Fix: Can’t Use Controller? Steam Keyboard Issue

Okay, so you’re trying to frag some noobs on Counter-Strike: Global Offensive using your trusty gamepad, but Steam is being a total jerk and prioritizing the keyboard? Valve definitely needs to sort this out, because the cant use control while keyboard is connected steam issue is surprisingly common. It seems Big Picture Mode, while intended to streamline controller use, can sometimes exacerbate the problem. Don’t worry, though, we’re diving deep into the potential fixes to get you back in the game ASAP.

Taming Controller Chaos on Steam: A Gamer’s Guide to Input Harmony

Let’s face it, nothing kills the immersion of a great game faster than wrestling with controller issues.

You’re ready to dive into your favorite title, controller in hand, only to find that your character is responding to phantom keyboard presses, or worse, completely ignoring your gamepad altogether.

This frustrating scenario, the dreaded controller/keyboard input conflict within Steam games, is more common than any gamer would like to admit.

The Input Struggle is Real

It’s a mess. One moment you’re smoothly navigating the game world, and the next you’re battling conflicting inputs that feel like gremlins messing with your controls. Is it the controller? Is it the game? Is it Steam itself?

The ambiguity is part of the problem, making troubleshooting a real headache.

Your Controller, Your Game, Your Rules: A Universal Guide

This guide is your weapon against controller chaos.

We’ll explore troubleshooting steps applicable to a wide range of controllers, from the ubiquitous Xbox gamepad and the increasingly popular PlayStation DualSense, to the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and even those trusty (or not-so-trusty) generic controllers.

Decoding the Culprits: Why This Happens

What causes this input anarchy?

Often, the blame falls on Steam Input, Valve’s ambitious but sometimes overzealous system for managing controller input.

Driver issues, lurking deep within your operating system, can also wreak havoc.

And let’s not forget the games themselves. Sometimes, their own specific input handling quirks create conflicts that leave you scratching your head.

Restoring Input Harmony: What to Expect

The goal is simple: to restore seamless controller functionality.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to diagnose and resolve those pesky input conflicts, ensuring that your gaming experience is as smooth and immersive as it should be.

Get ready to reclaim control, and get back to gaming.

Understanding the Root of the Problem: Input Priority Conflicts

So, your controller’s acting up. Maybe it’s fighting with your keyboard, or just plain ignored. Welcome to the club. The core issue here boils down to input priority conflicts, and untangling this mess is the first step to getting back in the game.

Essentially, the game is confused about what input device to listen to.

It’s like having two people shouting instructions at you at the same time – chaos ensues!

Decoding the Conflict

At its heart, the input priority conflict happens when your game incorrectly prioritizes input devices. Think keyboard and mouse over connected controllers, or sometimes, vice-versa.

These conflicts have a few usual suspects that are the reason this happens in the first place.

The Usual Suspects

• Steam Input’s Intervention: Steam Input, designed to be helpful, can sometimes overstep.

  It might misinterpret your controller, leading to bizarre input behavior, or straight up ignoring the device all together.

• Driver Mayhem: Your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) manages controller drivers, but things can get messy fast. Conflicting, outdated, or corrupted drivers can throw a wrench in the works, creating input conflicts that no gamer wants to deal with.

• Game-Specific Quirks: Some games have their own unique way of handling input, also known as, "native controller support."

  Unfortunately, this "support" can clash with Steam Input or even your system’s drivers, causing input havoc. It is not uncommon for older games to be less optimized for newer controller models.

Why Identifying the Cause Matters

Treating input priority issues without knowing what’s going on is like trying to fix a car engine blindfolded. You might get lucky, but chances are, you’ll make things worse.

That’s why it’s crucial to nail down exactly what’s causing the problem. Is Steam Input the culprit? Are your drivers acting up? Or is it a quirk of the game itself?

Pinpointing the source of the conflict allows you to apply targeted solutions, saving you time, frustration, and potential controller-smashing rage. Trust me, your wallet will thank you.

Steam Input: Friend or Foe? Understanding Steam’s Controller Management

So, your controller’s acting up.

Maybe it’s fighting with your keyboard, or just plain ignored.

Welcome to the club.

The core issue here boils down to input priority conflicts, and untangling this mess is the first step to getting back in the game.

Essentially, the game is confused about where to get its input. Let’s dive into Steam Input, the system that’s supposed to make everything easier, but often complicates things.

What Is Steam Input Supposed To Do, Anyway?

