Steam is an online store and platform where players are allowed to buy and play all the popular games available on their desktop. It is the most used platform when it comes to the daily player base. Millions of users log into their Steam every single day in order to play their favorite games.
As Steam is a whole platform of video games, it allows users to be able to connect their controllers. Through Steam, players can then use Xbox or PlayStation controllers in their game (if the game supports playing through the controller).
How To Fix Steam Not Detecting Xbox One Controller?
A very common problem that we have heard countless users face is that steam does not recognize Xbox’s controller. To be more precise, Steam is not detecting Xbox one controller. They have no idea why the controller is no longer being detected by Steam.
In this article, we will be listing a number of ways on how you can fix the problem. All of the solutions should help you in troubleshooting. So, without wasting any time further, let’s get right into it!
- Try Running Steam on Big Picture Mode
The very first thing that you can do is to try running the Steam client on the big picture mode. There should be an option for turning on big picture mode near the exit, minimize, or maximize buttons.
If that does not work, then check all of the controllers listed on Steam’s big picture mode. Try removing or deleting all of the controllers. After you have done so, try reconnecting the controller to see if that makes any difference.
- Re-Enable Controller Through Device Manager
Sometimes, Windows may fail to detect the controller because of a weird glitch that is occurring. In either case, what you will have to do is to open the Device Manager. You can do so by simply searching for the application in the Windows Search option.
Now, under human interface adapters, you should be able to see your controller. The controller should be labeled either as the game controller, or Xbox controller. Regardless of the controller’s name, right-click on it to see a bunch of options. Here, try disabling the controller and then re-enabling it. This should be able to get your controller to start working again.
- Re-Install Steam Client
It could be that the reason why your controller is not connecting to the client could be due to the Steam client itself. If that is so, then we recommend performing a fresh install of the steam client. Start by removing or uninstalling the Steam client from your computer.
Afterward, install the latest version of Steam on your desktop. Be sure to restart your computer right after you have uninstalled the client. This is done to ensure that all of the Steam’s content is removed from the computer.
- Incompatibility with the Game
It is likely that the controller which you are trying to connect is in fact working. However, the game that you are trying to run the controller with is simply incompatible with it. In order to check this, you will have to select the game that you are trying to run.
On the upper right side of the game, you should see a number of icons. What you are looking for is a controller icon. If you don’t see it, then there’s your issue.
- Controller or Bluetooth Issue
Lastly, it is possible that the controller itself is faulty which is why it is not being detected. If that is so, then you should try using another controller.
It could also be that your Bluetooth is acting up. In this case, it is required that you try running the controller using a USB cable. In simple words, directly connect the controller with a USB cable.
The Bottom Line
Mentioned above are the 5 different ways on how you can fix Steam not detecting Xbox One controller. Following all of the instructions written in the article should be able to resolve the problem effectively. This is why it is important that you give the article a thorough read!
I have a new solid state system, 2 days old, new windows 10 install, new Steam client, I have the microsoft wireless adapter, and I’ve been struggling with Steam not detecting my controller.. I can plug in with the hardwire and it works, but not wireless .. I went to device manager and uninstalled the adapter and the driver, then I did a search for hardware changes and Windows 10 rang bells, and told me it was installing new hardware, then it said your device is installed and you are ready to go.. but Steam still doesn’t see the controller.
I was using a Logitech F710 (I think that’s the one) wireless, with usb dongle and Steam accepted it as xbox emulator .. worked fine, but the controller itself is not as smooth as xbox, and I can’t stand the jerky movement when I’m trying to shoot an enemy in the head at a distance :?) .,. So I popped for a new xbox controller and adapter, thinking that would be turnkey – and the bloody thing doesn’t work, Logitech can do it but Microsoft, even though they brag about it in advertising, apparently can’t .. they just don’t really care about end users. By the way, I tried all the things you listed, no dice. I wonder if Steam keeps the config of the Logittech wireless, which is listed on Steam as an xbox controller, and won’t detect a real xbox controller from my pc/account because they are looking for the Logitech usb config? If anyone has an answer I’d sure like to know..