Gamepads not working properly in Windows 11 can put a damper on your gaming experience. This issue often stems from driver conflicts, outdated software, or incorrect system settings. Let’s explore some effective solutions to get your gamepad functioning again.
Update Your Gamepad Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common culprit for gamepad issues. Updating your drivers should be your first troubleshooting step.
Step 1: Press Windows key + X and select “Device Manager”.
Step 2: Expand the “Human Interface Devices” or “Universal Serial Bus controllers” section.
Step 3: Right-click on your gamepad device and select “Update driver”.
Step 4: Choose “Search automatically for drivers” and follow the prompts.
If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, visit the gamepad manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver manually.
Adjust Power Management Settings
Windows’ power-saving features can sometimes interfere with USB devices like gamepads.
Step 1: Open Device Manager as described earlier.
Step 2: Expand “Universal Serial Bus controllers”.
Step 3: Right-click each “USB Root Hub” device and select “Properties”.
Step 4: Go to the “Power Management” tab.
Step 5: Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”.
Step 6: Click “OK” and repeat for all USB Root Hub devices.
Run the Hardware Troubleshooter
Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common hardware issues.
Step 1: Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to “System” > “Troubleshoot” > “Other troubleshooters”.
Step 3: Find “Hardware and Devices” and click “Run”.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
Check Steam Controller Settings
If you’re using your gamepad primarily for Steam games, ensure Steam is configured correctly.
Step 1: Open Steam and go to “Settings” > “Controller” > “General Controller Settings”.
Step 2: Check the box for your type of controller (e.g., “Xbox Configuration Support”).
Step 3: If your controller is listed, select it and choose “Identify”.
Step 4: Follow the prompts to calibrate your controller.
Reinstall the Gamepad
If all else fails, try removing and reinstalling the gamepad.
Step 1: Disconnect your gamepad from your PC.
Step 2: Open Device Manager and find your gamepad under “Human Interface Devices”.
Step 3: Right-click the gamepad and select “Uninstall device”.
Step 4: Restart your PC.
Step 5: Reconnect your gamepad. Windows should automatically reinstall the necessary drivers.
If these solutions don’t resolve your gamepad issues, consider testing the gamepad on another PC to rule out hardware failure. For wireless gamepads, ensure the batteries are charged and the wireless receiver is properly connected. Remember that some older gamepads may not be fully compatible with Windows 11, in which case you might need to look for third-party drivers or consider upgrading to a newer model.