Steam Input, at its core, is Valve’s attempt to create a universal controller compatibility layer for Steam games.

Think of it as a translator.

Many older games, or indie titles, don’t natively support every controller out there.

Steam Input steps in to translate the inputs from your controller (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, or some generic beast) into something the game understands.

Ideally, this means any controller can work with any game on Steam.

But, as you’ve probably guessed, the reality is often… less ideal.

When Good Intentions Go Bad: Common Steam Input Problems

Here’s where things get messy. Steam Input, while well-intentioned, is prone to a few common pitfalls:

• Misconfiguration: Steam Input allows for incredibly granular customization. You can remap every button, create custom profiles, and even set up gyro controls. All this power comes with the risk of accidentally creating a configuration that just doesn’t work.
• Conflicts with Native Support: This is a big one. Many modern games already have built-in (native) controller support. Steam Input sometimes interferes with this native support, creating conflicts where the game tries to read inputs from two different sources at once. The result? Jittery movement, unresponsive buttons, or complete input failure.
• Unexpected Behavior: Sometimes, Steam Input just acts weird. Buttons do the wrong things, the controller randomly disconnects, or the game refuses to recognize it at all. These issues can be hard to diagnose and even harder to fix.

Diving into the Controller Configuration Settings

Okay, so Steam Input can be a pain. But, it’s also necessary for many games, and understanding its settings is crucial. Here’s how to get in there:

1. In your Steam Library, right-click the game you’re having trouble with.
2. Select "Properties."
3. Navigate to the "Controller" tab.
4. Here, you’ll find options to enable or disable Steam Input, and to access the "Controller Configuration" settings.

Inside the Controller Configuration, you can remap buttons, adjust sensitivity, and create custom profiles.

Experiment with these settings to see if you can resolve your input issues.

Remember to save your changes.

• Start simple, making only small adjustments at a time.
• Over-customization is a common pitfall.

Big Picture Mode: A Different Beast Altogether

Steam’s Big Picture Mode is designed for playing games on your TV, and it handles controller input a bit differently.

Big Picture Mode forces Steam Input to be active, and can sometimes override your desktop settings.

If you’re having controller issues, try launching the game through Big Picture Mode and see if that makes a difference.

Sometimes it can resolve issues, but sometimes it exacerbates them.

It’s worth a shot, especially if the controller works everywhere except for when you’re playing a specific game.

The Steam Overlay: A Potential Culprit

The Steam Overlay, that in-game interface that lets you access your friends list, achievements, and web browser, can occasionally interfere with controller input.

It’s not common, but it’s worth considering.

You can try disabling the Steam Overlay for a specific game by:

1. Right-clicking the game in your Steam Library.
2. Selecting "Properties."
3. Unchecking the "Enable Steam Overlay while in-game" box.

Re-launch the game to see if this makes any difference.

If it does fix it, great. If not, then move on to the next potential culprit!

Controller Deep Dive: Identifying Hardware-Specific Issues

[Steam Input: Friend or Foe? Understanding Steam’s Controller Management
So, your controller’s acting up.
Maybe it’s fighting with your keyboard, or just plain ignored.
Welcome to the club.
The core issue here boils down to input priority conflicts, and untangling this mess is the first step to getting back in the game.
Essentially, the game is conf…]

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.
Not all controllers are created equal, and how you connect them can dramatically impact your gaming experience.
It’s time for a hardware-specific deep dive.

Controller-Specific Quirks: A Rundown

Each controller brand brings its own set of potential headaches.
Let’s troubleshoot some of the most common culprits.

Xbox Controllers (One/Series X|S): The Reliable Standard?

Generally, Xbox controllers are the most plug-and-play on PC.
Microsoft owns Windows, after all.
However, don’t take that for granted.

Driver issues can still crop up, especially after Windows updates.
Make sure you have the latest Xbox Accessories app installed from the Microsoft Store.

And double-check that Steam Input isn’t interfering if you’re experiencing odd behavior.
Sometimes, less is more.

PlayStation Controllers (DualShock 4/DualSense): Configuration is Key

Ah, the DualShock 4 and DualSense.
Beautiful controllers, but they require a little more TLC on PC.

Steam Input is almost mandatory for these, as many games lack native PlayStation support.
Ensure "PlayStation Configuration Support" is enabled in Steam’s controller settings.

Connection issues are rampant, especially with Bluetooth.
Keep the controller charged, and try a USB connection for a more stable experience.

