Controller Not Working on Windows 10/11? All Fixes in 2 Minutes

If your game controller isn’t working on Windows 10 or 11, you’re not alone. Many players face this problem, whether it’s an Xbox, PlayStation, or third-party controller. The good news is, in most cases, the fix is quick and straightforward. We will guide you via all the possible reasons your controller may not be working and provide clear, step-by-step solutions that you can apply in just a few minutes.

Why Controllers Stop Working on Windows

Before into the fixes, it’s helpful to understand the underlying cause of this issue. Common causes include:

• A faulty or loose USB/Bluetooth connection
• Outdated, corrupted, or missing drivers
• Windows updates that reset or break compatibility
• Low battery or power management settings are shutting the controller down
• Software conflicts between games, Steam, or Windows itself
• Compatibility issues with older Direct Input controllers

When you know the possible reasons, it’s much easier to apply the proper fix.

Quick Checks You Should Do First

Start with the fastest and simplest checks. These solve a surprising number of controller issues:

• Replace or recharge the batteries (for wireless controllers)
• Try a different USB cable or port — especially a USB 2.0 port instead of USB 3.0
• Avoid USB hubs or extenders; plug directly into the PC
• Restart your computer after disconnecting the controller
• If using Bluetooth, move closer to the adapter and re-pair the device

These steps take less than two minutes and often solve the problem without needing deeper troubleshooting.

Fixing Software and Driver Issues

If the basics don’t help, the next step is to ensure that Windows and the controller drivers are working correctly.

1. Update Windows
2. Go to Settings → Windows Update and install any pending updates. Some updates include driver fixes.
3. Update Controller Firmware
   • For Xbox controllers, download the free Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store. It lets you update firmware in seconds.
   • For other brands, check the manufacturer’s support website.
4. Reinstall Drivers
   • Open Device Manager (right-click Start menu).
   • Find your controller under Human Interface Devices, Bluetooth, or Xbox Peripherals.
   • Right-click → Uninstall device. Restart your PC and reconnect the controller. Windows will reinstall drivers automatically.
5. Test the Controller in Windows
   • Press Windows + R, type joy.cpl, and press Enter.
   • This opens the Game Controllers panel, where you can test if buttons and sticks respond. If they don’t, the problem is driver-related.
6. Turn Off USB Power Saving
   • In Device Manager, under Universal Serial Bus Controllers, right-click each USB Root Hub → Properties.
   • In the Power Management tab, uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”

Fixing Configuration and Compatibility Problems

Sometimes the controller itself works, but Windows or the game isn’t set up to use it properly.

• Switch Input Modes: Many third-party controllers support both XInput (the modern standard) and Direct Input (the older standard). Use the correct mode for your game.
• Steam Settings: If you use Steam, go to Settings → Controller → General Controller Settings. Enable support for your controller type (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch Pro).
• Check Game Settings: Some games require enabling “controller input” or manually remapping buttons.
• Disconnect Extra Controllers: Having multiple devices connected can cause confusion in Windows. Disconnect others and try only one.

Advanced Solutions If Nothing Works

If your controller still isn’t working, these advanced fixes may help:

• Uninstall Problematic Drivers: On some Windows 11 Insider builds, the XboxGameControllerDriver.inf caused crashes. Removing it restored controller function (according to a PC Gamer report).
• Update Chipset and USB Drivers: Download the latest drivers from the manufacturer of our PC or motherboard
• Check BIOS Settings: Ensure USB and legacy support are enabled in BIOS.
• Test on Another PC: If your controller works on another PC, your issue is likely with Windows. If it fails everywhere, it may be hardware damage.
• Windows Repair or Reset: Use the Media Creation Tool or the Reset this PC option if you suspect more profound system corruption.

Examples

1 – Xbox Controller Won’t Work Over Bluetooth

A user connected their Xbox Wireless Controller to Windows 11 via Bluetooth. The system recognized it, but the games didn’t respond.

• Solution: Removed the device from Bluetooth settings, uninstalled it from Device Manager, rebooted, and then re-paired it. Then, I updated the firmware using the Xbox Accessories app. Problem solved in 5 minutes.

2 – Wired Controller Buttons Not Responding in Game

A PlayStation controller worked in the Windows test panel but not in Steam games.

• Solution: Enabled PlayStation Controller Support in Steam settings. The games immediately recognized it.

Expert Tips That Save Time

• Use USB 2.0 instead of USB 3.0 for older controllers — it’s often more stable.
• Always use a data-capable USB cable; some “charging only” cables won’t transmit input data.
• If your controller drifts or misbehaves, recalibrate it in the Windows Game Controllers panel.
• Remove hidden devices in Device Manager (View → Show Hidden Devices) to clear old driver conflicts.
• Disable antivirus temporarily if it blocks driver installation.
• Keep only one controller connected while testing — it prevents input conflicts.

Quick 2-Minute Checklist

If you only have time for the fastest fixes, go through this quick list:

• Try a different cable or port
• Replace or recharge batteries
• Restart your PC with the controller unplugged, then reconnect
• Update Windows and firmware
• Uninstall and reinstall the driver in Device Manager
• Test the controller in the Game Controllers panel (joy.cpl)
• Enable controller support in Steam or game settings

Most users find the solution within these steps.

When to Replace or Repair

If none of the above works, the controller may be physically faulty. Signs of hardware failure include:

• No lights, vibration, or response at all
• Buttons or sticks are permanently unresponsive in all tests
• The controller doesn’t work on other PCs either

In this case, contact the manufacturer. Xbox controllers, for example, come with official repair and replacement support (Microsoft Support).

Final Thoughts

A controller not working on Windows 10/11 can be frustrating, but in most cases, the solution is simple — a better cable, reinstalling the driver, or a quick firmware update. Start with the basics, then move to driver updates and configuration. Only if those fail should you consider advanced fixes or replacement.

By following this guide step by step, you can get back to gaming in just a few minutes.