Fix: Elden Ring PS4/5/Xbox Controller Not Working on PC

Elden Ring players frequently encounter a problem wherein their controller does not work in-game. This primarily occurs when using a PS4/5 or Xbox controller on a PC. The joystick fails to respond, forcing them to play the game using a mouse and keyboard.

The main reason behind this is either the installation of vJoy software or the incorrect configuration of the controller in Steam. Therefore, the easiest way to counter this is by uninstalling that particular program and enabling the correct configuration support for Elden Ring.

Outdated controller drivers are also a reason why the controller doesn’t function while playing games. Therefore, it’s recommended to always keep the drivers up-to-date.

Anyway, this issue can be fixed by eight elementary methods requiring no hard-and-fast steps.

1. Disconnect your mouse and keyboard.

Most of the time, Elden Ring does not recognize the controller if it is connected after the mouse and keyboard. The latter two are registered first in the game, and this is the reason why they conflict with the controller.

Due to this, ensure that you disconnect your mouse and keyboard first, and then connect the controller before launching the game. If the peripherals have a wireless connection, simply power them off or disable their connection to the PC.

Afterward, launch Elden Ring; if the controller was not working before, it will start operating normally now.

2. Remove the vJoy software.

The vJoy software allows you to set up one or two virtual joysticks for use when you don’t have a physical one. Undoubtedly, it has its benefits; however, it does interfere with your original controller. If both the virtual and physical joysticks are running, then Elden Ring will fail to acknowledge them.

Due to this, it is better to remove this software altogether to nullify the problem. Here is how to do that:

1. Open ‘Run‘ by simultaneously pressing the ‘Win‘ + ‘R‘ keys, and then type: ‘appwiz.cpl‘.

2. Click OK.
3. Now, locate the vJoy Device Driver and right-click on it.
4. Click on Uninstall.

5. Wait for the uninstallation to complete and then start your game.

3. Enable configuration support for your controller.

Whether you’re using a PS4/5 or Xbox controller, ensure that its configuration support is enabled on Steam. A disabled configuration is one of the main reasons why your controller may not be working in Elden Ring.

Nonetheless, it is really simple to enable the configuration using the following steps:

1. Log in to Steam and click on Steam at the top left.
2. Now click on Settings.

3. Go to Controller > GENERAL CONTROLLER SETTINGS.

4. Checkmark the configuration support for the controller you are using.

5. Now launch Elden Ring and see if the controller works properly.

4. Disable the Steam overlay.

The Steam overlay is useful for accessing some Steam options in-game without having to open the app itself. However, it can cause interference with controller support, and as a result, you might not be able to play with it.

Disabling the overlay for Elden Ring will solve the problem and allow you to use the controller without hindrance.

1. Go to Steam > Library.
2. Right-click on Elden Ring and left-click on Properties.
3. Click on General and untick the Enable Steam Overlay while in-game box.

4. Start the game to check the controller input now.

5. Change the Steam Input Per-Game Settings

Steam Input Per-Game settings allow you to “force on” the controller application options. This not only lets you tweak the controller’s layout but also many other settings. Once you configure the controller according to your preference, save the settings and restart the game.

Follow the steps below to do this:

1. Open Steam and select the Big Picture mode icon located at the top-right.

2. Go to Library > Games > Elden Ring.

3. Click on Manage Game > Steam Input > Controller Options.

4. Lastly, click on the Forced On option and relaunch Elden Ring.

Note: If the Forced On option was already activated, change it to Forced Off and see if it works.

6. Disable controller software programs that are not in use.

The controller not working in Elden Ring is also due to multiple controller software programs running on your computer. This can, unfortunately, create a conflict between the software programs, and as a result, the game will not support the controller you want to use.

Nevertheless, the other programs can be easily closed using the Task Manager with the following steps:

1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc simultaneously.
2. In the Processes tab, look for the additional controller software.
3. Right-click on them and select End Task.
4. Start the game now and play with your controller.

7. Disconnect every other Bluetooth device.

Over time, Bluetooth connections can become unstable and slow, leading to connected peripherals not responding properly.

Therefore, if you have linked your controller via Bluetooth, you should disconnect the other connected devices. Next, cancel the Bluetooth connection on your controller as well. Now, scan for new devices to connect and reconnect the controller.

Finally, start Elden Ring and the controller will begin to function now.

8. Update the controller drivers.

Although controller updates are not as frequent, it is still a good idea to check if a new one has been released. This not only improves the controller, but also makes it more compatible with the latest patch or version of different games.

Here’s how to update the driver for your controller:

1. Select Device Manager after pressing the Win + X keys.
2. Double-click on the Mice and other pointing devices menu.

3. Right-click on the controller and select Update driver.

4. Click on the Search Automatically option.

5. Wait for Windows to search for the driver update and install it.
6. You can also manually download the update from the manufacturer’s website.