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How to calibrate game controllers on Windows 11

Calibrate using the manufacturer's app

PC Game controller manufacturers may distribute maintenance apps specifically for their products. If you use the manufacturer's app, you can not only adjust sensitivity, but also set multiple profiles, change key mapping, and update firmware. First, check the official website of your controller.

Controller adjustment/calibration

PC When you press the [Start] key, a screen like this will appear. Click "Settings" in the top right.
PC Select "Bluetooth & Devices" from the menu on the left side of the screen. Then click "Show other devices" on the right side of the screen.
PC The “Devices” screen will then open. Scroll to the bottom of this screen and click "Additional device and printer settings."
PC The "Devices and Printers" screen opens. Right-click the controller illustration.
PC Select "Game Controller Settings" from the right-click menu.
PC Then you will see a screen like this. A list of controllers (three in this example) currently connected to your computer will be displayed. Select the controller you want to adjust/calibrate and click "Properties" at the bottom right of the screen.
PC The “Test” screen opens. Here you can see the reactions of the controller's buttons, sticks, triggers, etc. Make sure that the cursor and bar on the screen move smoothly when you move the stick or trigger slowly. Also, make sure that the buttons respond correctly when you press them quickly.
PC To adjust/calibrate your controller, click the "Settings" tab on the screen above, then click the "Calibrate" button.
PC The “Device Calibration Wizard” will then open. Click Next.
PC Follow the instructions on the screen and operate the controller. First, move the directional pad (left joystick) to the center position and press any button on the controller (e.g. A button).
PC First, calibrate the X and Y axes/directional pad (left joystick). Move the left joystick up/down/left/right to its maximum position. If "Display numerical data" is checked, the value should be 0 to 65535 on the top, bottom, left and right sides, and 32767 or 32768 when centered. Also, when you release your finger, it is OK if the cursor stays in the center without vibrating.
Be careful not to press the center button of the stick at this time.
Once you have moved the stick enough, press any button on your controller.
Be careful how to move sticks
When calibrating, move sticks up / down and left / right so that it passes through the center position. Please note that if you rotate the stick in a circular motion, you will not be able to calibrate correctly.
PC Return to this screen. With the D-pad (left joystick) in the center position, press any button on your controller (e.g. A button).
PC Next is the calibration of the Z axis/left and right triggers. Pull the left and right triggers fully, respectively. The value should be 128 to 65408, and the center should be 32767 or 32768. Also, when you release your finger, it is OK if the graph stays in the center without vibrating.
Once you have moved the trigger enough, press any button on your controller.
PC Next is the X rotation/left and right calibration of the right joystick. Move the right joystick fully left and right. The value should be 0 to 65535, and the center should be 32767 or 32768. Also, when you release your finger, it is OK if the graph stays in the center without vibrating.
Once you have moved the stick enough, press any button on your controller.
PC Next is the Y rotation/up and down calibration of the right joystick. Move the right joystick fully up and down. The value should be 0 to 65535, and the center should be 32767 or 32768. Also, when you release your finger, it is OK if the graph stays in the center without vibrating.
Once you have moved the stick enough, press any button on your controller.
PC Adjustment/calibration is complete. Click "Done" to save the adjustment results.
PC Return to the "Test" screen. Make sure that the cursor and bar on the screen move smoothly when you move the stick or trigger slowly. If there are no problems, click "Apply" at the bottom right of the screen and close all windows.
For example, there is no response when you tilt the stick or trigger just a little, or reached to the maximum or minimum value before you tilt the stick or trigger all the way, If the sticks and other controls still don't respond smoothly even after making adjustments, the sensor may be defective or the device may have reached the end of its lifespan. Please consider replacing it.

How to connect a controller for Windows

Normally, Windows game controllers can be used by simply connecting them to a USB connector. But Windows game controllers may not work properly when connected to a computer via a low-cost, off-brand USB hub. In such a case, please replace the USB hub with another product or connect the controller directly to the USB connector on the computer.

How to choose a controller for Windows

The quality of Windows game controllers varies depending on the product. Cheap non-brand gamepads in the USD15 range can have poor stick and button sensitivity, making it difficult to enjoy the game properly. I recommend getting a controller from a well-known manufacturer that has good performance and allows you to update firmware and adjust sensitivity using the manufacturer's app.
You can check the sensitivity of your controller by opening the Gamepad Tester (Hardware Tester) website. Please use a product that allows smooth input without fluctuating the output when operating the analog stick or trigger.
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Windows 11 setup