How to Disable Controller Input on PC: A Comprehensive Guide
In the world of PC gaming, the flexibility to use various input devices is a major advantage. While controllers offer a comfortable and intuitive experience for many games, there are situations where you might want to disable controller input entirely. This could be due to accidental input from a connected controller, conflicts between controller and keyboard/mouse inputs, troubleshooting input issues, or simply a preference for using keyboard and mouse for a particular game. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to disable controller input on your PC, covering different scenarios and operating systems.
## Why Disable Controller Input?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why you might want to disable controller input in the first place:
* **Accidental Input:** A connected controller, especially if its analog sticks are slightly off-center, can cause unwanted character movement or camera panning in games, even when you’re actively using the keyboard and mouse.
* **Input Conflicts:** Some games struggle to handle simultaneous input from both controllers and keyboard/mouse, leading to erratic behavior or unresponsive controls.
* **Troubleshooting:** Disabling controller input can help isolate input issues. If a game is behaving strangely, disabling the controller and testing with only keyboard and mouse can determine if the controller is the source of the problem.
* **Preference:** Some players simply prefer the precision of keyboard and mouse for certain genres, like first-person shooters or strategy games. Disabling controller input ensures that the game doesn’t accidentally switch to controller mode.
* **Multiplayer Scenarios:** In some local multiplayer games on PC, you might want to temporarily disable a controller to prevent a player from joining, especially if they are not ready or have stepped away.
## Methods to Disable Controller Input on PC
Here are several methods you can use to disable controller input on your PC, ranging from simple unplugging to more advanced software-based solutions:
### 1. The Simplest Solution: Unplug the Controller
The most straightforward way to disable controller input is to simply unplug the controller from your PC. This physically disconnects the device, preventing any input from reaching the game or operating system.
* **Wired Controllers:** For wired controllers (USB), just unplug the USB cable from your computer.
* **Wireless Controllers:** For wireless controllers (Bluetooth or proprietary dongle), turn off the controller. If it’s Bluetooth, you may also need to disconnect it from your PC’s Bluetooth settings. For controllers with a dongle, remove the dongle from the USB port.
**Advantages:**
* Simple and quick.
* Guaranteed to disable controller input.
* Requires no software or configuration.
**Disadvantages:**
* Can be inconvenient if you frequently switch between controller and keyboard/mouse.
* Not ideal for situations where you want to disable the controller temporarily without physically disconnecting it.
### 2. Disabling the Controller in Device Manager (Windows)
Windows Device Manager allows you to manage all the hardware connected to your computer, including game controllers. You can disable the controller through Device Manager, effectively preventing it from sending input to the system.
**Steps:**
1. **Open Device Manager:** There are several ways to open Device Manager:
* Press `Win + X` and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
* Search for “Device Manager” in the Windows search bar and click on the result.
* Right-click the Windows Start button and select “Device Manager”.
2. **Locate the Controller:** In Device Manager, expand the “Human Interface Devices” or “Sound, video and game controllers” category. Look for your controller listed there. It might be named something like “Xbox Controller,” “PlayStation Controller,” “Generic USB Joystick,” or have a similar description. If you’re unsure which device is the controller, try unplugging and plugging it back in to see which device disappears and reappears in the list.
3. **Disable the Controller:** Right-click on the controller device and select “Disable device”.
4. **Confirmation:** A warning message will appear asking if you’re sure you want to disable the device. Click “Yes” to confirm.
5. **Controller Status:** The controller device will now have a small down arrow icon next to it, indicating that it’s disabled.
**To re-enable the controller:**
1. Open Device Manager.
2. Locate the disabled controller (it will still be listed with the down arrow icon).
3. Right-click on the controller and select “Enable device”.
4. The controller should now be re-enabled and ready to use.
**Advantages:**
* Disables the controller at the system level, preventing input in all games and applications.
* Reversible – you can easily re-enable the controller when needed.
**Disadvantages:**
* Requires navigating through Device Manager, which can be slightly less convenient than simply unplugging the controller.
