Some users report that Steam doesn’t detect their controllers (even when their PCs do). For example, one such user said this: “For some reason, when I try to use Steam with my controller on Bluetooth (connected via dongle) it doesn’t work. My PC recognizes it as a wireless controller, but when I go into a game, I get nothing. I go onto Steam Big Picture and look at controller configuration, and it says no controller detected. Any ideas?” This is how you can fix the Steam not detecting controller gaming issue.
Run Steam With Administrator Rights
Some users have resolved the issue where Steam fails to detect a controller for gaming by running the Steam client with administrative rights. The official Steam support service also recommends users run the gaming client to troubleshoot controller issues. This is how you can set the Steam gaming client to run with admin rights:
- First, open File Explorer and the C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\ folder.
- Right-click the Steam.exe file to select Properties and Compatibility.
- To set the software to run with elevated privileges, select Run this program as an administrator.
The Compatibility tab
- Select Apply and click on OK.
Switch to Steam in Big Picture Mode
Big Picture Mode is a more controller-friendly Steam interface. Switching Steam to BPM will prompt Steam to re-detect connected controller devices. To switch Steam to BPM, click Enter Big Picture Mode at the top right of the Steam window. Then check to see if the Steam not detecting controller gaming issue persists in Big Picture Mode.
The Enter Big Picture Mode option
Connect Controllers With Cables
Try connecting your controller with its cable rather than wireless, if you’re not already. A cable connection controller is usually more reliable than a wireless alternative. Also, try plugging the controller into alternative USB slots if necessary.
Disable Steam Input For a Game
Some players confirm they’ve fixed the Steam not detecting controller gaming issue by disabling Steam input for specific games. That troubleshooting might work for some users because the Steam input can sometimes conflict with a game’s controller handling. This is how you can disable Steam Input:
- Start the Steam software and click Library on its tab bar.
- Right-click a game in the sidebar you need to play with the controller and select Properties.
- Select the Controller tab.
- Then select the Disable Steam Input option from the drop-down menu.
The Disable Steam Input option
Reinstall Your Controller Device
Reinstalling gamepad devices has worked for some players who’ve fixed the Steam not detecting controller gaming issue. Applying this troubleshooting method will reinstall drivers for the controller. You can reinstall your controller device like this:
- Plug your controller into the PC.
- Press the Start button by right-clicking it and select Device Manager.
- Double-click the Device Manager category for your controller.
- Right-click the controller and select Uninstall device.
- Click Uninstall to confirm.
The Uninstall device option
- Select Yes to restart your PC with the controller connected. The drivers for the controller will automatically reinstall after the restart.
Opt Into Steam Beta
Some players say they’ve fixed Steam not detecting controller gaming issues by opting into the beta. The Steam support page also confirms that this is a valid troubleshooting method for controller issues. So, try selecting Steam Beta Update as instructed on this Valve support page.
The Steam Beta Update option
Reinstall Steam
Finally, try reinstalling Steam if it still doesn’t detect your controller. Reinstalling Steam will update the software and might also address other issues. Note that uninstalling Steam will also delete games you’ve installed with that client. This support page explains how you can uninstall and reinstall the Steam client.
The Uninstall option
The troubleshooting methods above are some of the better ways to fix the Steam not detecting controller gaming issue. You can also ask Steam’s support service for more potential fixes if required. To do so, select the Contact Steam Support options from this page.
