How to Fix Borderlands 4 Controller Not Working

By Ambar Jimenez | 2025-09-16 09:46:35
While Borderlands 4 is often best experienced on PC with a keyboard and mouse, the game does offer full controller support. However, many players are encountering frustrating issues with controller connectivity, ranging from input lag to complete unresponsiveness. These problems can stem from various sources, but thankfully, there are several potential fixes that can get you back into the action.Here's a detailed look at common controller issues in Borderlands 4 on PC and unofficial solutions that are worth trying.

Potential Fixes for Controller Issues in Borderlands 4 on PC

It's important to note that these are community-driven fixes and may not work for everyone. However, they address the most common causes of controller problems and are excellent starting points for troubleshooting.

1) Update Controller Drivers

Outdated drivers are a frequent culprit behind connectivity issuesand input lag for PC peripherals, including controllers. Many gamersoverlook updating these drivers, leading to a host of problems.

  • For Xbox Controller Users:

    • Connect your Xbox controller to your PC using a USB-C cable (or the appropriate cable for your controller model).
    • Download and install the Xbox Accessories App from the Microsoft Store.
    • Open the app. It should detect your connected controller.
    • Follow the on-screen prompts within the app to check for and install the latest firmware updates for your controller.
  • For DualSense (PlayStation) Controller Users:

    • Connect your DualSense controller to your PC via a USB-C cable.
    • Download and install the DualSense Firmware Updater App from Sony's official website.
    • Open the app and follow the instructions to download and install the latest drivers.

Ensuring your controller's firmware is up-to-date is a fundamental step in resolving many performance issues.

2) Enable or Disable Steam Input

Windows PCs primarily offer native plug-and-play support for Xbox controllers.For other controller types, such as DualSense controllers or variousthird-party gamepads, an emulation layer is often required to translatetheir inputs into a format Windows and games can understand. This iswhere Steam Input comes into play.

Steam Input is apowerful, built-in feature of the Steam client that emulates variouscontrollers, making them function as if they were Xbox controllers.Correctly configuring Steam Input is crucial for seamless gameplay inBorderlands 4.

  • When to Enable Steam Input (for DualSense or Third-Party Controllers):If you are using a DualSense controller, a Nintendo Switch ProController, or any other third-party gamepad, you will likely need toenable Steam Input. This allows Steam to properly interpret yourcontroller's inputs and translate them for Borderlands 4, preventingissues like unrecognized buttons or incorrect button prompts.
  • When to Disable Steam Input (for Xbox Controllers):If you are using an Xbox controller, Steam Input can sometimescause conflicts or double inputs, as Windows already natively supportsthese controllers. In this scenario, you should disable Steam Input to avoid compatibility problems.

How to Configure Steam Input:

  • Launch the Steam Application: Open the Steam client on your PC.
  • Access Steam Settings: Click on "Steam" in the top-left corner of the Steam UI.
  • Go to Controller Settings: From the drop-down menu, select "Settings" (or "Preferences" on Mac), then navigate to the "Controller" tab.
  • Locate Steam Input Option: In the Controller settings, scroll down until you find the "Steam Input" option.
  • Enable Steam Input: If you are using a DualSense or third-party controller, ensure the box next to "Enable Steam Input" is checked.
  • Disable Steam Input: If you are using an Xbox controller and experiencing issues, ensure the box next to "Enable Steam Input" is unchecked.

After making these changes, it's often a good idea to restart Borderlands 4 to ensure the new settings are applied correctly.

By systematically updating your controller drivers and correctlyconfiguring Steam Input, you can resolve the most commoncontroller-related issues in Borderlands 4 and enjoy a smoother, moreresponsive gaming experience.

Platform(s): PlayStation 5 PS5, Microsoft Windows PC, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S
Genre(s): First-person shooter, action role-playing
Developer(s): Gearbox Software
Publisher(s): 2K
Engine: Unreal Engine 5
Release date: September 12, 2025
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
Video preview



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