* May not work perfectly with all controllers or games, especially older ones.
### 3. Using Steam’s Controller Settings
If you primarily play games through Steam, Steam’s built-in controller settings offer a convenient way to disable controller input for specific games or globally.
**Global Controller Disabling (Big Picture Mode):**
1. **Enter Big Picture Mode:** Open Steam and click on the “Big Picture Mode” icon in the top right corner of the Steam window (it looks like a rectangle with arrows pointing outwards).
2. **Navigate to Settings:** In Big Picture Mode, click on the gear icon to open the settings menu.
3. **Controller Settings:** Select “Controller Settings”.
4. **Disable Controller Support:** Uncheck the box next to the controller type you want to disable (e.g., “Xbox Configuration Support,” “PlayStation Configuration Support,” “Generic Gamepad Configuration Support”).
5. **Exit Big Picture Mode:** Exit Big Picture Mode by clicking the power icon and selecting “Exit Big Picture”.
This will disable Steam’s controller input handling for the selected controller type globally, affecting all games launched through Steam.
**Disabling Controller Input for Specific Games:**
1. **Right-Click the Game in Your Library:** In the Steam library, right-click on the game for which you want to disable controller input.
2. **Select Properties:** Choose “Properties” from the context menu.
3. **Controller Tab:** Click on the “Controller” tab in the Properties window.
4. **Override for [Game Name]:** In the “Override for [Game Name]” dropdown menu, select “Disable Steam Input”.
5. **Close the Properties Window:** Close the Properties window. The setting will be saved automatically.
This will disable Steam Input for the selected game, preventing Steam from interfering with controller input. The game will then rely on its own built-in controller support (if any). If the game doesn’t have native controller support, or if the controller is disabled at the system level (e.g., in Device Manager), the controller will effectively be disabled for that game.
**Advantages:**
* Convenient for Steam users.
* Allows disabling controller input globally or for specific games.
* Provides a relatively user-friendly interface.
**Disadvantages:**
* Only affects games launched through Steam.
* May not work perfectly with all controllers or games.
* Requires using Steam’s Big Picture Mode for global disabling.
### 4. Using Third-Party Software
Several third-party software tools can help you manage and disable controller input on your PC. These tools often offer more advanced features and customization options than the built-in Windows and Steam methods.
**Examples of Third-Party Software:**
* **DS4Windows:** Primarily designed for using PlayStation 4 controllers on Windows, DS4Windows also allows you to disable the controller input altogether. It can be useful for preventing double input issues when a game natively supports the PS4 controller.
* **X360CE:** X360CE (Xbox 360 Controller Emulator) is a popular tool for emulating Xbox 360 controller input for games that don’t natively support other controller types. While its primary purpose is emulation, it can also be used to disable controller input by simply not configuring any buttons or axes.
* **HidHide:** HidHide is a driver that allows you to hide physical controllers from specific applications. This can be useful for preventing certain games from detecting the controller, while still allowing it to be used by other applications or emulation software.
**General Steps for Using Third-Party Software:**
1. **Download and Install the Software:** Download the chosen software from its official website and install it on your PC. Follow the installation instructions provided by the software.
2. **Configure the Software:** Launch the software and configure it according to your needs. This may involve selecting the controller you want to disable, creating a profile, or adjusting settings.
3. **Disable Controller Input:** The specific steps for disabling controller input will vary depending on the software you’re using. Refer to the software’s documentation or online tutorials for detailed instructions. In many cases, you can disable the controller by simply not mapping any buttons or axes, or by using a specific “disable” option.
4. **Run the Game:** Launch the game you want to play and verify that the controller input is disabled.
**Advantages:**
* Offers more advanced features and customization options.
* Can be used to disable controller input for specific applications.
* May provide better compatibility with certain controllers or games.
**Disadvantages:**
* Requires downloading and installing third-party software.
* Can be more complex to configure than built-in methods.
* May introduce compatibility issues or conflicts with other software.
