Why Is My Controller Acting Like A Mouse

Windows 11 is a delight for the gamers – pro and casual. With features like Auto HDR, the Game bar, native support for Xbox Game Pass, and DirectStorage, it is easy to understand why. However, users have raised concerns about the gaming controller acting like a mouse on Windows 11.

N_Best_Fixes_for_Game_Controller_Acting_Like_a_Mouse_on_Windows_11

This situation implies that controller inputs are misconstrued as mouse clicks and movement on Windows. There are a few ways to correct this problem, and we explore them in this comprehensive guide to help stop your controller from moving the mouse.

Why Is My Controller Acting Like a Mouse

When the gaming controller is acting like a mouse on Windows 11, you may attribute it to any of the following:

  • You may have misconfigured settings. For example, the Steam Overlay While In-Game feature may be enabled and triggers to mimic your mouse’s movements. Even Xbox Configuration Support and the Steam Input features can cause a conflict.
  • Outdated or corrupt controller drivers.
  • Hardware issues with your mouse or controller.
  • Malware infection on your computer.
Refer to more articles:  Why Does The Car Window Fog Up

You can follow the troubleshooting methods below to diagnose the problem and solve the annoyance with your computer.

1. Check for Hardware Issues

Checking for hardware issues should be your first call. You may be experiencing the problem because the gaming controller is faulty. This may be mechanical damage, especially if the controller was dropped and landed hard. You may need a new gaming controller to fix the problem in such a case. In some instances, a faulty mouse will also trigger the problem, and you may also need to replace your mouse.

Before purchasing a replacement, you may want to test the controller on a different computer. This is a good way of ruling out other causes like malware infection.

2. Disable the Enable the Steam Overlay While In-Game Feature

Steam’s Overlay gives you access to many features in-game. You may access your chat, friends list, and the Steam store. However, some of these features may cause conflicts with gaming controllers as they are not always compatible with every controller, which may cause unusual behavior.

Step 1: Click the Windows Search icon on the Taskbar, type Steam, and click the Steam application.

Launching Steam

Step 2: On the upper right, click Steam menu, and click Settings.

Steam settings 3

Step 3: Click In Game and toggle off ‘Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.’

Steam overlay in game

Step 4: Restart the Steam application for your changes to take effect.

3. Enable the Disable Steam Input Feature

The Input feature allows the Steam app to customize gaming controller input. This is a valuable feature because it allows you to use controllers not natively supported by the game. However, misconfiguring the Steam Input feature may cause abnormal behavior and make the gaming controller act like a mouse on Windows 11. You need to disable this feature:

Refer to more articles:  Why Is My Coffee Watery

Step 1: Click the Windows Search icon on the Taskbar, type Steam, and click the Steam application.

Launching Steam

Step 2: Click the Library menu, right-click the problematic game, and click Properties.

Game properties

Step 3: Click Controller on the right pane, expand ‘Use default settings,’ and click ‘Disable Steam Input.’

Disable Steam input

Step 4: Restart the Steam application.

4. Turn Off Xbox Configuration Support

The Xbox Configuration Support on Steam is another feature that allows controller customization. Since misconfiguration may lead to the gaming controller acting like a mouse on Windows 11, you may disable this setting to stop Steam from interfering with the controller’s inputs.

Step 1: Click the Windows Search icon on the Taskbar, type Steam, and click the Steam application.

Launching Steam

Step 2: Click the Steam menui in the upper-right corner, and click Settings from the menu that appears.

Steam settings 3

Step 3: On the left pane, click Controller, and on the right, click ‘General Controller Settings.’

General controller settings

Step 4: Untick ‘Xbox Configuration Support,’ click Back, and click OK.

Disable Xbox Controller Support

5. Tweak the Controller’s Desktop Configuration

Misconfiguration could be a significant cause of the gaming controller acting like a mouse on Windows 11. You may use the steps below to reconfigure the controller’s settings and change its desktop configuration.

Step 1: Click the Windows Search icon on the Taskbar, type Steam, and click the Steam application.

Launching Steam

Step 2: On the upper right, click Steam, then click Settings.

Steam settings 3

Step 3: On the left pane, click Controller, and on the right, click Desktop Configuration.

Open Desktop configuration

Step 4: According to your preferences, you may customize the settings and keep tweaking till the problem is resolved.

Refer to more articles:  Why Are Range Rovers So Expensive

6. Disable the Controller as a Mouse From the Control Panel

When you use your controller as a mouse, actions taken on the controller are automatically interpreted as mouse actions on Windows. The solution is to prevent the controller from controlling the mouse cursor by disabling it as a mouse from the Control Panel.

Step 1: Click the Windows Search icon on the Taskbar, type control, and click the Control Panel option.

Opening the Control Panel

Step 2: Set the View by option to category, then click ‘Hardware and Sound.’

Opening hardware and sound

Step 3: Under Device and Printers section, click Mouse.

Opening mouse options

Step 4: Click the Hardware tab, select Mouse from the Devices list, and click the Properties button at the bottom-right.

Opening Mouse Properties

Step 5: Navigate to the Driver tab, click the Disable Device button, and click OK on both windows.

Disable Device

7. Scan for Malware

If none of the solutions above work, you may be dealing with a malware infection on your computer. Malware may change how specific programs work and alter mouse or controller behavior.

Your best bet will be to perform a complete malware scan of your computer. You may use the built-in Windows Security or any other reliable third-party antivirus. A scan should stop the controller from moving the mouse.

Returning to Normal Controller Functionality

The controller helps enhance the gaming experience on Windows 11; however, it can be counterproductive when it starts controlling your mouse functions. The solutions we explored in this guide should help you to return to normal controller functionality on Windows 11.

Related Posts

Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Chew

Simply put, your tooth shouldn’t hurt when you bite down. If you’re experiencing tooth pain when you chew or whenever pressure is applied, then you should contact…

Why Is My Zelle Payment Processing

What should you do if you notice your payment is pending on Zelle? Whether you are new to using Zelle or have been regularly using the app,…

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Beds

Entering your room and finding your furry bundle of joy passionately licking the bed…. You may be interested Why Do Plants Need Air Why Are Volkswagen Oil…

Why Bitter Taste In My Mouth

Below are some of the things that may cause a persistent bad taste in the mouth. However, this is not a comprehensive list. People can get a…

Why Am I Not Surprised

Why Am I Not Surprised

You may be interested Why Are Vols Playing In Nashville Why Does My Cart Taste Burnt When It’s Full Why Does Rip Hate Walker Why Isnt Maryland…

Why Did Dominik Mysterio Turn Heel

SAN DIEGO — The last time Dominik Mysterio performed in front of his hometown in San Diego was July 4th, 2022— things were different. You may be…