Fix: Steam Not Detecting Xbox One Controller

Is Steam not detecting your Xbox One Controller? Here are working solutions to have this issue fixed with ease. Check them out.

Some games are just meant to be played with a controller, as the experience is much different (often, it’s a lot better) compared to playing with a mouse and a keyboard.

Fortunately, Steam enables users to swiftly and easily connect their Xbox One or PlayStation controllers and commence playing in just a few moments after doing so.

But, there are times when this doesn’t go as smoothly as intended, as many users have reported.

In this guide, we will dissect the potential reasons for this problem, and also provide effective solutions that will assist you in easily resolving it.

Let’s get into it.

Table of ContentsShow

The Problem Explained

Xbox One Controller Not Detected

Much like the problem where Steam fails to detect PS4 controllers, which we cover in this specific guide, many users reported the same thing happening with their Xbox One controller as well.

The controller supposedly works with other games and on other platforms, but as soon as it’s connected to Steam, it doesn’t show any signs of life. The problem is usually accompanied by Steam’s “No Controllers Detected” message.

This is not because there’s something wrong with the controller itself, but either because crucial controller-related processes are not running on the computer, the user has an outdated or missing driver, or the controller support in the Steam control panel is not enabled.

Needless to say, this isn’t a serious problem, and there are proven, working, and efficient ways to fix it.

Find out more in the sections below.

Fix 1: Start The “XboxGipService” In Task Manager

Check Settings

This solution was confirmed as working by multiple Steam users who could not get their Xbox One controller to show up while plugged in.

The users who reported this issue found out that the “XboxGipService” service was stopped (disabled), and re-enabling it fixed the problem immediately.

Note: Some users mentioned that the name of the service was different for them and was called “Xbox Accessory Management Service” instead. The same steps apply to both situations whatsoever.

It’s a simple fix, and all you have to do is follow the steps below to get it done in no time:

  1. Plug the Xbox One controller into your PC.
  2. Open Task Manager by clicking Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard at the same time.
  3. Navigate to the Services tab and search for the one called “XboxGipService” on the list.
  4. Upon finding it, right-click the service and choose Start.

Open Steam and see if the client now detects the Xbox One controller. This usually solves the problem, but if it doesn’t work for you, there are still more things to try.

Fix 2: Update The “HID-Compliant Game Device” In Device Manager

Update

Updating the “HID-Compliant Game Device” is yet another working fix suggested by members of the Steam community.

It includes updating one of the drivers through the Windows Device Manager panel, and you can do it by following the steps below:

  1. Click Windows + X on your keyboard, then choose Device Manager from the list of options.
  2. Expand the section called Human Interface Devices.
  3. Search for “HID-Compliant Game Device” and then right-click it and choose Update Driver.

After the driver gets updated to the latest available version, the problem should be gone. You can open the Steam client once again and see if the Xbox One controller is now being detected as it should.  

Fix 3: Enable Xbox Configuration Support In Steam’s Big Picture Mode

Enable

This is the easiest solution for the problem, but it doesn’t always work as most users already have the Xbox Configuration Support enabled.

If you don’t remember enabling this setting, though, now is the right time to check, as it can solve your problem immediately.

Here’s what you must do:

  1. Start the Steam client with Administrator privileges and sign in to your account.
  2. In the top-right corner, left of the “minimize” button, is the “Big Picture Mode” button that you need to click on.
    Steam Big Picture Mode
  3. Once you’re in the Steam Big Picture Mode, click on the cogwheel icon in the top-right corner.
    Steam Cogwheel Icon
  4. Then, choose Controller Settings from the left side menu.
    Steam Controller Settings
  5. Click on the “Xbox Configuration Support” setting to enable it.
    Steam Xbox Configuration Support

Steam should now detect your Xbox One controller, and you should be able to use it as intended. You can exit the Big Picture Mode and use the Steam client as usual.

If the steps above were unclear, or you prefer a more visual walkthrough instead, check the helpful video below, which covers the entire process from beginning to end.

Note: Make sure you use the correct cable when connecting your Xbox One controller to your computer. Most people make the mistake of using a charging USB cable instead of one that can send data between devices. Some cables are charge-only, while others can be used both for data and charging.

Conclusion

With that said, you now know what to do when the Steam client fails to detect the Xbox One Controller.

Although this is not a serious issue, it can be quite frustrating to experience, especially when you’ve recently purchased a controller and looking to play your favorite games with it.

Luckily, in most cases, applying one or all of the fixes listed in the guide below results in a quickly and easily solved problem.

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Bojan Veselinovikj
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Bojan is a video-game developer and a tech enthusiast. Combining these two passions allow him to keep you informed on everything that's new in this fast-paced digital world.