Controllers are often the preferred way to explore the universe in No Man’s Sky, but some players run into a frustrating issue where the controller isn’t detected or stops working on PC. This problem usually comes down to Steam Input conflicts, outdated drivers, or controller settings. Below, we’ll walk through all proven solutions to fix the No Man’s Sky controller not working issue on PC.
1. Test Controller and Connections First
Before troubleshooting software, confirm the basics:
- Plug your controller directly into a different USB port (avoid hubs).
- Swap to another USB cable if using wired.
- For wireless controllers, re-pair via Bluetooth or the official dongle.
- Test your controller in Windows Game Controller settings (
joy.cpl) to ensure the system detects it.
A faulty port or cable is one of the simplest causes of input failure.
2. Adjust Steam Input Settings
Steam Input is the most common cause of controller detection problems in No Man’s Sky.
- Open Steam Library.
- Right-click No Man’s Sky → Properties.
- Navigate to Controller.
- Change the setting to either:
- Enable Steam Input / Forced On – often fixes issues with PlayStation controllers.
- Disable Steam Input – sometimes works better with Xbox controllers.
- Restart the game and test.
If your controller works in Steam but not in-game, toggling this setting is usually the fix.
3. Reconfigure Steam Big Picture Settings
Big Picture Mode helps refine controller profiles and mapping.
- Launch Steam in Big Picture Mode.
- Go to Settings → Controller Settings.
- Enable support for your controller type (Xbox, PlayStation, or Generic).
- Relaunch No Man’s Sky to apply changes.
This ensures Steam applies the correct profile.
4. Update or Reinstall Controller Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can break controller support.
- Xbox Controllers: Windows installs these automatically, but check in Device Manager → Xbox Peripherals.
- PlayStation Controllers: Use Steam Input or tools like DS4Windows if needed.
- Generic Controllers: Update via Device Manager → Human Interface Devices.
Steps to update:
- Press Win + X → Device Manager.
- Right-click your controller → Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers.
- Restart your PC after the update.
5. Disable Conflicting Overlays & Software
Third-party programs often block controller signals. Temporarily disable or close:
- Discord overlay
- GeForce Experience overlay
- MSI Afterburner / Razer Synapse
- Third-party mapping tools like DS4Windows, InputMapper, or reWASD
Restart No Man’s Sky after closing these apps.
6. Verify Game Files in Steam
Corrupted files may prevent input detection.
- Open Steam Library.
- Right-click No Man’s Sky → Properties.
- Go to Installed Files → Verify integrity of game files.
- Restart Steam after the scan completes.
7. Try Borderless Window Mode
Fullscreen conflicts can sometimes block controller recognition.
- In Steam, right-click No Man’s Sky → Properties → Launch Options.
- Add:
-popupwindow- This runs the game in borderless windowed mode, improving stability.
8. Reset In-Game Control Settings
If the game detects the controller but inputs don’t register properly:
- Go to Options → Controls.
- Select Restore Defaults.
- Reconfigure your preferred button layout.
9. Last Resort: Reinstall Game or Steam
If all else fails:
- Backup your saves from:
C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Roaming\HelloGames\NMS- Reinstall No Man’s Sky.
- If still broken, reinstall Steam itself to refresh controller APIs.
FAQs: No Man’s Sky controller not working PC
1. My controller works in Steam but not in No Man’s Sky. What should I try?
Toggle Steam Input in the game’s properties (enable or disable) and restart.
2. Does the PS5 DualSense work on PC?
Yes, via Steam Input. Advanced features like adaptive triggers may not work fully.
3. Why does my controller disconnect mid-game?
Usually low battery, weak Bluetooth, or a faulty USB cable/port.
4. Can I use a Switch Pro Controller?
Yes. Enable Switch Pro Configuration Support in Steam controller settings.
5. Do mods interfere with controller support?
Most don’t, but UI or input mods might. Test with a clean install if issues appear.
6. Is Big Picture Mode required?
Not required, but it can help create stable controller profiles.
Most controller issues in No Man’s Sky come down to Steam Input settings, driver problems, or software conflicts. Start with the simple fixes—check connections and toggle Steam Input—before moving on to advanced steps like reinstalling. With the right setup, your controller should work seamlessly so you can focus on exploring galaxies. Play Now!
