Fix PEAK Controller / Gamepad Not Working on PC (2025 Guide)

If your controller or gamepad isn’t working properly in PEAK, you’re not alone. Many players have reported that their controller isn’t detected, inputs don’t respond, or button mapping feels off during gameplay.

This issue usually happens due to driver conflicts, Steam Input settings, outdated firmware, or disabled controller support inside the launcher or OS.

Don’t worry — this guide provides step-by-step solutions to fix controller and gamepad issues in PEAK on PC.

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⚙️ Common Causes of Controller Issues

Before we start troubleshooting, here are the most common reasons your gamepad might not work in PEAK:

• Controller drivers not installed or corrupted
• Steam Input overriding native controller settings
• USB connection or Bluetooth pairing problems
• Outdated Windows or firmware updates
• Game not recognizing controller type (Xbox / DualSense / DualShock)
• Conflicting background apps (DS4Windows, reWASD, etc.)

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Fix 1: Reconnect and Re-detect Your Controller

Start simple — sometimes the system just needs to refresh the device connection.

Steps:

1. Close PEAK completely.
2. Unplug your controller from the USB port.
3. Plug it back in (preferably to a different port).
4. If wireless, re-pair via Bluetooth:
   • Go to Windows Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Add Device → Bluetooth.
   • Select your controller and pair it again.

✅ Result: Refreshes controller detection and resolves temporary connection issues.

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Fix 2: Enable Steam Input Configuration

If you’re using Steam, make sure controller support is properly enabled.

Steps:

1. Open Steam → Library → PEAK.
2. Click the gear icon → Properties → Controller.
3. Under “Enable Steam Input,” select “Use default settings” or “Enable Steam Input.”
4. Restart Steam and relaunch PEAK.

✅ Result: Ensures Steam correctly maps controller inputs to the game.

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Fix 3: Check Controller Type Compatibility

PEAK supports Xbox, PlayStation, and generic XInput controllers, but only if Windows recognizes them correctly.

For Xbox Controllers:

• Works natively via USB or Bluetooth.
• If not detected, reinstall the Xbox Accessories App from the Microsoft Store.

For PlayStation Controllers (DualShock / DualSense):

• Connect via USB cable for best compatibility.
• Use Steam Input or DS4Windows to emulate XInput if needed.

✅ Result: Confirms that your controller type is supported and configured correctly.

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Fix 4: Update Controller Drivers

Outdated or corrupted controller drivers can prevent proper detection.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager.
2. Expand Human Interface Devices or Xbox Peripherals.
3. Right-click your controller → Update Driver → Search automatically.
4. Restart your PC.

✅ Result: Ensures the latest device drivers are active for stable controller input.

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Fix 5: Disable Conflicting Apps (DS4Windows, reWASD, InputMapper)

If you use third-party tools to remap buttons or emulate other controller types, they may conflict with PEAK’s input system.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Task Manager.
2. End all related processes such as DS4Windows, InputMapper, or reWASD.
3. Restart the game.

✅ Result: Removes software conflicts and restores native controller input.

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Fix 6: Configure In-Game Controller Settings

Some games require controller input to be toggled inside the settings menu.

Steps:

1. Launch PEAK.
2. Go to Settings → Controls or Gameplay.
3. Look for an option like “Controller Input” or “Enable Gamepad” and turn it ON.
4. Save settings and restart the game.

✅ Result: Activates controller mode if it was disabled by default.

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Fix 7: Reinstall Controller Drivers via Windows

If your controller still isn’t recognized, a clean reinstall of its driver can help.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Right-click your controller under Human Interface Devices → Uninstall Device.
3. Unplug your controller, wait 10 seconds, and reconnect it.
4. Windows will reinstall the default driver automatically.

✅ Result: Fixes corrupted driver issues that prevent detection.

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Fix 8: Update Windows and Firmware

Keeping Windows and your controller firmware up to date can fix many compatibility issues.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I → Windows Update → Check for Updates.
2. Install all pending updates and restart your system.
3. For Xbox controllers:
   • Open Xbox Accessories App → Update Firmware.

✅ Result: Ensures OS-level and hardware compatibility with modern input APIs.

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Fix 9: Run PEAK as Administrator

Sometimes input devices aren’t detected properly without admin permissions.

Steps:

1. Right-click PEAK.exe → Properties → Compatibility.
2. Check Run this program as an administrator.
3. Apply and restart the game.

✅ Result: Grants PEAK full access to detect external input devices.

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Fix 10: Reinstall the Game (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, reinstalling PEAK can fix deeper configuration or driver conflicts.

Steps:

1. Uninstall the game via Steam or Epic Games.
2. Delete leftover files in: C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\PEAK C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\PEAK
3. Reinstall on an SSD for better performance.

✅ Result: Restores default input configuration and eliminates corrupted data.

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💡 Additional Tips

• Use a wired connection instead of Bluetooth for the most stable input.
• Avoid using multiple controllers at once.
• Disable Big Picture Mode if Steam Input behaves inconsistently.
• Plug your controller directly into the motherboard USB ports (not a hub).

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❓ FAQs

Q1: My controller works in other games but not in PEAK — why?
A: PEAK may have Steam Input conflicts. Try toggling Steam Input between “Forced On” and “Forced Off.”

Q2: Does PEAK support DualSense adaptive triggers or haptics?
A: Currently, no. The controller works as a standard XInput device.

Q3: Will reinstalling fix controller issues permanently?
A: Yes, if the issue was caused by configuration corruption or missing files.

Q4: My controller disconnects randomly — what should I do?
A: Try using a shorter USB cable and disable controller power-saving settings under Device Manager → USB Controllers → Power Management.

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🎯 Conclusion

If your controller or gamepad isn’t working in PEAK, it’s most likely caused by driver issues, Steam Input settings, or conflicting third-party software.

By following the above solutions — updating drivers, verifying Steam Input, and adjusting in-game settings — you can get your controller working smoothly again.

Once fixed, you’ll enjoy seamless, responsive gameplay in PEAK without any input delays or detection problems.