To disable a gamepad in Steam, the fastest method is to physically unplug a wired controller's USB cable or, for a wireless Xbox, PlayStation, or Steam Controller, hold down its power button for approximately 6-10 seconds. This immediately stops the device from sending inputs to your system, making it the simplest way to disable a gamepad in Steam when you need to switch to keyboard and mouse or stop unintended controller interference.
How to disable a gamepad in Steam quickly
If you need to stop a controller from working right now, the most direct approach requires no software changes. For a wired gamepad, simply disconnect its USB cable from your computer. For a wireless controller, press and hold its power button for about 6-10 seconds until the device turns off. This method is temporary, reconnecting or powering the controller back on will restore its functionality.
Remove a gamepad in Steam Big Picture Mode
Steam Big Picture Mode provides a controller-friendly interface for managing connected devices. To remove a detected gamepad through this mode:
- Open the Steam client on your computer and ensure your gamepad is connected.
- Click the "Big Picture Mode" button in the top-right corner of the Steam window.
- Once in Big Picture Mode, navigate to the "Settings" icon in the top-right corner and select it.
- Choose "Controller Settings" from the menu.
- In the list of connected controllers, locate the gamepad you want to disable.
- Click on the gamepad and select "Remove Device" to disable it.
This removes the controller from Steam's active device list, preventing it from being recognized in games launched through the platform.
Disable Steam Input for a specific game
If you only want to disable a gamepad for one game while keeping it active for others, you can turn off Steam Input on a per-game basis. This is useful when a game has native controller support or when you prefer keyboard and mouse for a particular title. To do this:
- Go to the "Controller" tab.
This stops Steam from translating the gamepad's inputs for that specific game, while leaving your global controller settings unchanged. The controller will still work in other games where Steam Input remains enabled.
Adjust global controller settings in Steam
For broader control over how Steam handles your gamepads, access the main Steam Settings. Click "Steam" in the top menu bar, then select "Settings." Navigate to the "Controller" tab. Here you can manage general controller recognition, adjust the desktop configuration, and see all detected devices. To disable gamepad support for a specific controller globally, select it from the list and set the 'Support' dropdown menu to 'None'. This is also where you would go for a full gamepad setup and troubleshooting session, as it centralizes all controller-related options. Changes made here apply across all games unless overridden by per-game settings.
To access these settings, click "Steam" in the top menu bar, then select "Settings" and navigate to the "Controller" tab.
Troubleshooting: gamepad still not disabled
If your controller continues to interfere after following the steps above, check the game's own in-game settings. Many titles have their own controller options that can override Steam's configuration. Also ensure the device is fully disconnected, wireless controllers can sometimes remain in a low-power state that Steam still detects. If you removed a controller in Big Picture Mode but it reappears, try physically disconnecting it as described in the first section. For persistent issues, verify that no other software on your system is recognizing the gamepad, as programs outside Steam can also receive controller inputs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I disable a gamepad without unplugging it?
Yes, you can remove a controller through Steam Big Picture Mode's Controller Settings or disable Steam Input for specific games. These software methods keep the controller physically connected but prevent Steam from using it.
Will disabling a gamepad in Steam affect non-Steam games?
No, changes made within Steam's settings only apply to games launched through the Steam client. Non-Steam games or applications will still detect the controller unless you disable it at the system level.
Why does my controller still work after I removed it in Big Picture Mode?
Some games have their own controller support that bypasses Steam's settings. Check the game's input options to disable the controller there, or physically disconnect the device to ensure it stops sending inputs.
How do I re-enable a gamepad I disabled in Steam?
Reconnect the controller physically, or go back to the Controller Settings in Big Picture Mode or the main Steam Settings to add the device again. For per-game settings, return to Properties > Controller and select a different Steam Input option.
For the wider topic, see gamepad setup and troubleshooting.
