[Fixed] Steam Not Detecting Controller on Windows

Experiencing a lack of controller recognition on Steam? Fear not, for you are not alone in this predicament. Numerous players have encountered this very same issue. Yet, rest assured, our users have uncovered potential solutions that may surprisingly resolve this problem with ease.

Try these fixes:

There’s no need to attempt every single one of them. Just scroll through the list until you stumble upon the solution that works like magic.

Fix 1: Make sure your controller is working

Prior to engaging with your computer, it is imperative to ensure the optimal functionality of your controller. Verify the full charge of your controller when employing a wireless connection, and consider the substitution of the USB cable in the case of a wired connection. Furthermore, it is advisable to assess the performance of your controller on an alternate console or PC, should the opportunity arise.

In case you are confident that the issue does not arise from the controller, explore the following steps to diagnose PC setups.

Fix 2: Update all your drivers

A prevalent factor leading to controller problems arises from the utilization of defective or obsolete computer drivers. To ensure flawless compatibility of your controller with Steam, it is crucial to have the most up-to-date drivers installed on your PC.

There are two methods available for updating your drivers: the manual approach or the automatic option.

Take matters into your own hands – Venture to the computer or motherboard manufacturer’s website, diligently scour for the appropriate driver that aligns with your Windows version, and procure it through manual means.

Effortlessly (Highly Suggested) – In case you lack the time, tolerance, or technical expertise to manually update your network driver, Driver Easy offers an automated solution.

Driver Easy possesses the incredible ability to effortlessly identify your system and procure the precise network drivers that perfectly align with your specific Windows version. Subsequently, it proceeds to impeccably download and install these drivers with utmost accuracy.

Obtain and set up the Driver Easy software.

Run Driver Easy and click the Scan Now button. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.

Click Update All to automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out of date on your system.
(This requires the Pro version – you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All. If you don’t want to pay for the Pro version, you can still download and install all the drivers you need with the free version; you just have to download them one at a time, and manually install them, the normal Windows way.)

After ensuring that all the drivers have been updated, give your PC a quick reboot and verify if your controller is functioning properly.

If fortune does not favor you with the most recent drivers, venture forth to the subsequent solution.

Fix 3: Disable Steam configuration in Big Picture

Several users have shared that tinkering with configurations in Big Picture mode might offer a potential solution. Give it a shot and cross your fingers for some good fortune.

Unlock the secret to immersing yourself in a captivating full-screen experience on Steam. For an unconventional twist, consider exploring this page on your mobile device.

Launch your Steam client. At the bottom right corner of your taskbar, right-click the Steam icon and select Big Picture.

Select LIBRARY.

In the left pane, select Installed. Then select the target game.

From the left menu, select Manage Game Options. Under the Steam Input section, select Controller Options.

In the pop up window, set Steam Input Per-Game Setting to Forced Off.

Take a leap and embark on your gaming adventure to verify the functionality of your controller.

Give the next solution below a shot if this one doesn’t do the trick for you.

Fix 4: Update your Steam client

Should you happen to be using an antiquated Steam client, it is highly probable that you will encounter complications. In order to eliminate this potentiality, it is imperative that you verify your Steam version is up to date.

Here’s how.

Initiate the ignition of your Steam companion.

At the top left corner, click Steam and select Check for Steam Client Updates…

Should you find your Steam client up to date, explore the following remedy.

Fix 5: Install all Windows updates

If Steam fails to recognize your controller, it could indicate a compatibility problem. To resolve this, ensure that you have installed all the necessary Windows patches.

Behold, behold! A speedy and enchanting manual awaits you:

On your keyboard, press Win+I (the Windows logo key and the i key) to open the Windows Settings app. Click Update & Security.

Click Check for updates. Windows will then download and install the available patches. It might take some time (up to 30 mins).

Keep following these steps until the system prompts “Congratulations, you’re fully updated!” After clicking on the Check for updates button, ensuring that all the system updates have been successfully installed.

Once you have successfully installed all the system updates, give your PC a fresh start and verify if your controller is seamlessly functioning with Steam.

With high hopes, this post has assisted you in successfully configuring your controller to sync seamlessly with Steam. Should any inquiries or innovative thoughts arise, feel free to drop a comment in the section below.

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This advice proved advantageous to a group of eight individuals.