Elden Ring players often come across a problem where their controller is not working in-game. This mostly happens while using a PS4/5 or Xbox controller on a PC. The joystick doesn’t respond, and you’re forced to play the game using a mouse and keyboard.
The main reason behind this is either the installation of vJoy software or the wrong configuration of the controller in Steam. So, 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Outdated controller drivers are also a reason why the controller doesn’t function while playing games.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 8 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 has been 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, make sure to disconnect your mouse and keyboard first, and then connect the controller before launching the game. If the peripherals have a wireless connection, then simply power them off or disable their connection from the PC.
Afterward, launch Elden Ring, and if the controller was not working before, it will start operating normally now.
2. Remove the vJoy Software
The vJoy software lets you set up one or two virtual joysticks to 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’s better to remove this software altogether to nullify this problem. Here’s how to do that:
- Open Run by simultaneously pressing the Win + R keys and type: appwiz.cpl
- Click OK.
- Now locate vJoy Device Driver and right-click on it.
- Click on Uninstall.
- Wait for the uninstallation to complete and then start your game.
3. Enable Configuration Support of your Controller
Whether you’re using a PS4/5 or Xbox controller, ensure that its configuration support is enabled on Steam. Disabled configuration is one of the main reasons why your controller is not working in Elden Ring.
Nonetheless, it’s really simple to enable the configuration with the following steps:
- Log in to Steam and click on Steam at the top left.
- Now click on Settings.
- Go to Controller > GENERAL CONTROLLER SETTINGS.
- Check mark the configuration support for the controller you’re using.
- Now launch Elden Ring and see if the controller works properly.
4. Disable the Steam Overlay
The Steam overlay is useful to access some Steam options in-game without having to open the app itself. However, it can cause some interference with the controller support, and as a result, you won’t 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.
- Go to Steam > Library.
- Right-click on Elden Ring and left-click on Properties.
- Click on General and untick the Enable Steam Overlay while in-game box.
- 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:
- Open Steam and select the Big Picture mode icon located at the top-right.
- Go to Library > Games > Elden Ring.
- Click on Manage Game > Steam Input > Controller Options.
- 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 because there are multiple controller software programs running on your computer. This can, unfortunately, create a conflict between the software, and as a result, the game will not support the controller that you want to use.
Nevertheless, the other programs can be easily closed using Task Manager in the following steps:
- Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc at once.
- In the Processes tab, look for the additional controller software.
- Right-click on them and select End Task.
- Start the game now and play with your controller.
7. Disconnect every other Bluetooth Device
Over time, Bluetooth connections can get unstable and slow, which leads to the connected peripherals not responding properly.
Therefore, if you’ve linked your controller via Bluetooth, then disconnect the other connected devices. Next, cancel the Bluetooth connection on your controller as well. Now scan for new devices for connection and connect the controller again.
Finally, start Elden Ring and the controller will begin to function now.
8. Update Controller Drivers
Although controller updates are not as frequent, it’s still a good idea to check if a new one is 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:
- Select Device Manager after pressing the Win + X keys.
- Double-click on the Mice and other pointing devices menu.
- Right-click on the controller and select Update driver.
- Click on the Search Automatically option.
- Wait for Windows to search for the driver update and install it.
- You can also manually download the update from the manufacturer’s website.
