If you can’t use a controller while a keyboard is connected on Steam, it may be due to input prioritization. Simple steps like checking game settings or adjusting Steam Input can resolve the issue.
If you’re a Steam user who likes to switch between using a controller and a keyboard, you might face an issue where your controller stops working when the keyboard is connected. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to play a game that works better with a controller. Don’t worry! This guide will walk you through why this happens and how you can fix it with simple steps.
Why Can’t I Use My Controller and Keyboard Together?
Steam allows you to use different input devices, like controllers and keyboards, at the same time. However, some games or system settings might prioritize one device over the other. For example, when a keyboard is connected, the game may ignore the controller.
The reason behind this is that many games default to the first input device detected. Steam or the game may assume you want to use the keyboard if it’s active, leaving your controller out.
Basic Steps: Start With the Simple Fixes
Before you dive into more complicated solutions, it’s best to start with the basics. Here are a few quick things you can check:
- Reconnect Your Controller: Disconnect and reconnect your controller. Try different USB ports if it’s wired.
- Restart Steam: Sometimes, a simple restart of Steam can resolve input issues. Close Steam and reopen it.
- Check Game Settings: Open the game settings and see if there’s an option to switch input devices from keyboard to controller.
These quick checks can sometimes solve the issue without needing to dig deeper.
Also Read: How To Install Corsair K57 Keyboard It’s Not Recognizing – Detailed Guide!
Check the Game’s Input Settings:
Some games have specific input settings that can cause problems if you’re using both a keyboard and a controller. The game may automatically switch to the keyboard if both are connected. Here’s how to fix this:
- Launch the Game: Start the game where you’re having issues.
- Go to the Settings Menu: Look for a section labeled “Controller,” “Input Device,” or something similar.
- Switch to Controller: If there’s an option to choose between a controller and a keyboard, select “Controller.” This tells the game to prioritize the controller over the keyboard.
Some games might not have this option, but many modern titles do, so it’s worth checking first.
Adjust Steam’s Big Picture Mode Settings:
Big Picture Mode is a feature in Steam designed for controller users. If you’re having trouble with your controller while your keyboard is connected, Big Picture Mode can help resolve this:
- Enable Big Picture Mode: Click the Big Picture Mode icon in the top-right corner of Steam.
- Open Settings: In Big Picture Mode, go to “Settings” and then “Controller Settings.”
- Controller Configuration: Make sure your controller is listed under “Detected Controllers.”
- Check Input Settings: Turn off “Forced On” if Steam Input is being forced. This can sometimes cause Steam to favor your keyboard over your controller.
Big Picture Mode simplifies controller management and can reduce conflicts between inputs.
Disable Steam Input for Specific Games:
If the issue continues, disabling Steam Input for the game you’re playing might help. Sometimes, Steam’s controller handling conflicts with the game’s native controller support, especially if both the keyboard and controller are connected.
- Right-Click the Game: Go to your Steam Library, right-click the game that’s giving you trouble.
- Select Properties: In the dropdown, click “Properties.”
- Go to Controller Settings: Find the “Controller” tab in the game properties.
- Disable Steam Input: Under “Override for [Game Name],” choose “Disable Steam Input.” This will allow the game to use its own controller support and may fix the issue.
Also Read: Will Updating My Motherboard Fix My Keyboard Not Working – Detailed Guide!
Update Your Controller Drivers:
Outdated controller drivers can cause recognition issues when using multiple input devices. To ensure your controller works properly, always keep your drivers up to date.
- Update Drivers in Device Manager:
- Right-click the Start button on Windows.
- Open “Device Manager.”
- Find your controller in the list and right-click it.
- Select “Update Driver” and follow the prompts to update the controller’s software.
If Windows doesn’t find any new drivers, visit the controller manufacturer’s website (e.g., Microsoft for Xbox, Sony for PlayStation) to download the latest drivers manually.
Use Bluetooth Instead of USB (If Applicable):
If you’re using a wireless controller, switching to Bluetooth can sometimes fix conflicts between the keyboard and controller:
- Turn on Bluetooth: Ensure your PC’s Bluetooth is active.
- Pair Your Controller: Follow the instructions for your specific controller to connect it via Bluetooth. For most controllers, you can put them in pairing mode by pressing a specific button (like the Xbox button for Xbox controllers).
- Reconnect the Keyboard: After your controller is connected, reconnect the keyboard and see if both devices work together without conflict.
Wireless connections can sometimes reduce the input priority issues caused by USB ports.
Test with Another Game or Application
To determine if the problem is specific to a certain game or a broader Steam issue, try testing your controller in another game:
- Open Another Game: Launch a different game that supports both keyboard and controller inputs.
- Check Input: See if your controller works while the keyboard is connected.
If the problem doesn’t occur in other games, the issue is likely with the game’s input settings or a bug specific to that game. If it persists across all games, the problem may lie with your Steam settings or hardware.
Reinstall or Update Steam:
Sometimes, reinstalling or updating Steam can fix input recognition issues. If your Steam installation is outdated or corrupt, it might fail to properly manage multiple inputs.
- Update Steam: Go to the Steam menu and select “Check for Steam Client Updates.”
- Reinstall Steam: If the problem persists, uninstall Steam from your PC and reinstall the latest version. Don’t worry—reinstalling Steam won’t delete your games.
Also Read: Is Red Dead Redeption 2 Betterr On Keyboard Or Controller – Complete Guide!
Prevent Future Input Conflicts:
Here are some tips to prevent future issues with your controller and keyboard while using Steam:
- Use Big Picture Mode: If you frequently switch between keyboard and controller, using Steam’s Big Picture Mode can help manage inputs more smoothly.
- Unplug Unused Devices: When not using your keyboard for a game, disconnect it to avoid input conflicts.
- Keep Drivers Updated: Regularly update your controller and keyboard drivers to avoid compatibility problems.
FAQs:
1. Why can’t I use my controller when the keyboard is connected on Steam?
Some games or Steam settings prioritize the first detected input device, often the keyboard. Adjusting input settings or disabling Steam Input can fix this issue.
2. How do I switch between keyboard and controller on Steam?
Check the game’s settings to select the preferred input device. You can also adjust Steam’s Big Picture Mode settings to manage controller and keyboard inputs more efficiently.
3. Can Steam Big Picture Mode help with controller issues?
Yes, Steam’s Big Picture Mode is designed to improve controller handling. Adjusting its settings can reduce conflicts between connected input devices like keyboards and controllers.
4. How do I disable Steam Input for a specific game?
Right-click the game in your Steam library, go to “Properties,” select the “Controller” tab, and choose “Disable Steam Input” to allow the game’s native controller support to take over.
5. Will updating drivers help resolve controller recognition issues?
Yes, outdated controller drivers can cause problems. Updating your controller drivers via Device Manager or the manufacturer’s website can resolve recognition issues when using multiple devices.
Conclusion:
Facing input conflicts between a controller and keyboard on Steam can be frustrating, but it’s fixable. By checking in-game input settings, adjusting Big Picture Mode, or disabling Steam Input, you can often resolve these issues quickly. Don’t forget to update your drivers and test with different games to further troubleshoot. With a little patience, you’ll be able to enjoy seamless gameplay using both your controller and keyboard.
