Elden Ring: How to Fix Controller Not Working on PC and Console

FromSoftware’s epic fantasy RPG holds fans in a vice grip with its numerous exciting features, keeping them coming back for more. From the vast open world to the fact that you can face over 100 different bosses, Elden Ring offers an intense and fun time. Obviously, you don’t want anything ruining your game, but that’s exactly what happens when you can’t get your controller to work. Both PC and console players can suffer from this sudden breakdown. In this case, you’ll need to discover how to fix your controller not working in Elden Ring.

Elden Ring Controller Not Working – PC Fix

[Updated August 8, 2024 – Fact-checked and clarified the guide’s steps]

Losing connection with a controller is a common issue in Elden Ring. At the same time, you have plenty of solutions to try out.

PC Controller Fix 1: Disconnect Keyboard and Mouse

Sometimes the problem is as simple as they come. In this case, you can disconnect your keyboard and mouse and see if the problem fixes itself. With no conflict, your controller may yet live.

PC Controller Fix 2: Configure Controller on Steam

Perhaps Steam failed to connect your Elden Ring controller in the first place, and the way to fix it is to head to the client and address it directly:

1. Close Elden Ring and go to Steam
2. Go to Settings > Controller > General controller settings
3. Select which controller you want to use (i.e. Xbox, Generic, PS4)
4. Re-launch Elden Ring

PC Controller Fix 3: Disable Steam Overlay

Another way to fix your controller for Elden Ring is to disable the Steam Overlay:

1. In Steam, go to Settings and the In-Game tab
2. Uncheck the Enable Steam Overlay while in-game

PC Controller Fix 4: Modify Per-Game Settings

You can also check out the Big Picture settings in Steam:

1. Open Steam and enter the View menu
2. Go to Big Picture Mode > Library > Games > Elden Ring > Manage Games > From Steam Input > Controller Options
3. Select Force On option and restart the Steam client

PC Controller Fix 5: Uninstall Vjoy

This controller fix for Elden Ring is only needed if you installed Vjoy, the virtual joystick. It may be the culprit behind your controller not working. Once you uninstall it, see if the issue is resolved.

Elden Ring Controller Not Working – Console Fix

If you’re a vet in console games, losing the controller connection isn’t new. There are a couple of straightforward ways you can fix things.

Console Controller Fix 1: Check the Connection

For wired connections, check for physical damage. A frayed cord can be the villain. If so, switch controllers out. Or even unplug and replug the controller into the console.

Check that wireless controllers are charged. You may also have to resync them. To do so, simultaneously hold the sync buttons on the controller and the console. Otherwise, refer to your console’s specific troubleshooting instructions.

Console Controller Fix 2: Restart

A simple restart can sometimes fix your controller for Elden Ring. You can either just restart the game itself or restart the console. This can be done through the console itself or you can press and hold the power button until everything shuts down. Give it some time before you restart if you are doing it manually.

There’s never a guarantee that any fix you do will work. If the problem is deeper, then you may need to reach out to Elden Ring support for additional help and advice, but the solutions discussed above are more than likely enough to solve the issue.

Elden Ring is available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.