuration Support, or Generic Gamepad Configuration Support).
- Try launching the game in Big Picture mode if it helps detect controllers.
- In-game, check controller settings and disable any “exclusive input” or “raw input” options if present.
- For non‑Steam games, use x360ce or DS4Windows to present the controller as an Xbox controller.
Notes/tips: Some anti-cheat systems restrict input wrappers; verify compatibility before using wrappers.
7. Outdated controller firmware
Why it causes problems
Firmware bugs or incompatibilities can stop controllers from working properly with Windows 10.
Step-by-step fix
- Install the official updater: e.g., Xbox Accessories from the Microsoft Store for Xbox controllers, or Sony’s official updater for DualShock/DualSense.
- Connect controller and run the updater; follow prompts to update firmware.
- Reboot the controller and PC after the update.
Notes/tips: Do not disconnect during firmware updates; this can permanently damage the controller.
8. Conflicting devices or ghost entries
Why it causes problems
Multiple controllers, old ghost devices, or virtual controllers can conflict and prevent recognition.
Step-by-step fix
- Disconnect all controllers and USB input devices.
- Open Device Manager > select View > Show hidden devices.
- Expand relevant sections and uninstall old or ghosted controller entries (right‑click > Uninstall).
- Reconnect only the controller you want to use and verify functionality.
Notes/tips: Some virtual driver stacks (ViGEm) may present virtual devices; reinstall or update those if needed.
9. Windows update or driver regression
Why it causes problems
A recent Windows update or driver change can introduce regressions that break controller support.
Step-by-step fix
- Open Device Manager, find the controller, right‑click > Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver if available.
- If a Windows update caused the problem, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates, and remove the recent update (use caution).
- As a last resort, use System Restore to a point before the update.
Notes/tips: Report driver regressions to manufacturer support to get a fixed driver.
10. Controller requires special drivers or tools (PS4/PS5)
Why it causes problems
PlayStation controllers may require additional software for full functionality on Windows (touchpad, gyro, etc.).
Step-by-step fix
- For PS4: install DS4Windows (from ds4windows.com) and follow setup instructions to install ViGEmBus.
- For PS5: use DS4Windows (updated for DualSense features) or Steam’s PlayStation support.
- Configure profiles in DS4Windows if needed (mapping, lightbar, gyro).
Notes/tips: Steam now supports many PlayStation features natively if launched via Steam.
11. Game supports XInput only (controller is DirectInput)
Why it causes problems
Older games or some PC titles expect an XInput (Xbox) controller only; DirectInput controllers may not be recognized.
Step-by-step fix
- Use an XInput wrapper such as x360ce (x360ce.com) to emulate an Xbox controller.
- Place the x360ce executable in the game’s executable folder and follow the setup to map your controller.
- Alternatively, use Steam Input to remap the device to XInput.
Notes/tips: Some anti-cheat systems may block wrappers; check game policy first.
12. Corrupted system files or services (HID service disabled)
Why it causes problems
Corrupted system files or disabled HID (Human Interface Device) services can stop controllers from functioning.
Step-by-step fix
- Run Command Prompt (Admin) and execute: sfc /scannow and then DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
- Open Services (search Services) and ensure Human Interface Device Service (and Plug and Play) are set to Automatic and are running.
- Reboot the PC.
Notes/tips: SFC and DISM can take several minutes; do not interrupt.
Additional troubleshooting and preventive tips
- Use official accessories and cables when possible (official or high-quality third‑party).
- Keep Windows and your controller firmware up to date to avoid compatibility regressions.
- Maintain a clean driver environment: avoid multiple third‑party driver stacks unless needed.
- Create a system restore point before major driver installs or Windows updates so you can revert easily.
FAQ
How can I tell if Windows recognizes my controller at all?
Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers and look for the controller icon, or open Device Manager and check under Human Interface Devices or Sound, video and game controllers. Also use Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers > Game controller settings to see if Windows receives input.
Can I use my console controller wired without extra software?
Xbox controllers are plug‑and‑play on Windows 10 and usually work wired without extra software. PlayStation controllers may require Steam’s controller support or DS4Windows for full functionality beyond basic input.
Why does my controller lag over Bluetooth and how to fix it?
Bluetooth latency can be caused by interference, old Bluetooth drivers, or power settings. Use a wired connection for lowest latency, update Bluetooth drivers (Device Manager > Bluetooth), move the PC/controller closer, and disable power saving for the Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager > Properties > Power Management.
Could antivirus or security software block my controller?
It’s rare but possible if the controller installer adds a driver flagged as suspicious. Temporarily disable security software only to install trusted drivers from the manufacturer, then re-enable protection.
Use Steam Input (in Big Picture, configure controller profiles per game) or third‑party tools like DS4Windows, x360ce, or manufacturer software (e.g., Logitech G Hub) for button remapping and profiles.
Conclusion
Most problems when a Game controller doesn’t work in Windows 10 trace back to connection, drivers, or compatibility settings and can be resolved by checking cables/Bluetooth, updating or reinstalling drivers, calibrating in Windows, or using wrappers/tools like DS4Windows or x360ce. Follow the steps above to diagnose and fix your specific issue, and keep drivers and firmware updated for the best experience.
