Windows 10: Every controller drifts the same way

I've been using controllers on my PC for years now and every controller I have has started to drift in the exact same way.At first I thought it was a problem with the individual controller so I tried replacing it and getting a different brand but still I have this issue. Controllers I have tried are:- PS4- Switch Pro- 8BitDo- other 3rd party controllersI've tried using these controllers as is and through 3rd party programs like Steam or gamepad input programs. ALL OF THEM have joystick drift the exact same way where the right analog starts to tilt upwards and gets progressively more aggressive

:)

 

drifting / uncontrollable cursor

Hi,

Regarding your issue with your mouse cursor, we suggest that you follow the steps provided by Ratandeep on this thread:

Mouse drifting and not working properly.

Let us know if you need further assistance.

 

Xbox Series X Controller only has Stick Drift on Windows 11

Thank you very much for reaching out! As an Independent Advisor and fellow Microsoft user, I'm more than happy to assist you.



Here are several potential solutions you can try:

1. Calibrate the Controller on Windows 11

Calibrating the controller can help the system re-learn the neutral position of the sticks. Follow these steps:

• Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
  
• Select your Xbox controller and click on Calibrate.
  
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the calibration process
  

2. Update the Controller Firmware

Ensure your controller's firmware is up to date. You can do this using the Xbox Accessories app:

• Connect your controller via USB to your Windows 11 PC.
  
• Open the Xbox Accessories app.
  
• Select your controller and check for firmware updates
  

3. Clean the Analog Sticks

Dust and debris can cause stick drift. Try cleaning the analog sticks:

• Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean around the base of the sticks.
  
• Use compressed air to blow out any debris around the joystick components
  

4. Adjust the Deadzone Settings

Adjusting the deadzone can help mitigate minor drift issues:

• Open the game you are experiencing drift in.
  
• Go to the controller settings and increase the deadzone for the affected stick. This can help ignore minor unintended movements.
  

5. Re-sync the Controller

Re-syncing the controller can sometimes resolve connectivity issues that might cause drift:

• Hold the sync button on the controller for about 10 seconds until it turns off.
  
• Turn it back on and re-sync it with your PC
  

6. Check for Interference

Ensure there are no other devices causing interference with the Bluetooth connection. Disconnect other Bluetooth devices and see if the issue persists.

7. Try a Different USB Cable or Port

If you are using a USB connection, try a different cable or USB port to rule out any connection issues.

8. Test on Another PC

To rule out any specific issues with your Windows 11 setup, try using the controller on another PC to see if the problem persists.

If none of these solutions work, it might be worth considering a hardware issue with the controller itself, although this seems less likely given that it works fine on your Xbox console. In such a case, contacting Xbox Support for further assistance might be necessary.



Please feel free to reach out if you require any additional assistance. I'm here to help!

 

Controller configuration window freezing, unable to fix joystick drift.

Hi, AdamtheMute,

I am an Independent Advisor.

I'm sorry your friend has experienced issues with her controller. This from what I understand is typical of 360 controllers.

1. Member, Ender89 suggests:

"The stick drift is usually caused by plastic dust (from the thumbstick wearing against the shell of the controller) gumming up the analog mechanism that tracks the position of the thumbstick. I get it occasionally on my left thumbstick, and I fix it by prizing
off the plastic piece on side of the controller grip, exposing the space between the circuit board and the shell, and blasting some canned air at the mechanism to clean it."

https://www.technobezz.com/xbox-one-controller-...

2. Steam Community Reply related to Xbox One however may work for Xbox 360.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/320140/discussio...

3. I'd advise going into a Clean Boot state to determine what is causing the system to Hang. You might also look into Event Viewer > Windows Logs > Application Log

Look for Errors that have Hang in them. This usually is a driver conflict causing the system to Hang.

In Clean Boot, pay attention to the Steps Listed here under - How to determine what is causing the problem after you do a clean boot. You may wish to print this page for reference.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/929135...

4. You might also try doing the Drift Fix while in Safe Mode with Networking.

Start > Type Msconfig > Press Enter

Select Boot Tab

Select Safe boot

Select Networking

Click Apply, Ok

Reboot and Windows will load into Safe Mode with Networking.

Verify if the Hang/Freeze issue arises while fixing the Drift issue.

Before rebooting the computer, go back to Msconfig window. Uncheck Safe Boot.

Click Apply, Ok

Reboot the computer and Windows will load Normally.