Gamepad Not Recognized On Windows 10 {2023} – Tried & Tested Fixes

While most of the portable gaming systems arrive with a built-in gamepad, however, some gamepads are designed that need to be connected using USB. It indeed makes for the ultimate immersive gaming experience, so when it stops responding, the frustration is real!

Most tech-savvy users believe that the problem is caused due to Microsoft replacing the original hardware drivers on the Windows 10 installation. While others feel it’s happening because the hardware’s drivers are not digitally signed. All-in-all the problem might have been prevailed due to drivers’ incompatibility or peripheral device getting unplugged during the upgrade process. Whatever be the reason, we are listing some of the most effective solutions to fix the ‘Gamepad Not Recognized On Windows 10 Problem’.

Gamepad Not Responding? We’ve Got The Best Remedies!

If you’ve already tried rebooting your computers multiple times but nothing worked, here’s all you need to do:

FIX 1- Run A Hardware Troubleshooter

In case you’re experiencing issues with a recently installed device, then the best bet to resolve the issue is by running a hardware and device troubleshooter. To check and repair the issue, instantly all you have to do is:

STEP 1- Go to the Control Panel and hit View by option to see all the modules in Large icons.

STEP 2- Find Troubleshooting option and, from the next window, locate Hardware and Sound.

STEP 3- From the Hardware and Sound category, you need to select the Hardware and Devices > Advanced.

STEP 4- Next you need to click on the option Run as Administrator > Next!

This way, you can run the troubleshooter, find all the common issues and repair them instantly, including your ‘Gamepad not recognized on Windows 10’ problem.

FIX 2: Update To Latest Drivers

In the majority of the cases, the Gamepad refuses to respond due to outdated or incompatible drivers. The most effective way to download, install, or replace current drivers with the newest and most compatible versions is Smart Driver Care. It offers the safest yet fastest way to update drivers for your outdated or incompatible gamepad in no time.

To use Smart Driver Care, all you have to do is:

STEP 1- Install & launch Smart Driver Care. 

STEP 2- From the registered version, click on Start Scan now button.

STEP 3- Once the list of all the old, missing, damaged, corrupted drivers are presented, go through it and locate Gamepad Drivers and click on the Update button next to it, to upgrade them individually. Or you can click on the Update All button to replace all the device’s current drivers with the latest versions in one-go!

Once your Windows 10 computer runs the latest and compatible drivers, try using your Gamepad again & see if you are facing the same glitches.

FIX 3: Adjust Power Management Settings

Making certain alterations in the Power Management Settings can help you fix ‘Gamepad not being recognized on Windows 10’ issue. Here’s what you need to do:

STEP 1- Hit the Windows key + X altogether to open the Menu. Locate and click on the Device Manager from the list.

STEP 2- From the new window, find and expand the Universal Serial Bus Controllers.

STEP 3- From the expanded category, right-click on the USB Root Hub and go to its Properties.

STEP 4- Now head towards the Power Management tab, and you need to clear all the checkboxes under the header “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”

Save the changes and restart your Windows 10 PC. Hopefully, your Gamepad should start working correctly now!

FIX 4: Contact Your Gamepad Device’s Manufacturer

If nothing works, simply contact your gamepad’s manufacturer to get the professional advice on how to troubleshoot or resolve the issue best.

Do not forget to share your entire experience in the comments section below and let us know which workaround helped you in the end!