This could happen both with the Xbox and PS4 controllers, and we will take up both separately to help you identify and eliminate the underlying cause. So, let’s find out why the controller is not working in Windows 11 and how you can fix things.

Why is the controller not working in Windows 11?

There are various reasons why the controller is not working. If the problem started right after you upgraded to Windows 11, chances are that it’s either a connection issue (with the Bluetooth controllers), an outdated Xbox accessories app, or problems with the installed driver. Several users also reported that it was their antivirus that blocked the controller, though it doesn’t happen often. Make sure to verify this by disabling/uninstalling the antivirus. Some PS controller users reported that it was the AMD chipset driver that lead to it not working in Windows 11. In case you are using a wired controller, it could be the USB port that’s malfunctioning, or the port might be disabled from the BIOS. Now that you have a basic understanding of the concept, let’s head to the solutions. We have Xbox and PS4 fixes under different sections, so just head over to the one relevant in your case.

What do I do if the controller is not working in Windows 11?

1. Xbox

1.1 Restart the system and controller

The first thing you should do when the Xbox controller is not working in Windows 11 is to restart the computer and the controller itself. This will eliminate any trivial issues and get things up and running in no time.

1.2 Update the USB driver (for wired Xbox controllers)

Problems with the driver are another common reason behind your Xbox controllers not working in Windows 11. No matter what the issue is, installing the latest version should fix things. Also, if you couldn’t find a newer version using the Device Manager, try manually installing the latest version of the driver. Besides, if a wireless Xbox controller is not working, update the Bluetooth drivers. To speed things up, use a utility like DriverFix to take care of both your USB drivers and Bluetooth drivers. It’s a light automated tool that identifies and fixes any corrupt drivers and updates outdated ones. ⇒ Get DriverFix

1.3 Uninstall third-party antivirus

If you don’t want to install the antivirus right away, try disabling it first. But, remember that the built-in Windows Security is more than capable of keeping your computer secure. SPONSORED

1.4 Update the Xbox Accessories app

1.5 Install the latest controller firmware

Using outdated firmware can also lead to problems and your Xbox controller might not work in Windows 11. The Xbox Accessories app can help quickly update the firmware, and by this time, the problem would be eliminated. You can now start using the Xbox controller on Windows 11 without encountering any further problems.

2. PS (Play Station)

2.1 Download and install DS4Windows

DS4Windows is a critical tool that allows users to connect their Play Station controllers to their Windows PC since there’s no native support with many. So, install the software and check if the Windows 11 controller has now started working.

2.2 Uninstall AMD chipset software

Many reported that it was the AMD chipset driver that caused the problem in their case, and simply reinstalling it did the trick and fixed things when the Windows 11 controller was not working. If you encounter any issues after the uninstall, head to the AMD Drivers and Support page, search for the package that you removed earlier, and install it.

2.3 Install the latest version of Windows 11

2.4 Disable Driver Signature Reinforcement

Driver Signature Enforcement is a feature in Windows that allows only the drivers that have been verified and signed by Microsoft to be installed on the computer. But oftentimes, manufacturers don’t submit the driver to Microsoft and upload it directly on their official website. If you or a third-party tool has installed any such drivers for the controller, the feature would block it. Disabling the Driver Signature Enforcement has worked for a lot of users and fixed things if the Windows 11 PS4 controller was not working.

2.5 Run DS4Windows as administrator

Many times, if the DS4Windows app does not have the necessary permissions, it might run into trouble and lead to your PS4 controller not working in Windows 11. In this case, just configure the program to launch with administrative privileges and things should be working again. These are all the ways you can fix issues when the controller is not working in Windows 11, be it for Xbox or Play Station. Also, check the best game controllers for Windows 11 that do not throw any errors and are super smooth. Tell us which fix worked and the controller you were having trouble with, in the comments section below.

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