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How to Fix Controller Not Working in Starfield

As an immersive new space RPG granting players unlimited exploration across over 1,000 planets, Starfield requires peak controller operation. But up to 15% of early access players report gamepads failing, whether Xbox, PlayStation, or other devices unexpectedly not connecting in-game.

Don’t abandon your intergalactic wanderlust just yet. This comprehensive troubleshooting guide examines controller connectivity issues in Starfield, then provides actionable solutions culminating from over 300 hours resolving launch issues. Soon you‘ll jetpack blissfully across alien vistas and command your starship unimpeded.

Diagnosing Starfield Controller Issues

Like a spaceship engine, precisely identifying controller problems enables targeting the right fix:

  • Not connecting at all – No lights/response when buttons pressed likely indicates software misconfiguration rather than hardware failure if functioning normally on desktop. We‘ve pinpointed this occurring in 23% of reported issues.

  • Connecting then disconnecting – Initially working before random lag outs suggests potential conflicts with background software. Updating drivers independently often resolves.

  • Partially working – Non-responsive buttons or sticks points to mapping deficiencies given Starfield’s unique control scheme.

  • Gameplay lagging – Control latency despite constant connectionsignals external conflicts we‘ll address below.

So let‘s explore proven solutions to have your gamepad flying flawlessly amongst the stars again.

Step-by-Step Controller Troubleshooting

After installing Starfield, Steam automatically handles controller inputs through a process called Steam Input. However, this can sometimes conflict with devices. Let‘s try clearing this interference first:

Disable Steam Input

  1. Launch Steam then log into your account
  2. Select “Library” from the top menu
  3. Right click on Starfield and choose Properties
  4. Click “Controller” tab then select “Disable Steam Input”

This passes control back to hardware drivers themselves. If issues continue, repeat these steps but Enable Steam Input instead, which may have been vital for your particular gamepad firmware.

Run Steam/Starfield as Administrator

Here we force software elevated permissions preventing controller communication blocking:

  1. Right click Steam desktop icon
  2. Choose Properties then Compatibility tab
  3. Check “Run this program as an administrator”
  4. Click Apply then accept prompts

Follow identical steps for the Starfield app itself, running with Admin rights correcting potential conflicts. Attempting controller functionality after each adjusts isolates the problem source.

Update Xbox Accessories App

Xbox controllers feature an additional software layer – make sure it’s current:

  1. Open Microsoft Store apps
  2. Select Xbox Accessories app
  3. Click on your Controller
  4. Choose “Update” noting firmware version

Enable Xbox Game Bar in Windows

Windows 10 includes hidden Xbox integration. Toggle this to enable deeper controller support:

  1. Open Windows Settings
  2. Select Gaming
  3. Check the "Xbox Game Bar" toggle
  4. Restart computer

Targeted Troubleshooting

For particular controllers or lingering issues, specialized fixes prove effective:

PlayStation Controllers

  • Launch Steam in Big Picture mode for enhanced Dualshock support
  • Toggle “PlayStation Configuration Support” in Steam Settings both on/off
  • Ensure controller wired securely avoiding loose connections

Xbox Controllers

  • Disable extraneous background apps like RGB lighting utilities
  • Use Xbox Accessories app for firmware updates, independent of Steam
  • Toggle “Xbox Configuration Support” in Steam Settings
  • Replace batteries/attempt new USB cable avoiding power issues

3rd Party Controllers

  • Enable external software like DS4Windows for deeper customization
  • Switch from Bluetooth to wired USB connectivity when available
  • Disable Steam Input to prevent mismatched mapping

Before Seeking Hardware Repair

If the above troubleshooting still leaves your controller lifeless in Starfield, all hope isn‘t lost. First attempt these steps before seeking replacement:

  • Restart computer then launch Steam/Starfield directly, not from desktop icons
  • Plug your controller into a different USB port
  • Clear Steam download cache corrupting local files
  • Completely uninstall/reinstall Steam itself correcting deep issues
  • Boot into Windows Safe Mode isolating software conflicts
  • Restore earlier Windows System Restore point rolling back recent changes

This methodically eliminates variables before declaring any Starfield controller fully non-functional. We once resolved a 4 month support ticket with simply a fresh driver install – so exhaust all options beforehand.

Hopefully the above guide illuminates a path to get your cherished gamepad working flawlessly once again. Yet don‘t hesitate contacting us if Starfield control complications continue plaguing your planetary sojourns. We’ll explore every solution possible before admitting hardware defeat.

Now briskly jetpack onwards to discover Starfield’s splendid alien vistas beckoning your return!

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