How to fix Steam PS5 controller showing Xbox buttons

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) controller is a versatile and feature-rich device that offers an immersive gaming experience. However, when using the PS5 controller on Steam, some users may encounter a frustrating issue where the on-screen prompts display Xbox buttons instead of the intended PlayStation buttons. This can lead to confusion and difficulty while playing games. In this article, we will explore why this issue occurs and provide several methods to fix the problem and ensure that your Steam PS5 controller displays the correct PlayStation buttons

Why is Steam PS5 Controller Showing Xbox Buttons?

The issue of the Steam PS5 controller showing Xbox buttons can be attributed to the default mapping and compatibility settings within Steam. Steam, being a widely used gaming platform, has its default configuration set to assume that users will be utilizing an Xbox controller. This assumption leads to the display of Xbox buttons instead of the intended PlayStation buttons on the on-screen prompts during gameplay.

This discrepancy can be quite inconvenient for PS5 controller users, as it can cause confusion and disrupt the overall gaming experience. As a PlayStation user, it’s natural to expect the on-screen prompts to reflect the correct buttons of the PS5 controller. However, due to the default settings in Steam, the system recognizes the PS5 controller as an Xbox controller, resulting in the display of Xbox buttons.

Fortunately, there are methods available to resolve this issue and ensure that the correct PlayStation buttons are displayed while using the PS5 controller on Steam. These methods involve adjusting settings and utilizing third-party software to override the default configurations and provide a seamless gaming experience for PS5 controller users.

By implementing the appropriate fixes, users can rectify the Steam PS5 controller showing Xbox buttons issue and regain the proper button prompts for their PS5 controller. This not only enhances the gameplay experience but also allows for better familiarity and comfort while using the controller.

Fix Steam PS5 Controller Showing Xbox Buttons

Method 1: Disable the Steam Input Controller on your computer

1. Launch Steam on your computer by double-clicking the Steam icon on your desktop or searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Once Steam is open, click on the “Steam” menu located in the top left corner of the Steam window.
3. From the dropdown menu that appears, select “Settings.” This will open the Steam Settings window.
4. In the Steam Settings window, you will see several tabs on the left-hand side. Click on the “Controller” tab to access the controller settings.
5. Within the Controller settings, you will find a button labeled “General Controller Settings.” Click on this button to open the General Controller Settings window.
6. In the General Controller Settings window, you will see various options related to controller configurations. Look for the checkbox that says “PlayStation Configuration Support.”
7. By default, this checkbox is checked, indicating that Steam recognizes the PS5 controller as a PlayStation controller and attempts to apply the appropriate button mapping. To disable this feature, simply uncheck the box.
8. Once you have unchecked the “PlayStation Configuration Support” box, click on the “OK” button to save the changes.

By following these steps and disabling the Steam Input Controller, you are instructing Steam to stop applying the default PlayStation button mapping to your PS5 controller. This should resolve the issue of the Steam PS5 controller showing Xbox buttons, allowing you to see the correct PlayStation buttons in games on Steam.

Method 2: DS4Windows

DS4Windows is a third-party software that allows you to use a PS5 controller on your computer as an Xbox controller, which can help resolve the issue of the Steam PS5 controller showing Xbox buttons. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use DS4Windows to achieve this:

1. Start by visiting the official website of DS4Windows (ds4windows.com) on your computer’s web browser.
2. On the website, locate the download section and click on the provided link to download the DS4Windows installer.
3. Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded file (usually in your Downloads folder) and double-click on it to launch the DS4Windows installer.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to install DS4Windows on your computer. Make sure to read and accept any necessary terms or agreements during the installation process.
5. After the installation is complete, connect your PS5 controller to your computer using a USB cable. Ensure that the controller is properly connected and recognized by your computer.
6. Launch the DS4Windows application. You can usually find it in your computer’s Start menu or desktop shortcut if you created one during the installation.
7. DS4Windows will detect your connected PS5 controller and prompt you to install the necessary drivers for it. Follow the prompts to install the drivers. This step is crucial for enabling your PS5 controller to function as an Xbox controller.
8. Once the driver installation is finished, DS4Windows will notify you that your PS5 controller is now recognized as an Xbox controller by your system.
9. With DS4Windows running and your PS5 controller connected, open Steam and launch your desired game. You should now see the correct PlayStation buttons displayed in the on-screen prompts within the game, as DS4Windows translates the PS5 controller inputs into Xbox controller inputs.

