Fix Hollow Knight: Silksong Controller/Gamepad Not Working on PC (2025 Guide)

Many PC players report that their controller or gamepad isn’t working in Hollow Knight: Silksong. You might notice that buttons don’t respond, analog sticks fail to register, or the game doesn’t detect your controller at all.

This issue is usually caused by incorrect Steam Input settings, outdated drivers, input conflicts, or Bluetooth/USB connectivity problems.

This guide walks you through step-by-step solutions to get your controller working seamlessly with the game.

---

⚙️ Common Causes of Controller/Gamepad Issues

• Steam Input is disabled or misconfigured
• Outdated controller or USB drivers
• Incorrect input mode (XInput vs DirectInput)
• Conflicts with third-party tools like DS4Windows or InputMapper
• Bluetooth or USB connection issues
• Game not detecting controller automatically
• Faulty USB cable or port

---

🛠️ Fix 1: Reconnect and Restart Your Controller

A simple reconnection often resolves detection issues.

Steps:

1. Close Hollow Knight: Silksong.
2. Disconnect your controller from USB or Bluetooth.
3. Wait 5–10 seconds, then reconnect it.
4. Launch the game and check if the controller is detected.

✅ Result: Refreshes the device connection and allows the game to detect your controller.

---

🛠️ Fix 2: Enable Steam Input for the Game

Steam Input ensures various controller types work correctly.

Steps:

1. Open Steam Library.
2. Right-click Hollow Knight: Silksong → Properties → Controller.
3. Set Override for Hollow Knight: Silksong to Enable Steam Input.
4. Launch the game and test the controller.

If it’s already enabled, try “Use default settings” — some games prefer native input.

✅ Result: Ensures Steam properly handles gamepad signals.

---

🛠️ Fix 3: Check Controller Layout and Calibration

Sometimes the controller is detected but buttons are misaligned.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R → type joy.cpl → Enter.
2. Select your controller → Click Properties.
3. Test all buttons and sticks.
4. If necessary, click Settings → Calibrate and follow prompts.

✅ Result: Resets input signals and fixes unresponsive buttons or sticks.

---

🛠️ Fix 4: Update Controller and USB Drivers

Outdated drivers can prevent your controller from being recognized.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager.
2. Expand Human Interface Devices and Universal Serial Bus controllers.
3. Right-click your controller → Update driver → Search automatically.
4. Repeat for USB Root Hubs.

✅ Result: Ensures stable communication between the controller and Windows.

---

🛠️ Fix 5: Disable Third-Party Input Tools

Tools like DS4Windows, InputMapper, or ReWASD can override Steam Input.

Steps:

1. Close Hollow Knight: Silksong and Steam.
2. Exit or uninstall any third-party input software temporarily.
3. Reopen Steam and launch the game.

✅ Result: Eliminates conflicts between native and emulated input layers.

---

🛠️ Fix 6: Use Steam Big Picture Mode for Testing

Big Picture Mode allows you to verify controller detection.

Steps:

1. Open Steam → View → Big Picture Mode.
2. Go to Settings → Controller Settings.
3. Enable the correct support:
   • Xbox → Xbox Configuration Support
   • PlayStation → PlayStation Configuration Support
   • Other → Generic Gamepad Configuration Support
4. Relaunch the game.

✅ Result: Confirms that Steam recognizes your controller and applies proper bindings.

---

🛠️ Fix 7: Switch Between XInput and DirectInput

Some controllers only work in a specific input mode.

Steps:

1. Check your controller for an X/D switch (XInput or DirectInput).
2. Toggle between the modes.
3. Restart the game each time to test.

✅ Result: Ensures the correct communication protocol is active.

---

🛠️ Fix 8: Reinstall Controller Drivers

If all else fails, reinstalling drivers can fix detection problems.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Right-click your controller under Human Interface Devices → Uninstall device.
3. Unplug the controller and reconnect it to reinstall automatically.

✅ Result: Resets drivers and restores clean functionality.

---

💡 Additional Tips

• Use a different USB port or cable.
• Avoid connecting via USB hubs; plug directly into PC.
• Disable Steam Overlay if you suspect interference.
• Keep both Windows and Steam updated.
• Ensure Bluetooth controllers have sufficient battery.

---

❓ FAQs

Q1: Why isn’t my controller detected in Hollow Knight: Silksong?
A: Likely due to Steam Input settings, outdated drivers, or incorrect input mode.

Q2: Can I use a PS4 or PS5 controller?
A: Yes — enable PlayStation Configuration Support in Steam.

Q3: Can a wireless controller work reliably?
A: Yes, but make sure it’s paired correctly and not in power-saving mode.

Q4: My controller works in other games but not here — why?
A: Verify Steam Input settings and ensure third-party input tools aren’t interfering.

---

🎯 Conclusion

If your controller or gamepad isn’t working in Hollow Knight: Silksong, the issue is usually linked to Steam Input settings, outdated drivers, or input conflicts.

By reconnecting your device, enabling Steam Input, updating drivers, and recalibrating your controller, you can restore full functionality.

Now grab your controller, jump back into Hallownest, and enjoy smooth, uninterrupted gameplay! 🎮