Many PC players have a problem in EA SPORTS FC 26 where the controller suddenly stops working, especially during online matches. Passes may not work, sprint may stop, the game can feel slow, or it may switch back to keyboard and mouse even though the controller is still connected.
The good news is that this is usually not a broken controller. Most of the time, the problem is caused by game settings, background apps, or input conflicts. Below is a step-by-step guide to fix the controller issue permanently.
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Why Controllers Stop Working in FC 26 on PC
- Conflicts between multiple input layers – Steam Input, DS4Windows, reWASD, etc.
- Overlays interfering with game focus – apps like Discord, Steam Overlay, Xbox Game Bar can cause issues.
- Unstable or very high FPS – can break controller input detection.
- Corrupted game files – missing or broken files can prevent proper controller function.
- USB or Bluetooth power/driver issues – unstable connections or outdated drivers can stop the controller from working.
- Fixing these issues one by one usually restores full controller support.
How To Fix Controllers Stop Working in FC 26 on PC
Before You Start (Important Checks)
Do these quick checks first:
- Disconnect any extra input devices (second controller, wheel, flight stick).
- Make sure only one controller tool is active (not Steam Input + DS4Windows together).
- If your controller disconnects in Windows itself, skip ahead to the USB/Bluetooth fixes.
After every fix, test in:
Main menu
Offline Kick-Off match
Online match
This helps pinpoint what actually solved the issue.
Verify EA SPORTS FC 26 Game Files
Broken or missing files can prevent the game from loading input components correctly. Repairing the game restores anything that’s corrupted.
Steam
- Go to Library
- Right-click EA SPORTS FC 26
- Open Properties → Installed Files
- Click Verify integrity of game files
EA App
- Open EA App → Library
- Select EA SPORTS FC 26
- Click Manage → Repair
Once finished, restart your PC and test the controller again.
Limit FPS to Stabilize Controller Input
High or inconsistent frame rates can cause input drops and focus issues. Locking the game to a stable FPS often fixes controller freezing instantly.
Steps:
- Launch FC 26
- Open Settings → Display
- Set Frame Rate Limit to 60 FPS
- Apply changes and restart the game
- Important note:If the issue persists, try 30 FPS as a test—this helps diagnose frame-pacing problems.
Disable Steam Input (Steam Users Only)
Steam Input can override or duplicate controller signals, which confuses FC 26 mid-match.
Only do this if you launch the game through Steam.
How to disable Steam Input:
- Open Steam → Library
- Right-click EA SPORTS FC 26
- Select Properties → Controller
- Set it to Disable Steam Input
- Restart the game
- Important note:If your controller stops working completely after this, re-enable Steam Input and instead disable other tools like DS4Windows or overlays. The key is using one input layer only.
Turn Off All Overlays
Overlays hook into the game and can steal input focus, causing delays or total controller failure.
Disable overlays from:
- Steam
- EA App
- Discord
- Xbox Game Bar
- NVIDIA GeForce Experience / AMD Overlay
Even one active overlay can cause problems, especially online.
Close DS4Windows and Virtual Controller Software
Apps like DS4Windows, reWASD, or InputMapper create virtual controllers. If FC 26 detects both the virtual and physical controller, it may stop responding or switch inputs randomly.
What to do:
- Exit DS4Windows completely (system tray included)
- Disable any other virtual gamepad tools
- Relaunch FC 26 and test again
Fix USB & Bluetooth Issues (If Windows Also Loses the Controller)
If your controller disconnects outside the game too, the issue is likely Windows-related.
Try these fixes:
- Plug the controller into a different USB port (avoid hubs or front-panel ports)
- Switch between USB and Bluetooth to test stability
- Remove unused controllers from Bluetooth settings
- Disable USB power saving in Device Manager
- Update controller firmware and drivers
Once the controller is stable in Windows, FC 26 should detect it correctly.
Final Tips for Stable Controller Support in FC 26
- Use one controller, one input layer
- Avoid unnecessary background apps
- Lock FPS for smoother gameplay
- Test changes step by step
In most cases, these fixes completely resolve the EA SPORTS FC 26 controller not working on PC issue—especially for online matches.