### 5. Editing Game Configuration Files (Advanced Users)
Some games store their input settings in configuration files, which can be edited manually to disable controller input. This method is more advanced and requires caution, as incorrect edits can cause the game to malfunction.
**Steps:**
1. **Locate the Game’s Configuration Files:** The location of the configuration files varies depending on the game. They are often found in the game’s installation directory, in a subdirectory called “Config,” “Settings,” or something similar. You can also try searching online for the specific game and “configuration files” to find their location.
2. **Identify the Input Settings:** Open the configuration file in a text editor (like Notepad or Notepad++). Look for lines that relate to controller input, such as “ControllerEnabled,” “UseController,” “GamepadEnabled,” or similar settings. The exact names will vary depending on the game.
3. **Disable Controller Input:** Change the value of the relevant settings to disable controller input. For example, you might change “ControllerEnabled=True” to “ControllerEnabled=False,” or “UseController=1” to “UseController=0.” Make sure to save the file after making the changes.
4. **Launch the Game:** Launch the game and verify that the controller input is disabled.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Backup the Configuration File:** Before making any changes, create a backup copy of the configuration file. This will allow you to restore the original settings if something goes wrong.
* **Consult the Game’s Documentation:** Check the game’s documentation or online forums for information about the specific configuration settings and their effects.
* **Be Careful:** Incorrectly editing configuration files can cause the game to crash or malfunction. Only modify settings that you understand.
**Advantages:**
* Can provide a highly customized solution for disabling controller input.
* May be the only option for games that don’t offer built-in controller disabling features.
**Disadvantages:**
* Requires advanced technical knowledge.
* Can be risky if not done carefully.
* May not be supported by all games.
### 6. Disabling Specific Controller Services (Advanced Users)
In some cases, disabling the services associated with specific controller types can prevent the controller from being recognized by the system. This is an advanced method that should only be attempted by experienced users.
**Example: Disabling Xbox Controller Services:**
1. **Open Services:** Press `Win + R` to open the Run dialog box, type `services.msc`, and press Enter.
2. **Locate Xbox Services:** Look for services related to Xbox controllers, such as “Xbox Accessory Management Service” or “Xbox Game Bar Service.” The exact names may vary depending on your Windows version.
3. **Disable the Service:** Right-click on the service and select “Properties.”
4. **Stop the Service:** In the Properties window, click the “Stop” button to stop the service.
5. **Change Startup Type:** In the “Startup type” dropdown menu, select “Disabled.”
6. **Apply and OK:** Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
7. **Restart Your Computer:** Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Identify the Correct Services:** Make sure you are disabling the correct services related to the controller you want to disable. Disabling the wrong services can cause other system problems.
* **Create a System Restore Point:** Before making any changes to system services, create a system restore point. This will allow you to revert to a previous state if something goes wrong.
* **Understand the Consequences:** Disabling system services can have unintended consequences. Only disable services that you fully understand.
**Advantages:**
* Can provide a system-level solution for disabling controller input.
**Disadvantages:**
* Requires advanced technical knowledge.
* Can be risky if not done carefully.
* May have unintended consequences on other system functions.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with these methods, you might encounter issues. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide:
* **Controller Still Detected:** Ensure you’ve fully disabled the controller. Double-check Device Manager, Steam settings, and any third-party software.
* **Game Still Using Controller:** Some games stubbornly cling to controller input. Try disabling the controller in multiple ways (e.g., Device Manager and Steam). Editing the game’s configuration files might be necessary.
* **Keyboard and Mouse Not Working Properly:** If disabling the controller causes issues with your keyboard and mouse, try restarting your computer. In rare cases, conflicting drivers might be the cause, requiring a driver update or rollback.
* **Re-enabling the Controller:** If you disabled the controller in Device Manager or using third-party software, remember to re-enable it when you want to use it again.
## Conclusion
Disabling controller input on your PC can be a useful troubleshooting step, a way to avoid unwanted input, or simply a matter of personal preference. By using the methods outlined in this guide, you can effectively disable controller input and enjoy your games with the input method of your choice. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and technical expertise, and always proceed with caution when editing system settings or configuration files.