If your controller doesn’t work while the keyboard is connected to Steam, adjusting input settings, disabling controller support, updating drivers, or switching USB ports can resolve the issue.
If you’re having trouble using your controller while the keyboard is connected to Steam, you’re not alone. Many gamers experience issues where Steam prioritizes the keyboard input over the controller, which can disrupt gameplay.
Whether you’re playing on PC with a connected controller or using Steam’s Big Picture Mode, this guide will walk you through simple solutions to get both the controller and keyboard working smoothly together.
Common Reasons Why the Controller Doesn’t Work While the Keyboard is Connected
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand why this issue occurs. Here are some common causes:
- Input Priority: Steam or the game may give priority to the keyboard, preventing the controller from working.
- Steam Input Settings: Steam’s input configurations might interfere with the controller’s functionality.
- Controller Configuration: Incorrect or missing controller settings can cause conflicts.
- Driver or Firmware Issues: Outdated drivers or firmware can disrupt the connection between Steam and your controller.
- USB Port Conflicts: Some USB ports or devices can cause conflicts when multiple input devices (keyboard and controller) are connected.
Now that we know the possible causes, let’s look at how to fix this issue.
Adjust Steam Input Settings:
Steam has robust input settings for handling controllers and keyboards. Sometimes, a mismatch in configuration can cause problems. You can fix this by adjusting the Steam Input settings for the game you’re playing.
How to Adjust Steam Input Settings?
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click the game you’re having issues with and select Properties.
- In the Controller tab, you’ll find a setting for Steam Input. You can switch between different modes like “Forced On,” “Forced Off,” or “Use Default Settings.”
- Try setting Steam Input Per-Game Setting to “Forced Off” and restart the game.
This disables Steam’s control over input devices for that particular game and might allow your controller to work properly alongside the keyboard.
Also Read: Zagg Keyboard Not Working – A Depth Analysis!
Disable Controller Support in Big Picture Mode:
If you’re using Big Picture Mode on Steam, the system might confuse the input between your keyboard and controller. Disabling certain controller settings in Big Picture Mode can help resolve this.
Steps to Disable Controller Support:
- Open Steam in Big Picture Mode by clicking the controller icon at the top-right corner of the Steam window.
- Navigate to Settings > Controller Settings.
- Uncheck the box for the type of controller you’re using (e.g., Xbox Controller Support, PlayStation Configuration Support).
- Restart Steam and the game, then check if the controller is now working alongside the keyboard.
Tip: Make sure you’re not enabling both the keyboard and controller settings simultaneously, as this can confuse the system.
Set Controller as the Primary Input Device:
In some cases, Steam or your game might default to the keyboard as the primary input device, making the controller inactive. You can manually set the controller as the primary device.
How to Set the Controller as Primary Input?
- Open Steam and go to Settings (click on Steam at the top-left, then choose Settings).
- In the Controller tab, click General Controller Settings.
- Ensure that your controller type (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, or Generic) is checked.
- Click on Detected Controllers, find your controller, and select Set as Default.
- Launch your game to see if the issue is resolved.
Update Controller Drivers and Firmware:
Outdated controller drivers or firmware can cause input issues, especially when multiple devices (like a keyboard and controller) are connected. Updating the drivers for your controller ensures compatibility with Steam and other games.
How to Update Drivers:
- Xbox Controllers: Open Device Manager, locate the controller under Xbox Peripherals, right-click, and select Update Driver.
- PlayStation Controllers: Download and update drivers from Sony’s official website.
- Other Controllers: Visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers or firmware updates.
Tip: After updating, reconnect your controller and restart Steam to apply changes.
Also Read: What To Do If One Uninstall USB Keyboard – Complete Guide!
Check USB Ports and Connections:
Sometimes, USB ports can cause conflicts when multiple devices like keyboards and controllers are connected simultaneously. If your controller isn’t working while the keyboard is connected, try switching the ports.
How to Test USB Connections?
- Reconnect the Devices: Unplug both the keyboard and the controller, then plug them into different USB ports.
- Use a Powered USB Hub: If your computer has limited USB bandwidth, try using a powered USB hub to avoid conflicts.
- Avoid USB 3.0 Ports: Some older controllers may work better in USB 2.0 ports.
Switching ports or using a hub can resolve issues caused by conflicting USB devices.
Test the Controller Outside Steam:
To determine whether the issue is specific to Steam, test your controller outside of Steam to see if it functions properly.
Steps to Test Controller Outside Steam:
- Disconnect the keyboard from your PC.
- Open a non-Steam game or controller-supported application.
- Test the controller to ensure it works without the keyboard connected.
If the controller works fine outside Steam, then the problem likely lies within Steam’s configuration, and adjusting the Steam Input settings (as described above) should resolve the issue.
Contact Steam Support:
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and your controller still doesn’t work while the keyboard is connected, it might be time to contact Steam Support for additional troubleshooting help.
How to Contact Steam Support?
- Visit the Steam Support page.
- Select the Game or Hardware category.
- Follow the instructions for further assistance.
Steam Support can help with advanced issues that require a deeper dive into configuration or possible hardware conflicts.
Also Read: Can’t Use Controller While Keyboard Is Connected Steam – Troubleshooting Guide!
Preventing Future Issues:
Here are a few tips to prevent input conflicts between your keyboard and controller while using Steam:
- Update regularly: Keep both Steam and your controller drivers up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues.
- Use a single input method: If possible, avoid using both a keyboard and controller simultaneously.
- Disable unused controllers: When not using a controller, disable it in Steam’s settings to prevent accidental conflicts.
FAQs:
1. Why is my controller not working with Steam when the keyboard is connected?
Steam may prioritize keyboard input over the controller. Adjusting Steam Input settings or disabling controller support in Big Picture Mode can fix this.
2. How do I prioritize my controller over the keyboard on Steam?
To prioritize your controller, open Steam Settings, go to the Controller tab, and set your controller as the default input device for the game.
3. Why does my controller disconnect when I connect a keyboard to Steam?
USB conflicts can cause disconnections. Try using different USB ports or a powered USB hub to prevent bandwidth issues between connected devices.
4. How do I disable controller support in Big Picture Mode?
In Steam’s Big Picture Mode, go to Settings > Controller Settings and uncheck the relevant controller support options to prevent input confusion with the keyboard.
5. What should I do if updating drivers doesn’t fix the Steam controller issue?
If driver updates don’t resolve the issue, try testing the controller outside of Steam or contact Steam Support for advanced troubleshooting help.
Conclusion:
If you’re facing issues using your controller while the keyboard is connected to Steam, adjusting input settings, disabling Big Picture Mode controller support, updating drivers, or switching USB ports can typically resolve the problem. Following these steps ensures smoother gameplay without input conflicts. Additionally, regularly updating your controller and Steam software can prevent such issues from reoccurring. If problems persist, contacting Steam Support is the next logical step for advanced assistance.