Don’t forget to download DS4Windows for enhanced configuration outside of Steam for a more polished expereince, if you so choose.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller: A Unique Beast

The Switch Pro Controller is fantastic, but PC compatibility can be finicky.
Steam Input usually handles it well, but you might need to experiment with different configurations.

The biggest hurdle is getting Windows to recognize it correctly.
Some users report success using BetterJoy, a driver that emulates an Xbox controller.

Be prepared for some trial and error.

Generic/Third-Party Controllers: Proceed with Caution

Let’s be honest: you often get what you pay for with generic controllers.
Compatibility is a crapshoot.

Manual configuration is almost always necessary.
Steam Input might help, but don’t expect miracles.

Driver support can be spotty, and build quality is often questionable.
Consider investing in a reputable brand for a better experience.

Connection Conundrums: USB vs. Bluetooth

How you connect your controller matters. A lot.

The Humble USB Port: Reliability Reigns Supreme

USB is the most reliable connection method.
It provides a stable, low-latency connection.

However, even USB isn’t foolproof.
Make sure you’re using a decent cable, and try different USB ports.

USB 2.0 ports are usually fine, but USB 3.0 ports can sometimes offer better performance, if you encounter issues.
Avoid USB hubs if possible, as they can introduce latency.

Bluetooth: The Convenience of Cordless… and its Pitfalls

Bluetooth offers freedom, but it comes with trade-offs.
Expect occasional disconnects, latency spikes, and interference.

Keep your controller charged, as a low battery can wreak havoc on Bluetooth performance.
Minimize interference by keeping the controller close to the Bluetooth receiver and away from other wireless devices.

Pairing issues are common.
Try removing and re-pairing the controller if you’re having trouble connecting.

Bluetooth is convenient, but for competitive gaming, USB is still the king.

Operating System Influence: Drivers and Compatibility

So, your controller’s acting up.

Maybe it’s fighting with your keyboard, or just plain ignored.

Welcome to the club.

The core issue here boils down to input priority conflicts, and untangling this mess is the first step.

But before we dive deeper into the controller specifics, let’s talk about something equally crucial: your operating system.

Yeah, Windows, macOS, or even Linux – they all play a massive role in how well your gamepad behaves.

Think of your OS as the stage manager for this whole performance.

It’s responsible for making sure the actors (your controllers) know their lines (inputs) and that they don’t trip over each other.

It’s the unsung hero (or villain) behind the scenes.

The OS as Controller Central

Your operating system is at the heart of controller driver management.

It’s the bridge between the physical device and the software that wants to use it.

And, like any bridge, if it’s rickety, things are going to get bumpy.

Each OS has its own way of handling drivers.

Windows is the most common for gaming, but it can be a bit of a Wild West when it comes to driver management.

macOS is usually more streamlined but can sometimes lag behind in terms of compatibility with newer controllers.

Linux, well, that’s a whole other ballgame (often requiring more hands-on tweaking, but offering immense flexibility).

Identifying Driver Issues: Spotting the Culprit

The first step is to figure out if your driver is the problem.

Outdated drivers are a classic culprit.

They’re like using an old map in a new city – you’re bound to get lost.

Corrupted drivers are even worse.

Think of them as a glitch in the Matrix, scrambling the signals between your controller and your game.

And then there are conflicting drivers.

Imagine two conductors trying to lead the same orchestra – pure chaos.

Checking Your Drivers

On Windows, the trusty Device Manager is your friend.

You can find it by searching in the Start Menu.

Look for your controller under "Human Interface Devices" or "Sound, video and game controllers".

If you see a yellow exclamation mark, that’s a red flag.

Right-click on the device and select "Properties".

The "Device status" box will give you more clues about the problem.

On macOS, head to "System Information" (accessible through "About This Mac").

Look for your controller under "USB" or "Bluetooth".

While macOS doesn’t offer the same level of detailed driver information as Windows, it’s a good place to confirm that your controller is recognized.

Updating and Rolling Back

Keeping your drivers up-to-date is generally a good idea.

But sometimes, a new driver can actually cause problems.

If things go south after an update, rolling back to the previous version might be the answer.

In Device Manager (Windows), go to the "Driver" tab and click "Roll Back Driver".

If the option is grayed out, it means there’s no previous driver to revert to.

In this case, you might need to manually download an older driver from the manufacturer’s website.

