Controller Is Not Detected in Windows

If your controller is not appearing in Windows or is not working inside a game, the issue may involve the connection method, drivers, Bluetooth, Steam Input, or the game itself.

This guide applies to common Xbox, PlayStation, and other Windows-compatible controllers.

Step 1: Check the Connection

If you are using a wired controller:

  • Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable.

  • Try another USB port.

  • Avoid USB hubs temporarily.

  • Try another cable if the controller uses a removable cable.

Some USB cables only provide power and do not support data.

If the controller turns on but Windows does not detect it, the cable may be the problem.

Step 2: Restart the Controller and PC

Turn the controller completely off, restart your PC, then reconnect the controller.

For wireless controllers, also remove and reinsert the battery or recharge the controller if necessary.

Step 3: Check Whether Windows Detects the Controller

Press:

Windows + R

Enter:

joy.cpl

Press Enter.

The Game Controllers window should appear.

If your controller appears here, Windows is detecting it and the issue may instead be related to the game or launcher.

Select the controller and open Properties to test buttons and analog sticks.

Step 4: Check Device Manager

Right-click the Start button and open:

Device Manager

Look under sections such as:

  • Human Interface Devices

  • Xbox Peripherals

  • Bluetooth

  • Sound, video and game controllers

  • Universal Serial Bus controllers

Look for:

  • Your controller

  • Unknown devices

  • Yellow warning icons

If a warning icon appears, open the device properties and check the error message or code.

Step 5: Reinstall the Controller Device

If Windows detects the controller incorrectly:

  1. Open Device Manager.

  2. Right-click the controller.

  3. Select Uninstall device.

  4. Disconnect the controller.

  5. Restart your PC.

  6. Reconnect the controller.

Windows should attempt to reinstall the appropriate device automatically.

Step 6: Update Windows

Open:

Settings → Windows Update

Install available updates and restart your PC.

Windows Update may include controller, Bluetooth, and USB compatibility updates.

Xbox Controllers

If you use an Xbox controller, connect it by USB and check whether Windows detects it.

For supported Xbox controllers, you can also use the official Xbox Accessories app to check for controller firmware updates.

If you use the Xbox Wireless Adapter, make sure the adapter itself appears correctly in Device Manager.

PlayStation Controllers

DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers can be connected through USB or Bluetooth.

Windows may detect PlayStation controllers differently depending on the game.

Some games support PlayStation controllers directly, while others expect an Xbox-style input device.

If Windows detects the controller but the game does not, check the game's controller support before changing Windows settings.

Step 7: Check Bluetooth

If you are using Bluetooth:

  1. Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices.

  2. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled.

  3. Remove the controller if it already appears in your saved devices.

  4. Put the controller back into pairing mode.

  5. Pair it again.

If Bluetooth itself is missing or not working, see our Bluetooth Is Not Working or Has Disappeared troubleshooting guide.

Step 8: Test a Wired Connection

If the controller will not work through Bluetooth, connect it using USB.

If it works over USB but not Bluetooth, the problem is likely related to:

  • Bluetooth drivers

  • Pairing

  • Wireless interference

  • Bluetooth hardware

  • Controller firmware

Step 9: Check Steam Input

If the controller works in Windows but not inside a Steam game, open Steam and check its controller settings.

Steam Input can provide additional controller compatibility for many games.

However, some games have native controller support that may behave differently when Steam Input is enabled.

If you experience problems, test the game with Steam Input both enabled and disabled.

Step 10: Check the Game

Not every PC game supports every controller.

Check the game's settings for:

  • Controller support

  • Input device

  • Gamepad mode

  • Steam Input support

Also test another game.

If the controller works in other games, the issue is probably specific to that game's configuration or controller support.

Step 11: Close Conflicting Controller Software

Third-party controller programs can sometimes create duplicate controllers or interfere with input detection.

If you use software that remaps or emulates controllers, temporarily close it and test again.

This can include controller emulation, remapping, or virtual-controller software.

Controller Is Detected Twice

If a game responds twice to every button press or shows duplicate inputs, Windows may be receiving input from both the physical controller and a virtual controller.

Check for controller-remapping or emulation software running in the background.

Temporarily close those applications and test again.

Still Not Detected?

Try the controller on another PC, console, or device if possible.

If the controller is not detected anywhere, the issue may involve:

  • The controller itself

  • USB cable

  • Bluetooth hardware

  • Controller firmware

  • Physical damage

If the controller works outside Windows but not on your PC, contact EXM Support with:

  • Controller model

  • Wired or wireless connection

  • Whether it appears in joy.cpl

  • Whether it appears in Device Manager

  • Whether it works in other games

  • Any error message shown