Share this article
Improve this guide
Xbox Controller Is Not Working On Steam Deck: 5 Ways to Fix It
Get your Xbox controller up and running on Steam Deck again
5 min. read
Updated onMay 14, 2024
updated onMay 14, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Everybody wants to play games on their PC. Some people play with the keyboard, while others prefer to use the mouse. However, if you want to play the game in a more comfortable way, then an Xbox One or Xbox 360 controller would suffice.
If you are a gamer, then you know that there is nothing better than playing your favorite game on a controller. The Xbox controller is one of the best gaming devices. However, this does not mean that it cannot have any issues.
In fact, the Xbox controller has some issues with Steam Deck at times. There are chances you’ve played some games with an Xbox controller and encountered the dreaded scenario where it stops working on Steam.
There are many benefits of having an Xbox controller in order to play a game onSteam. However, there may be some issues related to it as well.
Why isn’t my Xbox controller working on Steam Deck?
Steam Deck supports a wide range of controllers, including Xbox controllers. However, if you’re having trouble getting your controller to work with Steam Deck, there may be something wrong. Below are some possible causes:
If you suspect any of the above could be behind your controller issues, below are some solutions you can try.
How do I get my Xbox controller to work on Steam Deck?
1. Check cable connection
One of the first things that you should do is check the cable connection between your console and Steam Deck. If your console is connected via Bluetooth, then make sure it is turned on and paired correctly before trying again.
For wireless controllers ensure that you have recharged batteries before connecting to Steam Deck. In the case of a wired connection, ensure both ends are secured. It is also possible that yourUSB port may not be workingso try connecting another device to make sure.
2. Disconnect other devices
If you have multiple controllers or devices plugged in at once, disconnect them all and then reconnect only your Xbox controller to see if there’s any difference in how they work.
This can help to identify if one of these devices is causing the issue. If your controller works after disconnecting other devices, then it could be an issue with that device.
3. Update drivers
Drivers communicate with other devices such as your Xbox controller, mouse, or keyboard. When something does not work as expected on your devices, you need to make sure that your drivers are up-to-date.
This is especially true for gaming devices like video cards and motherboards, but it also applies to other hardware components like keyboards and mice.
The easiest and safest way to do this is with the help of aspecialized driver updating tool. It will automatically find and download the right drivers for your device.
4. Update your OS
Steam Deck does not currently support Windows 11 so ensure you are not running an unsupported operating system. If Windows is giving you problems, you can revert to the originalSteam operating system.
Also, some Windows updates may have compatibility issues so if the problem occurs immediately after an update, you can uninstall recent updates as you wait for Microsoft to release a patch to fix the problem.
5. Update Steam client
It’s a good idea to keep your Steam client up-to-date especially if you’ve been having issues with your Xbox controller. This will ensure that any issues or bugs are fixed and give you new features and functionality that may not have been available previously.
If nothing else works, try uninstalling and reinstalling the game from its original source so that it gets rid of all possible bugs or issues in the game which may be causing problems with your controller.
Which controllers are compatible with Steam Deck?
Steam Deck is compatible with a wide range of controllers, from Xbox One to PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. However, sometimes, it could be a problem with your controllers. You can test whether your input devices are working on Steam Deck to ensure there are no compatibility issues.
If you find a problem with your controllers, you can check out our recommended selection of thebest gamepads for Steamto find an alternative.
You may also face asluggish download speed on Steambut worry not as we have covered various ways to address this issue.
Let us know what solution worked for you in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Controller issues,Steam Deck
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11 errors.
