How to Fix Controller Not Working in The Last of Us Part 1

The Last of Us is a highly acclaimed video game that follows the story of Joel, a weary survivor who is hired to smuggle 14-year-old Ellie out of a military quarantine zone.

The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with infected and dangerous survivors and takes players on a brutal cross-country journey.

The PC version of the game includes the complete single-player story, as well as the celebrated prequel chapter Left Behind.

It’s optimized for PC with PC-centric quality-of-life enhancements, true 4K resolutions, ultra-wide monitor support, and 3D audio support for a fully immersive experience.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix your gamepad or PS4/PS5/Xbox controller not working, detecting, or switching in the Last of Us Part 1 on PC.

• Fix 1: Disable Steam Input
• Fix 2: Launch Steam and the game as an administrator
• Fix 3: Enable configuration support
• Fix 4: Other troubleshooting methods

Fix 1: Disable Steam Input

1. Open Steam and log in to your account.
2. Go to your library and right-click “The Last of Us Part 1”.
3. Select Properties > Controller > Override for The Last of Us Part 1.
4. Select “Disable Steam Input”.

Note: If disabling Steam Input does not fix your controller, try enabling it instead.

Fix 2: Launch Steam and the game as an administrator

• Right-click Steam > properties > Compatibility > Run this program as an administrator > tick > Apply > OK.
• Right-click The Last of Us Part 1 application > properties > Compatibility > Run this program as an administrator > tick > Apply > OK.

Fix 3: Enable configuration support

1. Open Steam and log in to your account.
2. Select Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings.
3. If you’re using a PlayStation controller, enable “PlayStation Configuration Support”.
4. If you’re using an Xbox controller, enable “Xbox Configuration Support”.

Note: If your controller is still not working, try disabling PlayStation/Xbox Configuration Support instead.

Fix 4: Other troubleshooting methods

1. Unplug external unused USB devices (Logitech racing wheel, Thrustmaster racing wheel, additional controllers, etc.).
2. Open Steam > Steam > Settings > Downloads > Clear Download Cache.
3. Unplug and replug your controller (it can be simply a loose plug).
4. Launch Steam in big picture mode and then launch the game (The Last of Us-specific).
5. If you’re using an Xbox controller, install the Xbox Accessories app and update the controller (The Last of Us-specific).

Further reading

How to Fix Controller Not Working in Dead Space

How to Fix Controller Not Working in Need for Speed Unbound

How to Fix Controller Not Working in Sonic Frontiers