How to Turn Off and Disable Controller Controls on Your Windows PC

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a passionate gamer and tech specialist, one of the most common issues I see people encounter is controller interference when using a mouse and keyboard on PC. Whether it‘s accidental joystick inputs, triggers pressed while typing, or Xbox controller drift, this guide will explain how to fully disable and turn off any connected gamepads or flight sticks on your Windows desktop or laptop.

Quick Answer: Remove Batteries or Unplug The Controller

Before jumping into the details, here is a quick overview of how to turn off controller inputs:

For wireless controllers: Simply power them off by removing the batteries. Slide off the battery cover, take out the AA batteries, and the controller will turn off.

For wired controllers: Unplug the USB cable connecting the controller to disable inputs.

Now let‘s get into the specifics…

Fully Disable Controller Support in Games

Many popular games allow you to fully disable controller support in their settings menu. This is the best option if you want to prevent joystick or gamepad interference while playing that specific game.

Steam Controller Settings

Disabling controller support in Steam

As an example, here is how to turn off controller input for Steam games:

  1. Launch the Steam client
  2. Click the "Manage Game" button for the installed game title
  3. Select the "Controller Options" tab
  4. Change the drop down box from "Default" to "Forced Off"

This will completely disable detection of any connected controllers for that game only. You‘ll need to repeat the process individually for other installed Steam games that currently have controller support enabled.

Disabling Controllers System-Wide in Windows

Rather than managing controllers on a per-game basis, you can also fully disable them at the Windows OS level:

  1. Go into Windows Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners
  2. Under "Other devices" find your connected controller and right click on it
  3. Select Disable device in the pop-up menu

This will stop Windows and all applications from detecting inputs from that controller. I recommend this if you find joystick inputs constantly interfering with mouse control or typing.

Tip: You can re-enable the device later by repeating the steps but choosing "Enable device" instead.

Specific Cases: Disabling Flight Sticks, Racing Wheels, and Other Controllers

The above solutions cover console gamepads from Xbox and PlayStation. But you might also be using specialty controllers like:

  • Joysticks for flight/space simulators
  • Steering wheels for racing games
  • Arcade sticks for fighting games
  • Mixed reality motion controllers

The methods for disabling these devices follow the same principles of cutting power, unplugging the USB connection, or disabling through Windows device manager. Just identify the specific hardware device and then block inputs either at the game level or system level.

Troubleshooting Controller Problems on Windows

Sometimes controllers can exhibit "phantom" inputs even when powered off or disabled in software. For example, my Xbox controller triggers will randomly press down while typing text. Or my flight stick will subtly drift the mouse cursor while I‘m working.

These are often caused by:

  • Faulty hardware drivers for the controller/joystick
  • Outdated Windows updates
  • Conflicts with other USB devices

Here are some basic steps to troubleshoot:

  1. Update or reinstall hardware drivers for the controller/joystick device
  2. Make sure you have the latest Windows updates installed
  3. Try connecting the controller to a different USB port
  4. Use controller on another computer to test if the hardware itself is faulty

For advanced users, opening Windows Device Manager and reviewing the controller properties can also help identify specific driver issues causing unwanted inputs.

Wrapping Up: Manage Controllers Like a Pro Gamer

As you can see, completely disabling controller support either system-wide or on a per-game basis takes just a few clicks once you know the steps. Combining that with properly updating drivers, Windows, and troubleshooting hardware means you can banish accidental gamepad inputs for good!

If you found this guide useful and want more gaming tips from a passionate PC expert, check out my YouTube channel here for tutorials, news, and reviews.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about managing controllers or joysticks on your Windows desktop or laptop!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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