If your Xbox controller isn't working with the Steam client on your computer, it is usually due to software issues like outdated drivers, bugs in Steam, and not having services like "XboxGipService" enabled in Windows. However, in some instances, it might be due to hardware failure, usually a bad USB cable.
I've been an avid Xbox gamer since the very first generation. Over that time, I've learned a lot about Xbox controllers. When a friend complained that his Xbox One controller wouldn't work on his Steam game, he came to me. After about 10 minutes, I was able to fix Steam and get it to detect his game controller.
If you're having similar issues with your Xbox One controller not working with Steam, then you're in the right place. Let's get right into everything you need to know to fix this problem.
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To fix Steam and get your Xbox One controller working, there are several solutions you can try out, and you'll find that they do the trick. You don't need to install any new software for these solutions.
There's no need to look at Playstation controllers when you can get your game controller to work just fine to play your favorite games.
The moment you open Steam but notice that it isn't detecting Xbox One controller, I recommend unplugging and connecting the controller again. This might help fix the problem.
For a wired controller, this step gives you the chance to make sure you plug it properly into the USB port.
If you're using a Bluetooth connection for your games, the solution is to turn off Bluetooth on your PC and turn off your controller. Wait 30 seconds and get them connected again.
If you use your controller with a USB cable, you might realize that the reason why Steam is having issues detecting Xbox controller is that the cable is faulty.
Even with new hardware, the cable will usually be the most vulnerable part due to how flexible it is. Try using a different cable to plug your controller into your computer and see whether it helps.
When the software for your controller is buggy or outdated, you can run into issues getting it to work right. This includes the client for Steam.
The good thing is that you can update your driver to the latest version if one is available. Device Manager lets you install them easily.
Follow the steps below to get this done. Make sure your controller is connected before you start.
Windows has numerous services which help manage different parts of the operating system. When it comes to your gamepad, this device is managed on your PC by a service called "XboxGipService", although you might see it as "XboxGipSvc" in some cases.
Regardless, these are the same thing, and Windows describes the service as the "Xbox Accessory Management Service". That sounds vital for detecting Xbox One controllers.
Sometimes, this service can stop for some reason, and you can easily fix the problem by re-enabling it.
Steam's Big Picture mode was implemented to move players away from a mouse, keyboard, and computer desk. You can move them to the couch where they could play games in comfort.
However, the Steam client needs to configure input depending on the gamepad you want to use. For instance, you'll see there's an option for Playstation controllers too.
If support for your controller is off, you likely won't be able to game with it.
That's it! Even if you leave Big Picture mode, it should still work.
If your Microsoft Xbox One controller refuses to work with Steam, no matter what you try out, there are a few reasons I've discovered what might be behind this.
These can be divided into software and hardware causes.
If you face issues with your Steam client detecting Xbox One gamepads, it is, in most cases, related to the software of Steam itself or the Windows operating system.
Over the years, I've found the following to be common causes of this problem:
While hardware is less likely to be the cause of a controller that doesn't work with Steam, it is still a likely cause.
The following are hardware causes of an Xbox One controller not working when running Steam:
The Steam client usually has issues detecting Xbox controllers. There are many possible causes, though they are mostly software-related.
You can fix Steam problems with detecting Xbox gamepads by updating them in Device Manager, turning on XboxGipService, and going to enable controller support in Big Picture Mode.
