If you use Steam to set up your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 controller so it works on your computer, you might find it suddenly stops working right after Steam updates. Basically, your PS4 or PS5 controller forgets how to work on your desktop through Steam and just won’t respond. I’m going to tell you why this happens and how to fix it fast.
Also see: Use PS4 or PS5 Controller as Mouse and Keyboard in Windows 11
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Why do some PS4 and PS5 controllers suddenly stop working with Steam?
Some folks have found that their PlayStation controllers, either PS4 or PS5, don’t work with Steam’s Desktop Layout anymore, especially after a Steam update. When you try to change the desktop configuration in Steam, the screen you get is just blank and grey. This annoying problem can happen no matter how you connect the controller, and it’s a desktop mode issue, not a game-specific one.
Symptoms
- You can’t control your PC with the controller like you used to with the Desktop Layout.
- Clicking the “Edit” button for Desktop Layout settings leads to a screen that does nothing.
- You can still edit layouts for games or the Guide Button Chord Layout.
Additional insights
- This issue sticks around even if you’re not using DS4Windows, so that’s not the problem.
- The same issue popped up on the Steam Deck running Windows 11, but not on SteamOS.
- If you hook up a different controller (like the Steam Deck’s own), switching to its configuration screen works fine.
Learn more: Play PC Game with PS5, PS4 or Xbox Controller in Windows 11
What causes the issue?
This trouble with PlayStation controllers on Steam’s Desktop Layout comes from a bug in Steam. This bug messes with editing the Desktop Configuration for PlayStation Controllers, leaving you with a screen that just won’t respond. It looks like this bug came with a recent Steam update and has been a pain for users on different Windows versions, especially Windows 11.
Steam is working on this in their Beta version. Normally, Steam lets you tweak the desktop config without turning Steam Input all the way on. This means things like the light bar and vibration stay off unless you’re playing a game through Steam Input. This is to avoid messing up games that already know how to use these controller features.
You can find a similar reported issue here: https://steamcommunity.com/app/353370/discussions/1/5540051992993335542/
Solution: Adjust the “PlayStation Controller Support” setting
For a lot of people, the easiest fix is to change the “PlayStation Controller Support” setting in Steam. This doesn’t require the Steam Beta. Here’s what you do:
- Open Steam on your computer.
- Click on “Steam” at the top left, and pick “Settings” from the menu.
- Go to the “Controller” tab in Settings.
- Look for “PlayStation Configuration Support” and change it from “Enabled in Games w/o Support” to “Enabled“.
- Close and reopen Steam to make sure the change works.
- Connect your PlayStation controller and see if the desktop layout is working right.
This fix has worked for many, getting their PlayStation controller back to normal on Steam’s desktop layout.
But keep in mind, this might not fix it for everyone. If it doesn’t work for you, you might need to try updating Steam or joining the Steam Beta program.
Related resource: How to use PS5 Controller on Xbox Game Pass PC
General troubleshooting tips for PlayStation controllers on Steam
If the fix above doesn’t help with your PS4 or PS5 controller issue on Steam, here are some other things you can try:
- Re-configure controller’s desktop layout settings in Steam: If you’re having trouble with desktop configs, go back to Steam’s settings and try fixing your desktop configuration again.
- Restart Steam: Sometimes, just closing and reopening Steam can fix little bugs that might be causing trouble.
- Check Bluetooth connectivity: Make sure your wireless controller’s Bluetooth connection is working right.
- Check for Bluetooth signal interference and conflict: Avoid interference from other Bluetooth devices. If your controller used to connect to a console, make sure that console is off.
- Remove device and pair your controller again: Removing and re-pairing your controller in Windows might fix the problem, especially after updates.
- Check for controller malfunction: Make sure your controller is working right by testing it with another device or using a different controller with your PC.
- Disable and re-enable Controller Support options: Turning off all controller support options in Steam, closing it, and turning them back on might help.
- Keep Steam updated: Make sure you have the latest version of Steam to avoid and fix connection issues.
Wrapping up
In short, the main fix in this article is for a known Steam bug that affects PlayStation controllers after a Steam update. To fix it, just change the “PlayStation Configuration Support” setting from “Enabled in Games w/o Support” to “Enabled.” This simple step should get your controller working right with Steam’s desktop layout again. If you run into more troubles with your controller and Steam, don’t forget to try the troubleshooting tips we talked about.
