Troubleshooting gamepad not recognized in Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP

Many games nowadays require the use of a gamepad, and besides the obvious convenience, they offer a better gaming experience.
However, many users have reported that their gamepad is not recognized in Windows 10.

• A gamepad is a joystick that is usually connected to a computer via USB or Bluetooth.
• Some gamepads are compatible only with Windows 10, while others support multiple operating systems.
• If you are having gamepad compatibility problems, you should first check the drivers.

Run the Game Controller Troubleshooter

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, and click on Update & Security.
2. Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left, and click on the Game Controller option.
3. Click the Run the troubleshooter button.
   
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooting process.

Update the Game Controller driver

1. Press the Windows key + S keyboard shortcut, enter Device Manager in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
2. Click Universal Serial Bus controllers to expand that section, right-click on the gamepad, and select the Update driver option.
   
3. Select Search automatically for drivers, click on Next, and wait for Windows to install an update.

Check the compatibility mode

1. Right-click your gamepad.
2. Select Properties.
   
3. Select the Compatibility tab.
4. Check the Run this program in compatibility mode for option.
5. Select the Windows 8/7/Vista/XP option and click on Apply and OK.

Run the SFC and DISM scans

1. Open Run with the Windows key + R hotkey.
2. Type sfc / scannow in Run, and press the OK button.
   
3. Then wait for SFC to scan and fix any files.
4. Next, open the Command prompt as an administrator.
5. Then type the DISM_FORCE_REMOVAL command, and press the Enter button.
6. DISM will now reload the Windows image onto your PC.
7. Finally, type sfc /scannow in Command prompt, and press the Enter key.
   

Disable the Game Mode

1. Go to Control Panel > Device Manager.
2. Locate your gamepad device > right-click on it.
3. Select Properties.
   
4. Go to the Driver tab > select Disable Game Mode.
5. After doing that, restart your PC.
   
6. Disable Auto Play
   Go to Control Panel > Device Manager.
7. Locate your gamepad device > right-click on it.
8. Select Properties.
   
9. Go to the Driver tab > select Disable Auto Play.
10. After doing that, restart your PC.
    
11. Test your gamepad