Game Controllers or External Touchpads Not Recognized in Windows 11

Quick Tips

• When troubleshooting external devices that can be connected via USB, use a cabled connection since it’s more stable.
• Make sure that the devices are charged.
• If Windows Update can’t find a driver for a device, check its manual and refer to the manufacturer’s website for a direct download.

If you’re trying to switch from a traditional mouse but you keep getting the “external touchpad not recognized” in Windows 11, chances are the issue is due to a faulty driver or the USB protocol. Here’s what to do if you’re getting the external touchpad or “game controller not recognized” on the PC.

Fix 1 – Recheck the USB Connection

If you’re using a wireless device, check that it has sufficient battery power, is within range, and is properly paired or connected. If the device supports a wired USB connection, try connecting it directly to the PC.

Step 1. Right-click on the Start icon and select “Device Manager.”

Step 2. Expand “Human Interface Devices and Mice” and other pointing devices for a touchpad, or the category containing your controller.

Step 3. Find the device, right-click it, and select “Update driver.”

Step 4. Select “Search automatically for drivers” and follow the instructions.

Step 5. If the device connects through Bluetooth, expand Bluetooth, identify the relevant Bluetooth adapter, and make sure its driver is up to date.

Fix 2 – Disable the Internal Touchpad and Disconnect Other Pointing Devices

If you consistently get the external touchpad not recognized, another pointing device like the mouse might be at fault.

Step 1. Go to “Settings” and open “Bluetooth and devices.”

Step 2. Scroll down and select “Touchpad.”

Step 3. Expand the “Touchpad” option at the top and check “Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected.”

Step 4. Disconnect the mouse and try to use the touchpad.

Step 5. Click on the “Reset” button to see if that works.

Fix 3 – Check the External Touchpad Connection

If you’re getting the external touchpad not recognized, it’s possible that the PC detects it and can’t find a driver. You can check this in Device Manager.

Step 1. Open “Device Manager.”

Step 2. Expand the sections “Human Interface Devices” and “Mice and other pointing devices.”

Step 3. Find the entry corresponding to the touchpad, right-click it, and select “Uninstall device.”

Step 4. Restart the PC. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.

Step 5. If Windows doesn’t reinstall the driver, check “Windows Update” or download the appropriate driver from the manufacturer’s website.

Fix 4 – Disable Antivirus

In rare cases, a touchpad driver might be considered malware. You can temporarily disable your antivirus software, including both the Windows Security setting and a third-party option if you’re using one.

Then, disconnect and reconnect the touchpad and follow its manual or find the manufacturer’s website to directly download and enable its driver.

You can enable your antivirus afterward.

Fix 5 – Fix Game Controller Not Recognized for Steam

Steam has a separate controller calibration mode from Windows itself, which can be changed in its settings.

Step 1. Open Steam and go to “Settings.”

Step 2. Go to the “Controller” tab and select “Show Advanced Settings.”

Step 3. Enable every option that mentions “Enable Steam Input for…”

Step 4. Close “Settings.”

Step 5. Reconnect the controller if needed.