Steam Deck on Windows Acting Like a Keyboard Instead of a Controller?

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Hey everyone, I need some help with my Steam Deck. I installed Windows on it, and for the most part, everything runs smoothly. However, I’m having an issue with some games that support keyboard and mouse or controllers. It seems like these games ignore the Steam Deck’s controller settings and default to keyboard controls instead.

For instance, when I try to play LEGO Horizon Adventures, it just won’t recognize the Steam Deck as a controller and keeps using the keyboard controls. I’ve installed the game directly on Windows, not through Steam. I even tried adding it as a non-Steam game to my Steam library and forced the controller settings through Steam, but nothing seems to work. I’m really out of ideas here! How can I make these games recognize my Steam Deck as a controller? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Steam Deck on Windows Acting Like a Keyboard Instead of a Controller
LEGO Horizon Adventures

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2 Answers

GamerDude_99 -

Sounds like a classic issue with running games on Windows outside of Steam. Have you checked if there are any specific drivers for the Steam Deck Controller? Windows usually doesn’t automatically include the right drivers, and that could make a difference with certain games ignoring the Steam Deck controls. Some folks have had to jump through hoops to get their controllers recognized properly. It’s all about trial and error when you’re running Windows on a Steam Deck! Let us know if you figure it out!

XxNinjaGamer420xX -

Yeah, I think there might be some drivers since some games do recognize the Steam Deck controls perfectly, like with The First Descendant. But, yeah, I don’t know why LEGO Horizon Adventures doesn’t. It’s just a bit frustrating.

PixelProwler -

Honestly, the Steam Deck is best used with its original SteamOS for the smoothest gaming experience. When you switch to Windows, you might run into these hiccups because you’re outside of the support system that Valve set up. Some games might just refuse to register the controller due to how they’re designed. Have you tried comparing the game settings directly? Sometimes, there are in-game options to force controller support!

XxNinjaGamer420xX -

I get what you’re saying, and while I love the Steam Deck, I wanted full Windows capabilities. It’s just weird that some games are working fine while others aren’t, you know?

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