Resolving Driver Conflicts: Playing Nice

Driver conflicts can be tricky to diagnose.

The easiest approach is to temporarily disconnect other input devices (joysticks, drawing tablets, etc.) to see if that resolves the issue.

If it does, you’ve narrowed down the culprit.

Sometimes, uninstalling and reinstalling the drivers for both devices can help.

Make sure to restart your computer after each step.

Important: When dealing with multiple controllers of the same type (e.g., two Xbox controllers), ensuring that the drivers are up to date across both devices is paramount.

Outdated drivers on even one controller can cause conflicts and instability.

Game-Specific Gremlins: Wrestling with Native Controller Support

So, you’ve wrestled with Steam Input, updated your drivers, and you’re still facing controller chaos?
Don’t throw your gamepad at the wall just yet.
The culprit might be the game itself.

A dirty little secret in PC gaming is that some games, bless their hearts, try to handle controller input natively.
That is, without Steam Input as a middleman.
Sounds good in theory, right?
Except, it often leads to a chaotic free-for-all where Steam Input and the game’s internal system fight for control.

When "Native" Goes Rogue: The Input Tug-of-War

Think of it like this: you’ve hired a translator (Steam Input) to help you communicate with someone who speaks a different language (the game).
But, turns out, they also speak a little bit of your language and think they can handle it themselves.
Now you have two interpreters, stepping on each other’s toes, and nobody understands anything.

This conflict manifests in all sorts of frustrating ways:

• Double inputs (press a button once, it registers twice).
• Missing inputs (the game simply ignores your commands).
• Completely bizarre button mappings (jump is now "open inventory," anyone?).
• Keyboard and controller simultaneously fighting for control.

It’s a mess, and it’s more common than you think.

Hall of Shame: Games Known for Controller Quirks

Some games are notorious for their native controller implementation… issues.
They become almost legendary in the gaming community.
Here are a couple of prime examples:

• Elden Ring: Oh, Elden Ring.
  A masterpiece, but its PC port had some… quirks, especially around controller support.
  Many players found themselves needing to disable Steam Input entirely or resort to third-party tools to get their controllers working properly.
  The initial PC launch saw widespread reports of conflicts where keyboard and mouse inputs would bleed into the controller experience.

• Dark Souls Series: From Software’s earlier titles similarly have a legacy of controller woes on PC.
  While beloved for their gameplay, the PC ports often required fiddling to get controllers working reliably.

• Indie Games: Don’t assume it’s only AAA titles.
  Indie games, often developed by smaller teams, may also have less-than-perfect native controller support.

It’s worth doing a quick search online to see if other players have reported controller issues with a specific game.
Chances are, if you’re experiencing problems, you’re not alone.

Fighting Back: Solutions for Native Support Conflicts

So, how do you win this input tug-of-war? Here are a few strategies:

• Disable Steam Input (Sometimes): This sounds counterintuitive, but it’s often the first thing to try.
  Right-click the game in your Steam library, go to "Properties," then "Controller," and set "Override for [Game Name]" to "Disable Steam Input."
  This forces the game to rely solely on its native controller support.

• Adjust In-Game Settings: Dig into the game’s settings menu.
  Look for options related to controller type, input device, or button mapping.
  Sometimes, simply selecting the correct controller type (e.g., "Xbox Controller" vs. "Generic Controller") can resolve the issue.
  Games sometimes provide an option to manually map all controller buttons.
  Though tedious, this can create a workaround when the default mappings are broken.

• Experiment With Different Controller Profiles: If disabling Steam Input doesn’t work, try experimenting with different controller profiles within Steam Input.
  You might find that a community-created profile works better with the game’s native support than the default configuration.

• Third-Party Tools: As a last resort, consider using third-party tools like DS4Windows (for PlayStation controllers) or x360ce (a generic controller emulator).
  These tools can sometimes trick the game into recognizing your controller as an Xbox 360 controller, which is generally well-supported.

The key is to experiment and see what works best for each individual game.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
But with a bit of patience and persistence, you can tame those game-specific gremlins and get back to enjoying your games.

Identifying Conflicts and Interference: A Systematic Approach

So, you’ve wrestled with Steam Input, updated your drivers, and you’re still facing controller chaos? Don’t throw your gamepad at the wall just yet. The culprit might be the game itself. A dirty little secret in PC gaming is that some games, bless their hearts, try to handle controller input themselves, often creating a royal mess. Let’s untangle this.

