7 Solutions To Fix "Can'T Use Control While Keyboard Is Connected" In Steam

If you’ve ever encountered the “Can’t use control while keyboard is connected” error in Steam, you’re not alone! This pesky issue often leaves gamers frustrated and scratching their heads. Whether you're attempting to play your favorite game with a controller or making adjustments in the Steam settings, running into this message can throw a wrench in your gaming plans. But don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of effective solutions to help you troubleshoot and resolve this problem. Let's dive into these solutions together! 🎮

Understanding the Issue

This error typically arises when your system detects both a keyboard and a game controller connected simultaneously, causing a conflict that prevents you from using the controller. It can occur due to various reasons, such as Steam settings, device drivers, or even external applications interfering. Here’s how to tackle this issue step-by-step.

Solution 1: Disconnect and Reconnect Your Controller

The simplest solution may just be the most effective! Disconnect your game controller and then reconnect it. Here’s how to do it:

1. Unplug your controller from the USB port or disconnect it via Bluetooth.
2. Wait a few moments.
3. Reconnect the controller.

This process helps reset the connection and often resolves any temporary glitches.

Solution 2: Check Your Steam Input Settings

Steam has a built-in input configuration that allows you to customize how your devices work with games. Here’s how you can check and adjust these settings:

1. Open Steam and go to Settings.
2. Select the Controller tab.
3. Click on General Controller Settings.
4. Ensure that the proper configuration support is checked for your controller type (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation).
5. Test your game again.

Adjusting these settings can sometimes clear the conflicts causing the error.

Solution 3: Disable Steam Input Per Game

If the issue persists, try disabling Steam Input for the specific game you’re trying to play. Follow these steps:

1. Go to your Steam Library.
2. Right-click on the game giving you issues and select Properties.
3. Under the General tab, look for the Steam Input Per-Game Setting.
4. Change the setting to Forced Off.
5. Launch the game again.

This method allows you to use the game controller without interference from Steam's input settings.

Solution 4: Update Your Controller Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause all sorts of trouble! Make sure your game controller drivers are up to date:

1. Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button.
2. Find your game controller under Human Interface Devices or Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click on your controller and select Update driver.
4. Choose the option to search for updated drivers automatically.

Updating your drivers can resolve compatibility issues between your controller and Steam.

Solution 5: Disable Conflicting Software

Sometimes, other software can conflict with Steam, particularly programs that also manage game controllers. Here’s what you can do:

1. Close any background applications that could interfere with Steam, such as Discord, Razer Synapse, or other game optimization software.
2. Restart Steam and see if the issue persists.

If your controller works after closing these applications, you may need to adjust their settings or keep them closed while gaming.

Solution 6: Launch Steam in Big Picture Mode

Using Steam’s Big Picture Mode can sometimes bypass controller issues:

1. Open Steam and click on the Big Picture Mode icon in the top right corner.
2. Navigate to your Library and launch the game from there.

Big Picture Mode is optimized for controllers, and it may help resolve the connectivity issues you’re facing.

Solution 7: Verify Integrity of Game Files

Corrupted game files can also trigger this issue. Steam allows you to verify the integrity of the game files, which might help:

1. Right-click on the game in your Library.
2. Select Properties and then go to the Local Files tab.
3. Click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.

Steam will check and replace any missing or corrupted files, which can sometimes resolve underlying issues with controller connectivity.

Important Notes on Troubleshooting

• After trying each solution, remember to restart your computer for any changes to take effect.
• Keep your Steam client updated to ensure compatibility and receive the latest fixes.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What causes the "Can’t use control while keyboard is connected" error?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>This error often occurs due to a conflict between the keyboard and controller inputs when both devices are connected to your system.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I know if my controller is compatible with Steam?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>You can check compatibility by looking for official Steam support for your controller type under Steam's settings.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Will disconnecting my keyboard solve the issue?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Disconnecting your keyboard may resolve the conflict; however, it is not a practical long-term solution.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why is my controller not recognized by Steam?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>This can be due to outdated drivers, incorrect Steam settings, or a malfunctioning USB port. Try reconnecting or updating drivers.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use multiple controllers at once with Steam?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, Steam supports multiple controllers, but there may be restrictions based on the specific game you are playing.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Recapping our journey, we’ve explored several practical solutions to tackle the “Can’t use control while keyboard is connected” error in Steam. From disconnecting your controller to adjusting Steam settings, these solutions can help restore harmony between your devices. Remember, it’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. So don’t hesitate to put these strategies into practice and get back to your gaming sessions! Keep exploring other tutorials on this blog to enhance your gaming experience and knowledge.

<p class="pro-note">🎮Pro Tip: Always ensure your Steam client is updated for optimal compatibility and fewer issues!</p>