Gaming · Elden Ring on Windows

Fix a Controller Not Working in Elden Ring on PC

Source-checked 2 September 2026About 15 minutes

Answer

Connect one controller before launching the game, close controller remappers, and confirm Windows and Steam detect it. Then test Steam Input on and off for Elden Ring, one setting at a time. Verify the game files only after the controller works in Windows but still fails in the game.

Before you continue

Use one controllerExtra gamepads and virtual devices can take the first slot.
Check Windows firstThe game cannot use a device Windows does not detect.
Test Steam Input both waysNative and translated controllers can need different settings.

Open Bandai Namco's Elden Ring support Read Steam's file-verification guide

Close Elden Ring

Return to the title screen and exit. Disconnect extra controllers, racing wheels, flight sticks, and phone-controller apps.

Connect one controller

Use a known-good USB cable for the first test. Press buttons in Windows game-controller settings or Steam's controller test.

Close remapping software

Exit DS4Windows, reWASD, virtual-controller tools, and vendor macro apps for one test so only one input path remains.

Check Steam's controller view

Open Steam Settings > Controller and confirm the device appears and its buttons respond.

Test Steam Input for Elden Ring

Open Elden Ring > Properties > Controller. Try the default setting first, then Disable or Enable Steam Input as appropriate, restarting the game after each single change.

Verify the game files

If Steam detects the controller but Elden Ring does not, verify Installed Files and let Steam replace damaged files.

Follow Steam's verification guide

Verify in the title screen

Launch with the controller already connected, navigate the title screen, then enter a safe area and test movement, camera, menu, and triggers.

If it does not work

If Bluetooth fails but USB works, remove and pair the controller again and update its firmware through its maker.
If buttons are wrong, reset custom Steam layouts before adding a community layout.
If the controller disconnects in other games too, test its cable, battery, port, and firmware rather than changing Elden Ring.

Sources and verification

Checked against official documentation on 2 September 2026. Scope: Elden Ring on Windows.

The written instructions were checked against the current official pages linked below. The older video is kept for reference and may show different menus.