Why is my controller not detected on PC?

The most common cause is a charge-only USB cable, especially with PS5 controllers. Use the data cable that came with it, try another USB port, and for wireless make sure the controller is properly paired.

Why does my PS5 controller work on PC but games do not see it?

Windows does not natively support PlayStation controllers. Enable Steam Input, or install DS4Windows, which presents the controller to games as a virtual Xbox controller.

Controller Not Detected on PC? How to Fix It

Q: How do I check if my PC detects my controller?

Open a browser controller test and press the buttons, or run joy.cpl from the Windows Run box. If it responds there, the PC sees it and the problem is the game or Steam.

Quick answer: If your controller is not detected on PC, start with the cable — many USB-C cables only charge. Xbox pads work natively over USB; PlayStation and some third-party pads often need Steam Input or DS4Windows to be seen by games. Confirm Windows detects it first.

Check whether the PC sees it at all: open the controller test and press some buttons. If they respond, Windows detects the pad and the problem is the game or Steam — not the connection.

Check the basics first

1. Use a data USB cable

Many cables — especially USB-C cables bundled with phones — only carry power, not data. Use the cable that came with the controller, or one confirmed for data transfer, and try a different USB port directly on the PC rather than a hub.

2. For wireless, pair it properly

Xbox controllers pair over Bluetooth or the Xbox Wireless adapter. For a PS5 DualSense, hold the PS and Create/Share buttons until the light bar flashes, then add it under Settings → Bluetooth. If pairing fails, remove the device and restart the Bluetooth Support Service (services.msc), then try again.

Make the game recognize it

3. Know what Windows supports

Xbox controllers have native Windows support and usually just work. PlayStation controllers are not natively supported — they connect, but many games ignore them. The fix is Steam Input, or a free tool like DS4Windows that presents the pad to games as a virtual Xbox controller.

4. Enable Steam Input

In Steam, open Settings → Controller and enable controller support for your pad type. For a game that is not on Steam, add it with Games → Add a Non-Steam Game and launch it through Steam so Steam Input can translate the controller.

Fix driver and software conflicts

Open Device Manager and find the controller. A yellow triangle means a driver fault — right-click and Update driver, or Uninstall device, unplug, restart, and reconnect. Old or conflicting tools such as vJoy or a stale DS4Windows install can also break detection, so remove them. Many controllers also have a small reset button on the back you can press with a pin.

How do I check if my PC detects my controller?

Run the controller test or type joy.cpl into the Windows Run box. If the buttons and sticks respond there, the PC detects the controller and you should focus on Steam Input or the game's settings. If nothing responds anywhere, go back to the cable and pairing steps.

Confirm it works

Once detected, use the controller test to check every button and stick. If a stick wanders on its own while you are at it, see our guide on controller stick drift .