The Multi-Controller Mayhem

Ever tried connecting two different controllers at once – say, an Xbox pad and a fight stick? That’s a recipe for disaster if the drivers start fighting over which one gets priority.

It’s not always obvious.

Sometimes the symptoms are subtle: a slight lag, a button that doesn’t quite do what it should, or even phantom inputs.

The first step is to disconnect all controllers except the one you’re trying to use.

Then, check your Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (macOS) to ensure the correct driver is installed for that specific controller.

Look for any warning signs, like yellow exclamation marks, indicating a driver issue.

The Software Soup: Background Apps and Their Impact

It’s not just hardware causing problems; your software can be a sneaky culprit too.

Think of your PC as a crowded room.

Every application running in the background is vying for attention, including access to your input devices.

Certain programs are notorious for interfering with game controllers.

These include:

• Overlays (Discord, GeForce Experience, MSI Afterburner)
• Virtual input devices (vJoy, InputMapper)
• Macro programs (AutoHotkey)
• Controller customization software (DS4Windows, reWASD)

These programs hook into your system’s input pipeline, sometimes causing conflicts with Steam or the game itself.

Hunting Down the Culprits: A Process of Elimination

Okay, so how do you find the troublemaker?

It’s time for a bit of detective work.

The best approach is a systematic process of elimination.

1. Close unnecessary applications: Start by closing any programs you aren’t actively using. Pay close attention to the ones listed above (overlays, virtual input devices, etc.).

2. Disable overlays: Overlays are often the easiest to disable. Check the settings of your communication apps (Discord, Teamspeak) and your GPU software (Nvidia GeForce Experience, AMD Adrenalin).

3. Check for virtual input devices: If you’ve ever used virtual input devices like vJoy or InputMapper, ensure they’re completely disabled. These can often interfere with physical controllers.

4. Selective Startup (Windows): If you suspect a program is the culprit but are unsure which one, you can perform a clean boot. In Windows, search for "msconfig" and go to the "Services" tab. Check "Hide all Microsoft services" and then click "Disable all." Then go to the "Startup" tab and disable everything there as well. Restart your PC. This will prevent most non-essential programs from launching. Test your controller with the game now. If the issue is resolved, you can re-enable services one by one to identify the conflicting software.

Note: Be careful when disabling services, as disabling essential system services can cause problems.

After each step, test your controller in the game. If the problem persists, move on to the next step.

This methodical approach will help you pinpoint the source of the conflict and get your controller working as it should.

Behind the Scenes: Valve Corporation’s Role

Identifying Conflicts and Interference: A Systematic Approach
So, you’ve wrestled with Steam Input, updated your drivers, and you’re still facing controller chaos? Don’t throw your gamepad at the wall just yet. The culprit might be the game itself. A dirty little secret in PC gaming is that some games, bless their hearts, try to handle controller input on their own, leading to a tug-of-war with Steam Input. But here’s an important consideration: Behind the Steam platform is its creator and constant curator, Valve Corporation. And with it, comes responsibility.

Valve: The Architect of Our Controller Conundrums (and Solutions?)

Let’s not forget the obvious: Valve created Steam. They’re the architects of this digital distribution empire and, by extension, the masterminds (or maybe the fall guys?) behind Steam Input.

They built the framework, and they’re ultimately responsible for ensuring its stability and compatibility.

It’s easy to point fingers at individual game developers when controller issues arise, but Valve’s role is paramount.

After all, Steam Input is intended to be a universal translator, bridging the gap between various controllers and games.

The Perils of Progress: How Steam Updates Can Break (and Fix) Things

Here’s where things get interesting (and sometimes frustrating): Steam is a constantly evolving platform.

Valve rolls out updates regularly, tweaking features, squashing bugs, and generally trying to improve the user experience.

But, like any complex system, changes can have unintended consequences.

A seemingly innocuous update can sometimes wreak havoc on controller compatibility.

Suddenly, your perfectly configured gamepad is acting possessed, buttons are mapped incorrectly, or the controller is simply not recognized.

These situations are often temporary, but they’re a stark reminder of the inherent instability of relying on a constantly updated software ecosystem.

Valve typically addresses these issues in subsequent updates, but the waiting game can be agonizing, especially when you’re itching to dive into your favorite game.

The Double-Edged Sword of Steam Input

Steam Input is a powerful tool, but it’s also a complex one.

It gives us the flexibility to use almost any controller with almost any game, but it also introduces a layer of abstraction that can sometimes go wrong.

