Gamers understand the frustration when their game controllers start mimicking mouse movements, causing chaos in their gaming experience. If you’re facing this issue on Windows 11, worry not, for we have compiled a list of the 7 best fixes to help you resolve this problem and reclaim your gaming sessions.

1. Check Controller Settings

The first fix is evaluating your game controller settings. Access the control panel or device settings on Windows 11 and ensure your controller is set up correctly. You may also want to check the game’s own settings to ensure it has not been configured to use the controller as a mouse.

2. Update or Reinstall Controller Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers can often lead to erratic behavior like this. Navigate to Device Manager, find your game controller, right-click on it, and select ‘Update driver’. If that doesn’t work, you may try reinstalling the driver altogether.

3. Disable Steam’s Controller Configuration

If you’re using Steam, its controller configuration feature might be turning your controller into a mouse. To disable it, open Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings and uncheck any enabled configuration support.

4. Turn off Game Bar and Xbox Game Overlay

Windows Game Bar and Xbox Game Overlay might interfere with proper controller functionality. Disable them by going into Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar/Game Overlay and turning them off.

5. Uninstall Recent Windows Updates

Sometimes a recent update can disrupt peripheral functioning. Consider uninstalling recent updates from Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Installed Updates, then select and uninstall any recent ones causing issues.

6. Adjust Mouse Settings

There’s a chance that adjusting your mouse settings could influence how the computer interprets input from your controller. Try reducing mouse sensitivity or changing other related settings under Settings > Devices > Mouse.

7. Use Official Software for Non-Windows Controllers

If you are using a third-party controller not natively supported by Windows, utilising the official software provided by the manufacturer (like DS4Windows for DualShock controllers) can mitigate recognition issues leading to such behavior.

Remember that if none of these solutions work, it might be worth checking if the controller itself is faulty or seeking help directly from Microsoft support or the support forum related to the specific game causing issues.