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Windows 11 Controller Not Working: How to Quickly Fix it
Give a try to these quick methods now
8 min. read
Updated onJanuary 25, 2024
updated onJanuary 25, 2024
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Gaming on Windows has long been a favorite amongst the community, particularly because users don’t have to purchase a new device and because of the ease of access. However, several users have reported that their Windows 11 controller is not working.
This could happen both with the Xbox and PS4 controllers, and we will take up both separately to help you identify and eliminate the underlying cause.
So, let’s find out why the controller is not working in Windows 11 and how you can fix things.
Why is the controller not working in Windows 11?
There are various reasons why the controller is not working. If the problem started right after youupgraded to Windows 11, chances are it’s either a connection issue (with the Bluetooth controllers), an outdated Xbox accessories app, or problems with the installed driver.
Several users also reported that their antivirus blocked the controller, which doesn’t happen often. Make sure to verify this by disabling/uninstalling the antivirus. Some PS controller users reported that it was the AMD chipset driver that led to it not working in Windows 11.
If you are using a wired controller, it could be the USB port malfunctioning, or the port might be disabled from the BIOS.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the concept let’s head to the solutions. We have Xbox and PS4 fixes under different sections, so head over to the one relevant in your case.
What do I do if the controller is not working in Windows 11?
1. Xbox
The first thing you should do when the Xbox controller is not working in Windows 11 is to restart the computer and the controller itself. This will eliminate any trivial issues and get things up and running in no time.
Problems with the driver are another common reason behind your Xbox controllers not working in Windows 11. No matter what the issue is, installing the latest version should fix things.
Also, if you couldn’t find a newer version using the Device Manager, trymanually installing the latest version of the driver. Besides, if a wireless Xbox controller is not working,update the Bluetooth drivers.
To speed things up, use a dedicated utility to take care of both your USB drivers and Bluetooth drivers. It can identify and fix any corrupt drivers and update outdated ones.
⇒Get IObit Driver Booster
If you don’t want to install the antivirus right away, try disabling it first. But, remember that the built-in Windows Security is more than capable of keeping your computer secure.
Using outdated firmware can also lead to problems and your Xbox controller might not work in Windows 11. The Xbox Accessories app can help quickly update the firmware, and by this time, the problem would be eliminated. Besides, it will also help when thecontroller only works in Steam.
You can now start using the Xbox controller on Windows 11 without encountering any further problems.
2. PS (Play Station)
DS4Windows is a critical tool that allows users to connect their Play Station controllers to their Windows PC since there’s no native support with many. So, install the software and check if the Windows 11 controller has now started working.
Many reported that the AMD chipset driver caused the problem in their case, and simply reinstalling it did the trick and fixed things when the Windows 11 controller was not working.
If you encounter any issues after the uninstall, head to theAMD Drivers and Supportpage, search for the package you removed earlier, and install it.
Driver Signature Enforcement is a feature in Windows that allows only the drivers that have been verified and signed by Microsoft to be installed on the computer. But often, manufacturers don’t submit the driver to Microsoft and upload it directly on their official website.
If you or a third-party tool has installed any such drivers for the controller, the feature will block it.Disabling the Driver Signature Enforcementhas worked for many users and fixed things if the Windows 11 PS4 controller was not working.
Many times, if the DS4Windows app does not have the necessary permissions, it might run into trouble and lead to your PS4 controller not working in Windows 11. Configure the program to launch with administrative privileges in this case, and things should be working again.
These are all ways to fix issues when the controller is not working in Windows 11 for Xbox or PlayStation.
Also, check thebest game controllers for Windows 11that are smooth and do not throw any errors.
To get the most out of yourDualsense Edge controller while playing FPS, you must change the settings; learn all about them in this guide.
In the comments section below, tell us which fix worked and which controller you struggled with.
More about the topics:PC gaming controller,xbox
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
