How To Fix Resident Evil 4 Remake Controller Not Working on PC

Get back into the game with these simple solutions.

Resident Evil 4 Remake is a classic survival horror game that has been reimagined for modern audiences, featuring enhanced graphics and gameplay. However, players on PC have reported an issue where their controllers do not work with the game, which can be frustrating and hinder gameplay.

In many cases, this problem occurs due to outdated controller drivers, incorrect controller settings in-game, conflicting software, and disabling steam or discord overlay. Disabling such programs or adding an exception in antivirus software may help to solve the issue.

Fortunately, there are several solutions to this problem, and our guide will provide you with the steps to fix Resident Evil 4 Remake controller not working on your PC. Whether you are using a PS4, Xbox One, or any other controller, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow solutions to get you back into the game.

Why Does the Resident Evil 4 Remake Controller Not Work on PC?

There are several reasons why the controller may not work correctly with Resident Evil 4 on PC. The most common reasons are:

  • The controller may not work correctly if the drivers are outdated or missing. The game requires specific drivers for the controller to function correctly.
  • The controller may not be compatible with the game or may require additional software to work correctly.
  • Some players have reported issues with the controller not working correctly when playing the game in Steam Big Picture mode.

How To Fix Resident Evil 4 Remake Controller Not Working on PC

To resolve your issue, try rebooting the PC, reconnecting your controller/joystick, and unplugging the mouse/keyboard or other peripherals. In case the problem still persists, just follow the below potential fixes;

1. Update Controller Drivers

The first thing you should do is ensure that the drivers for your controller are up to date. Though you can update the driver by visiting the manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest drivers.

However, we suggest downloading Driver Easy software to update your controller driver quickly and efficiently. Unlike the device manager, it can update all drivers with a single click and has a broader database for detecting the latest drivers.

2. Use x360ce

If your controller is not recognized by the game, you can try using x360ce software. This software emulates an Xbox 360 controller, which is recognized by most games, including Resident Evil 4.

3. Press the Alt+Enter keys

If you find your controller getting disconnected or suddenly not recognized while playing Resident Evil 4 Remake on your PC, try pressing the Alt+Enter keys on your keyboard to exit the game screen. Returning to the game screen may fix the issue.

4. Disable Steam Big Picture Mode

If you are playing the game in Steam Big Picture mode and experiencing issues with the controller, try disabling it. To do so, just follow the below steps;

  • Open the Steam client on your PC > Click on View from the top-left corner.
  • Now, choose Big Picture Mode > If prompted, click on Continue.
  • Click on Library > Go to Games under the Browse section.
  • Select Resident Evil 4 > Now, exit from the Big Picture Mode, and check for the issue again.

5. Change the Screen Refresh Rate to 60Hz

To potentially fix the controller issue in Resident Evil 4 Remake, you can try switching the refresh rate of your monitor to 60Hz, which is the basic or recommended rate. A higher refresh rate can sometimes cause glitches. Here’s how to do it:

  • Press the Win+I keys to open Windows Settings.
  • Now, go to System > Click on Display.
  • Scroll down on the right pane > Click on Advanced display settings.
  • Here you can find out and select the 60Hz refresh rate easily. If it’s already set to 60Hz, you don’t need to change it.

6.  Launch the Game in Windowed Mode

If the game’s controller won’t work properly, then launch the game in windowed mode using the config file. To do so, just follow the below steps;

  • Go to File Explorer or This PC > Go to Documents.
  • Open the Resident Evil 4 folder > Right-click on the Config.ini file.
  • Select Open With and choose Notepad > Now, the config file is open to edit.
  • Here you’ll find out [window] mode is set to no. If so, make sure to replace it with yes. (If it’s already set to yes, then leave it)
  • Make sure to press the Ctrl+S keys to save changes.
  • Close the file and check for the issue again.

7. Enable Steam Overlay

If you still have the same issue with the controller, we recommend enabling the Steam overlay option for the Resident Evil 4 game. To do this:

  • Open the Steam client > Go to Library.
  • Now, right-click on Resident Evil 4 > Select Properties.
  • Head over to the General section > Here, check the Enable Steam Overlay while in-game checkbox.
Disable In Game Overlay

8. Configure the Steam General Controller Settings

To do so, just follow the below steps;

  • Launch the Steam client on the PC.
  • Click on Steam from the top-left corner > Click on Settings.
  • Now, go to Controller > Click on General Controller Settings.
  • According to your controller type, you can check PlayStation Configuration Support, Xbox Configuration Support, or Generic Gamepad Configuration Support.
  • Click on OK to save changes.
  • Restart the Steam client and try running the Resident Evil 4 game again.

9. Select High Performance in Graphics Settings

To do so, just follow the below steps;

  • Click on the Start menu > Search for Graphics Settings and get into it.
  • Inside this, ensure that the Desktop app is selected > Click on Browse.
  • File Explorer window will open and head over to the installed Steam folder.
  • Go to Steamapps > Common > Resident Evil 4 folder > Select the Resident Evil 4.exe application.
  • Click on Add to include it in the list.
  • Now, search for the game in the list > Click on Options of Resident Evil 4.
  • Then click on High Performance.
  • Click on Save, then try launching the game again to check for the issue.

10. Uncheck Controller in Steam Controller Settings

Sometimes unchecking the controller options in Steam Controller Settings may fix the gamepad not detecting or not working issue.

  • Launch the Steam client on the PC.
  • Click on Steam from the top-left corner > Click on Settings.
  • Now, go to Controller > Click on General Controller Settings.
  • Make sure to uncheck all the controller configuration support from the list.
  • Click on OK to save changes.
  • Restart the Steam client and try running the Resident Evil 4 game again.

11. Disable/Enable Steam Input

  • Launch the Steam client > Go to Library.
  • Right-click on Resident Evil 4 and select Properties.
  • Click on Controller > Click on the ‘Use default settings’ drop-down menu.
  • You can select ‘Disable Steam Input’ from the list and try launching the Resident Evil 4 game.
  • If you’re still facing the same problem, then follow the steps again and select ‘Enable Steam Input’ this time, then try again.

 12. Use Steam Input Per Game Settings as Forced On or Forced Off

  • Open the Steam client on your PC > Click on View from the top-left corner.
  • Now, choose Big Picture Mode > If prompted, click on Continue.
  • Click on Library > Go to ‘Games’ under the Browse section.
  • Select ‘Resident Evil 4’ > Click on ‘Manage Games’ (Gear Icon).
  • Choose ‘Controller Options’ from the ‘Steam Input.’
  • Click on the down arrow icon to expand the list of “Change the Steam Input Per-Game Settings.”
  • Click on ‘Forced On’ > Click on OK to save changes.
  • Once done, restart your Steam client and check whether the controller is working.
  • If it’s not working, follow the steps again, select ‘Forced Off’ this time, and save the changes.
  • Finally, check for the issue again.

13. Use DS4Windows

  • Download the DS4Windows tool from the internet on the PC.
  • Now, install the tool and run the DS4Updater (exe) file from the installation folder.
  • Head over to the directory and double-click on the file to run it. If prompted by UAC, click on Yes to allow admin access. It’ll install the latest DS4Windows app on your PC.
  • Open the DS4Windows tool > Go to the Settings tab from the interface.
  • Click on ‘Hide DS4 Controller’ to enable/checkmark it.
  • Make sure to close the interface and check for the issue again.
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