This article explains the quick and easy fixes to the gamepad issues because of which it may not be working on your Windows PC.
The gamepad not working is frustrating, but it is a common problem. Many users have reported issues like the computer not detecting the controller or the gamepad throwing tantrums, hindering their gaming experience. However, if you are one of those users, you are in the right place.
Having experienced this annoying issue, we researched deeply to find the most suitable solutions to this problem. In this article, we walk you through those tried and true fixes to solve the issues like the PC not recognizing the controller once and for all.
However, before jumping into troubleshooting, it is always a good idea to go into the roots of the problem, i.e., identify its probable causes to solve it better. Hence, let us first discuss what may have rendered your gamepad dysfunctional.
Why Gamepad Is Not Working/Detecting
The following factors may be responsible for the gamepad issues you are experiencing.
- Too many Windows processes are running in the background
- Your computer needs up-to-date gamepad drivers
- The game or Windows version has compatibility issues with your gamepad
- Your gamepad is not the default controller for games on your computer
- The computer has existing controller data that prevents it from recognizing the gamepad
The above are the top reasons your gamepad refuses to function or your computer does not detect it. Let us now guide you through how to fix it.
Fixes for Gamepad Not Working or Detecting Issue
You can apply the following solutions if your Windows PC is not recognizing the controller or the gamepad is not working.
Fix 1: Disconnect and reconnect the gamepad
Sometimes solutions like disconnecting and reconnecting the controller solves big problems. Hence, before trying complex solutions, it is advisable to disconnect and reconnect the gamepad. If you have a wired controller, you can reconnect it to another USB port. However, if your controller is wireless, ensure it has sufficient battery life, unpair it, and pair it again to your computer.
Also know: How to Enable/Disable USB Port on Windows 11,10, 8, 7
Fix 2: Update the gamepad’s firmware
Updating the device firmware eliminates compatibility issues with the game or Windows version. Since incompatibility may have caused the gamepad problem, you can update the firmware of your controller to resolve the issue. The steps to perform this action vary from one controller to another. Hence, you can check your gamepad’s manual to learn how to update its firmware.
Fix 3: Set your gamepad as the default game controller device
Devices other than your keyboard and mouse require the default status on your computer to function correctly. Hence, if Windows is not recognizing your controller, you can follow these instructions to set it as your default controlling device for computer games.
- First, access the Run utility using the Windows+R keyboard shortcut.
- Next, input cpl in the on-screen Run box and press Enter/click OK.
- In this step, click the Advanced option to proceed to the next step.
- You can now choose your gamepad from the drop-down option and click OK.
- Next, click OK and not ESC when the Game Controllers mini page appears to save the changes.
Also know: How to Fix Power Surge on the USB Port Error in Windows PC
Fix 4: Update the gamepad driver
A driver is the connecting bridge between the game controller and the operating system. It helps your computer understand your instructions by translating them into 0s and 1s, i.e., the PC’s language.
An outdated driver breaks this communication, resulting in issues like your computer not recognizing the controller. Hence, it is crucial to ensure that your gamepad driver is up-to-date at all times.
You can update all drivers on your computer (including the gamepad driver) hassle-free using an automatic tool like Win Riser. Win Riser updates all drivers automatically with a single click, cleans junk, eliminates malware, removes invalid registry entries, manages startup items, and performs many other functions to elevate your PC performance. You can download and install Win Riser from the following link.
After installing Win Riser from the above link, run the software, let Win Riser scan your computer for a second or two, review the scan results, click Fix Issues Now, and restart your computer to complete the update process. After restarting the computer, a fast, smooth, and error-free performance awaits.
Fix 5: Run the built-in Windows troubleshooting tool
If Windows recognizes the gamepad but the controller is not working, you can use the built-in Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to solve the problem. Below are the steps to do so.
- First, open the Run dialog box using a combination of Win and R keys on your keyboard.
- In this step, input msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic in the on-screen box and press Enter.
- You can now choose Advanced from the Hardware and Devices options.
- In this step, check the Apply Repairs Automatically box and click Next.
- Lastly, check whether or not the USB gamepad not working on the Windows 10 issue is resolved. If the problem remains unresolved, you can try the next solution.
Fix 6: Scan your system for hardware changes
Any changes made to the hardware may also be responsible for Windows not recognizing the controller. Hence, you can take these steps to scan your computer for hardware changes.
- The first step requires you to open the Device Manager. You can access the Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it from the on-screen menu.
- In this step, choose Action from the Device Manager menu.
- Next, you can select Scan for hardware changes from the Action menu.
- Lastly, restart your computer after completing the above steps.
Also know: How to Download Xbox One Controller Driver for Windows?
Gamepad Not Working Fixed
This article elaborated on the fixes you can apply for the Windows PC not recognizing the controller issue, because of which the USB gamepad does not work on your Windows 10/11 computer. Hopefully, you found this guide helpful. One of the above fixes is going to solve your problem. However, you can contact us through the comments section if you have any questions.
