Introduction

Discover the ultimate fix for when your game controller won't connect or work on your Windows PC in this comprehensive guide. Whether you're dealing with Bluetooth connectivity issues or hardware recognition problems, we've got you covered with simple, step-by-step solutions to get you back in the game. Ideal for gamers facing frustrating controller glitches, this guide is your key to seamless gaming experiences.

Connecting Your Controller via Bluetooth

To sync your Bluetooth controller with your Windows PC, begin by accessing the 'Bluetooth & Devices' area within your Windows Settings. Ensure Bluetooth functionality is activated. For controllers like the PS5's, activate pairing mode by holding down both the 'Create' and 'PS' buttons until the controller's light bar begins to blink, signaling it's ready to pair.

For controllers previously paired:

Navigate to your controller listed under Bluetooth devices.
Use the menu button to find and select “Remove Device” to clear previous connections.

To pair a new or reset controller:

Choose "Add Device" within the Bluetooth settings.
Your controller should appear in the list of available devices for connection. Select your controller to establish a connection.

add bluetooth device — Windows Settings > Bluetooth & Devices

Solving Bluetooth Connection Issues

When facing issues with your controller not being listed or failing to connect via Bluetooth, employing the Bluetooth troubleshooter can be a quick fix.

Running the Bluetooth Troubleshooter:

Head into the 'System' settings of your PC.
Look for the 'Troubleshoot' option, then navigate to 'Other Troubleshooters'.
Find and execute the Bluetooth troubleshooter. This process swiftly identifies and rectifies any Bluetooth connectivity problems on your device.

Updating Controller Drivers via Device Manager

For non-Bluetooth or persisting connection issues, using a USB cable for connection could provide a solution.

Updating Drivers in Device Manager:

Access the Device Manager from your Windows search bar.
Locate and expand the section labeled “Mice and other pointing devices”.
Perform a right-click and choose “Scan for hardware changes”. This action prompts your PC to detect any newly connected controllers.
To update the device driver, right-click on the recognized controller and select “Update Driver”.
Choose the option to “Search automatically for drivers”. Windows will then proceed to search and install any available driver updates for your controller.

scan for hardware changes — Device Manager > Mice and other pointing devices

Configuring Steam for Controller Compatibility

Ensuring your controller is correctly configured for use in games and applications is crucial for an optimal gaming experience.

Fine-Tuning Controller Settings in Steam:

Launch the Steam application and navigate to the top-left corner to click on “Steam” for accessing application settings.
Proceed to the 'Controller' tab to verify the detection of any connected controllers by Steam.
Initiate a functionality test by selecting 'Begin Test', which prompts a window to appear for testing the responsiveness of the controller's buttons and joysticks.
Activate the 'Enable Steam Input' feature for your controller. This might necessitate adjustments in specific game or application settings to ensure compatibility.

Fine-Tuning Controller Settings in Steam:

Launch the Steam application and navigate to the top-left corner to click on “Steam” for accessing application settings.
Proceed to the 'Controller' tab to verify the detection of any connected controllers by Steam.
Initiate a functionality test by selecting 'Begin Test', which prompts a window to appear for testing the responsiveness of the controller's buttons and joysticks.
Activate the 'Enable Steam Input' feature for your controller. This might necessitate adjustments in specific game or application settings to ensure compatibility.

Game-Specific Controller Settings:

Within your Steam library, locate and right-click on the game you intend to play, selecting 'Properties'.
Navigate to the 'Controller' tab to customize your controller settings specific to that game.

Completing these steps ensures your controller is primed for gaming. For the changes to take full effect, a PC restart is advisable, rebooting all system processes for a seamless gaming session.

game controller settings — Game Properties > Controller > Override for (Game)

To connect a PS5 controller to a Windows PC, enable Bluetooth on your PC, then press and hold the 'Create' and 'PS' button on your controller until the light bar blinks. In your PC's Bluetooth settings, select to add a new device and choose your controller from the list.
If your controller doesn't connect, run the Bluetooth troubleshooter by navigating to 'System' > 'Troubleshoot' > 'Other Troubleshooters', and select the Bluetooth troubleshooter. This process identifies and fixes common Bluetooth connection issues.
Open Device Manager, expand “Mice and other pointing devices”, and select “Scan for hardware changes” to recognize your controller. Right-click the controller device and choose “Update Driver”, then select “Search automatically for drivers” to allow Windows to find and install the latest driver.
In Steam, go to 'Controller' settings and enable 'Steam Input'. For individual games, access the game's properties from your Steam library, navigate to the 'Controller' tab, and adjust the input settings as needed.
Ensure the controller is properly configured in Steam's 'Controller' settings and the specific game's controller settings. If issues persist, restarting your PC can help apply the settings and resolve connectivity problems.