How to Test and Calibrate Your Gaming Controller on Windows

If you are a dedicated PC gamer who spends a lot of time gaming, it might be a good idea to allocate some time for testing and calibrating your gaming controller. Doing so can help you achieve precise control, minimize input lag, and address any performance-related issues.

Here we walk you through the necessary steps for testing and calibrating your gaming controller on Windows.

4

How to Test Your Gaming Controller on Windows

Both Windows 10 and 11 include a tool that lets you test your gaming controller in a few easy steps. Here’s how you may use it to determine if your gaming controller needs calibrating.

How to Calibrate Your Gaming Controller Using the Control Panel

By calibrating your gaming controller, you can fine-tune its sensitivity and responsiveness, resulting in better accuracy while gaming. You can calibrate your controller from the same menu where you initially tested it. Here are the steps you can follow.

Once you calibrate your controller, you should experience improved accuracy and responsiveness during gaming sessions.

Dell monitor showing Windows 10 desktop

How to Calibrate Your Gaming Controller via Steam

Using the Control Panel isn’t the only way to calibrate your gaming controller on Windows. If you have installed Steam on your PC, you can alsouse Steam’s Controller Configuratorto calibrate your controller. It supports a wide range of controllers, including both popular gaming controllers and generic input devices.

To calibrate your gaming controller via Steam’s Controller Configurator, use these steps:

MacBook and a Dell laptop running ZorinOS next to each other

How to Reset Controller Calibration to Default Settings on Windows

If the sensitivity of your gaming controller feels off, it’s possible that the calibration settings are to blame. In that case, it’s possible to consider resetting the controller calibration and start over. This should help resolve any minor sensitivity and calibration problems that might be responsible for the issue.

To reset controller calibration to default settings, use these steps:

firefox logo with yellow warning symbol

Calibrate Your Gaming Controller for Peak Performance

While PC gaming controllers typically provide a plug-and-play experience, you may still need to calibrate them occasionally to enhance accuracy or address minor issues. The good thing is that testing and calibrating your controller on Windows can be done quickly, without consuming much time.

While both are valid options most of the time, between a keyboard & mouse and a controller, which one is really the ideal option for gaming?

A laptop and a gaming controller on a wooden table

One casual AI chat exposed how vulnerable I was.

Every squeak is your PC’s way of crying for help.

Don’t let aging hardware force you into buying expensive upgrades.

So much time invested, and for what?

You can block out the constant surveillance and restore your privacy with a few quick changes.

Technology Explained

PC & Mobile