When things work, it’s seamless. When they don’t, it can feel like you’re wrestling with a digital hydra.

It’s important to remember that Valve is actively working on improving Steam Input.

They’re constantly refining the system, adding new features, and addressing compatibility issues.

But, until Steam Input reaches a state of near-perfect reliability (if that’s even possible), we’ll likely continue to encounter occasional controller-related hiccups.

Ultimately, while controller issues can be frustrating, it is a sign that the Steam platform, despite its quirks, is actively worked on and supported.

Troubleshooting Arsenal: Step-by-Step Solutions

Behind the Scenes: Valve Corporation’s Role
Identifying Conflicts and Interference: A Systematic Approach
So, you’ve wrestled with Steam Input, updated your drivers, and you’re still facing controller chaos? Don’t throw your gamepad at the wall just yet. The culprit might be the game itself. A dirty little secret in PC gaming is that some games, bless their code, just don’t play nice with controllers, or at least not every controller. Time to unleash the troubleshooting arsenal.

General First Aid: The Obvious (But Often Overlooked)

Let’s start with the basics. Before diving into the controller configuration abyss, try the tech support equivalent of "have you tried turning it off and on again?"

Restart Everything!

Seriously. Close the game completely. Then close Steam. Make sure Steam isn’t running in the background (check your system tray).

Reopen Steam, launch the game, and see if the problem magically disappeared. You’d be surprised how often this works. It’s like a digital reset button for your sanity.

Verify Game File Integrity: A Steam Sanity Check

Steam offers a built-in tool to check if your game files are corrupted or missing.

Right-click on the game in your Steam library, select "Properties," go to the "Local Files" tab, and click "Verify integrity of game files." Steam will then compare your game files to the master copy and redownload anything that’s amiss. This can save you hours of head-scratching.

Diving Deep: Steam Input Configuration Demystified

If a simple restart doesn’t cut it, it’s time to get your hands dirty with Steam Input. This is where things can get a little… intricate.

Accessing Controller Configuration: The Control Panel

In Steam, navigate to Big Picture Mode (top right corner). Then, select the game, choose "Manage Game," and then "Controller Configuration." This is your controller command center. Alternatively, you can access controller settings via: Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings.

Binding Inputs: Making Buttons Do Things

Here, you can customize every single button and stick on your controller. Click on a button on the virtual controller to remap it to a keyboard key, mouse action, or another controller input.

Experiment! Sometimes, the default bindings are just… wrong.

Unleash the Power of Profiles: Finding Your Perfect Setup

Steam Input allows you to create and share controller profiles. Browse the community profiles to see if someone has already created a perfect configuration for your controller and the game you’re playing.

Don’t be afraid to tweak existing profiles to fit your own preferences.

Driver Duty: Updating or Rolling Back for Compatibility

Controller drivers are the unsung heroes (or villains) of PC gaming. An outdated or corrupted driver can cause all sorts of input problems.

Updating: Staying Current

In Windows, open the Device Manager (search for it in the Start Menu). Expand "Human Interface Devices" or "Sound, video and game controllers," find your controller, right-click, and select "Update driver." Choose "Search automatically for drivers."

Rolling Back: When Newer Isn’t Better

Sometimes, a new driver can introduce more problems than it solves. If you recently updated your driver and the controller issues started, try rolling back to the previous version.

In Device Manager, go to your controller’s properties, select the "Driver" tab, and click "Roll Back Driver" if the option is available.

Third-Party Drivers

Certain controllers, especially older or generic ones, may require specific drivers downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.

Do your research and make sure you’re using the correct drivers for your hardware.

Game-Specific Settings: The Final Frontier

Some games have their own built-in controller support that can conflict with Steam Input. This is especially common in older titles or games with console ports.

Disabling Native Support: Let Steam Take the Wheel

Look for an option in the game’s settings to disable native controller support. This forces the game to rely solely on Steam Input, which can often resolve conflicts.

Reconfiguring In-Game Mappings: The Last Resort

If disabling native support isn’t an option, you might need to remap the controller inputs within the game itself. This can be tedious, but it’s sometimes the only way to get everything working correctly. Consider this your last resort.

Hopefully, one of these fixes got you back in the game! Dealing with controller issues, especially when you can’t use controller while keyboard is connected Steam, can be a real headache. But with a little troubleshooting, you should be able to get your preferred control method working again. Happy gaming!