By using DS4Windows, you can effectively translate the input from your PS5 controller into Xbox controller inputs, allowing Steam to recognize and display the correct buttons during gameplay. This method ensures a seamless gaming experience for PS5 controller users on Steam

Method 3: Additional Solutions

In addition to the aforementioned methods, there are alternative solutions that you can try to fix the issue of the Steam PS5 controller showing Xbox buttons. While these methods may vary depending on individual preferences and system configurations, they can provide alternative approaches to resolve the problem. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Controller Configuration in Steam: Steam offers controller configuration options that allow you to customize button mapping and input settings for various controllers. You can access this feature by opening Steam, going to “Steam” in the top-left corner, selecting “Settings,” and then choosing the “Controller” tab. From there, you can explore the different configuration options available and customize the button mapping specifically for your PS5 controller.
2. Third-Party Mapping Software: Apart from DS4Windows, there are other third-party mapping software options available that can help with controller compatibility and mapping. For example, InputMapper and X360CE are popular alternatives that provide additional customization and mapping capabilities for various controllers, including the PS5 controller. You can download and install these software programs from their respective official websites and follow the instructions provided to configure the PS5 controller to display the correct buttons on Steam.
3. Firmware and Driver Updates: Ensure that your PS5 controller’s firmware is up to date. Sony periodically releases firmware updates for their controllers, which can improve compatibility and address any issues. Visit the official PlayStation website or use the PlayStation Network to check for available updates and install them if necessary. Additionally, keep your computer’s drivers up to date, including any relevant USB or controller-related drivers. This can help ensure proper recognition and functionality of the PS5 controller on your system.
4. Steam Beta Participation: You can try opting into the Steam beta program to access the latest features and updates before they are officially released. Sometimes, Steam beta updates include fixes and improvements for controller compatibility and mapping. To opt into the Steam beta program, go to “Steam” in the top-left corner, select “Settings,” choose the “Account” tab, and click on the “Change” button next to the Beta Participation section. Follow the prompts to join the beta program and receive beta updates.

Remember to restart Steam and your computer after applying any changes or updates to ensure they take effect properly. By exploring these additional solutions, you may find alternative methods that work best for your specific setup, providing you with the desired button prompts on Steam while using the PS5 controller.

How to Set Up a Controller on Steam

Setting up a controller on Steam allows you to enjoy a more immersive gaming experience. Here’s a detailed guide on how to set up a controller on Steam:

1. Launch Steam on your computer by double-clicking the Steam icon on your desktop or searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Once Steam is open, click on the “Steam” menu located in the top left corner of the Steam window.
3. From the dropdown menu that appears, select “Settings.” This will open the Steam Settings window.
4. In the Steam Settings window, you will see several tabs on the left-hand side. Click on the “Controller” tab to access the controller settings.
5. Within the Controller settings, you will find a button labeled “General Controller Settings.” Click on this button to open the General Controller Settings window.
6. In the General Controller Settings window, you will find various options to customize your controller settings. This includes controller configuration, mapping, and sensitivity.
7. To customize the configuration of your controller, click on the “Define Layout” button. Here, you can map the buttons and inputs of your controller to match the corresponding actions in the game. This allows for a more personalized and intuitive gaming experience.
8. Additionally, you can enable or disable specific features such as haptic feedback or gyro aiming, depending on your preferences and the capabilities of your controller.
9. As you make changes to your controller settings, ensure to click on the “Save” button to apply and save your configurations.

By following these steps, you can easily set up and customize your controller settings on Steam. This will enable you to fine-tune the controls according to your preferences, enhancing your gaming experience and allowing for seamless gameplay. Remember to experiment with the settings to find the configuration that works best for you.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use the PS5 controller wirelessly on Steam?

A1: Yes, the PS5 controller can be used wirelessly on Steam. However, for wireless functionality, you may need to use additional software or Bluetooth adapters to establish a connection.

Q2: Will these methods work with other controllers, such as the PS4 controller?

A2: The methods provided in this article are primarily aimed at resolving the issue with the PS5 controller on Steam. However, some of the methods, such as disabling Steam Input or using DS4Windows, can also be applied to other controllers like the PS4 controller.

Q3: Do I need to repeat these steps every time I use the PS5 controller on Steam?

A3: Once you have applied the necessary settings or software, you should not need to repeat the steps unless you make changes to your Steam settings or reinstall the operating system.

Q4: Are these fixes permanent?

A4: Yes, these fixes are permanent as long as the settings or software configurations remain unchanged. However, if you update Steam or change your computer’s settings, it’s advisable to verify that the controller mappings are still correct.

Conclusion

Having the correct on-screen prompts displayed while using a PS5 controller on Steam is crucial for a seamless gaming experience. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can easily resolve the issue of the Steam PS5 controller showing Xbox buttons. Whether it’s disabling Steam Input, using DS4Windows, or exploring other solutions, you can ensure that your Steam PS5 controller displays the appropriate PlayStation buttons, enhancing your gaming experience and eliminating any confusion caused by incorrect button prompts.