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# System prepended metadata

title: 'How to Check for Controller Deadzones in Windows [solved] 2023'

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# How to Check for Controller Deadzones in Windows [solved] 2023
#
![](https://i.imgur.com/pLq2nLC.png)

Have you ever experienced a problem where a controller doesn’t seem to fully register when you push the analog stick in one direction? You may be suffering from a deadzone, but there’s no easy way to figure out what the problem is. 

Let’s explore what a deadzone is and how to detect one in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Use the **[Gamepad Tester](https://gamepadtester.net)** website to check button functionality if your controller buttons are not working properly.

## What Is a Deadzone?

When your analog stick has a deadzone, it doesn’t fully register input when you push it in a specific direction. No matter how hard you push the stick, the controller acts as if you’re not fully pushing it – if at all.

This creates some annoying issues while playing games. When you try to move your character or the camera around, it doesn’t feel as if your actions are properly translating to the game.

## How to Detect a Deadzone

I came across this problem with a PS4 controller. I noticed that, over time, my controller’s left analog stick didn’t respond as well as it could.

Every time I pushed it straight up, my character would act as if I only pushed it halfway. This was annoying when trying to run away from my threat, only for my character to take a stroll instead!

To fix this, I found **[Gamepad Test]**. It’s a website that can automatically detect controllers plugged into your PC and automatically bring up diagnostics for it. If you plug in your controller and nothing happens, try pressing buttons to **“wake it up.”**

Once the diagnostics engage, you’ll see two crosshairs with white dots in the middle. These are the analog stick testers, and the white dots move as you move the sticks.

It’s okay if the dots **“jitter”** a little bit when they’re stationary; just move the sticks around and see if the dots match up with your movements.

The left dot doesn't like going straight up, which means my left stick didn't register a full push upward. This is why my characters slowly ran away from threats; from the controller's point of view, I wasn't fully pushing the stick forward.

## How to Fix a Deadzone

![](https://i.imgur.com/A9V8jzo.png)

One great way to quickly fix controller deadzone is to use Windows’ Game Controllers window (best accessed by typing **“controllers”** into the Start menu search bar and then clicking **“Set up USB Controllers”** – your controller doesn’t need to be a USB one).

The new window will display all connected controllers. Select the one with deadzone problems then click **“Properties”**.

In the new window, click the Settings tab then **“Reset to default”** then OK. You won’t get a prompt saying anything has happened but trust us, it has!

![](https://i.imgur.com/y0fECyp.png)

If you use Steam, you can tell it to compensate for the controller’s deadzones. To do this, open Steam, then click **“Steam -> Settings.”**

![](https://i.imgur.com/gHRIRs6.png)

Click **“Controller”** on the left, then **“General Controller Settings.”
**

![](https://i.imgur.com/Hx7FNMG.png)

Select your controller on the list, then click **“Calibrate.”**


This works similarly to the above tool but includes sliders that let you set deadzone compensation. This makes the Steam method a great way to **“fix”** a [deadzone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_zone_(ecology)) without shelling out for a new controller.

## Having a Deadeye for Deadzones

If it feels like your controller isn’t obeying you as well as it should, it may not be your imagination. Plug your controller into your PC and run it through the above tests to ensure everything is alright.

## FAQs

### 1. How do I find my Deadzone?
To get to the deadzone setting in Steam:
In the menu: **Steam > Settings.**
In settings: Go to Controller > General Controller Settings.
In Controller **Settings – Click** the controller you want to **configure > Hit calibrate.**
In the popup set your deadzone settings per stick.

### 2. How do I find Deadzone on the Xbox controller?
To change the deadzone on your Xbox One controller, you'll need to go into the settings menu.
From there, select **“Controller”** and then **“Advanced Controller Settings”**.
You should see a slider for **“Deadzone”**.
Use this to adjust the size of the deadzone.

### 3. What is Deadzone in controller settings?
The Deadzone is a small area around the game controller's thumbstick control that doesn't respond to stick movement. Deadzones are built into games so that old controllers with slightly worn out sticks will not cause movement when the control is sitting still.

### 4. Can you set a deadzone on Xbox One?
Select Settings that you can find in the main menu. Select **Controller> General Controller Settings** in the Controller's settings menu. Calibration can be performed in Controller Settings by selecting the desired Controller and then clicking the calibrate button. Set the deadzone for each stick in the popup.

### 5. What Deadzone should I use warzone?
Most of the top players use the default Deadzone (0.05), but Biffle and Booya use 0.03, while SuperEvan and Zlaner use 0.2. While the average setting is 0.07, the sweet spot setting will ultimately depend upon your controller.

### 6. How do I calibrate my Xbox One controller?
To calibrate your Xbox One controller, you'll need to open the Settings menu.
* From there, select Devices and then Controllers.
* You should see an option to Calibrate Controller.
* Select it and follow the on-screen instructions.

### 5. How do I know if my controller is drifting?
When an Xbox One controller starts suffering from drift, you'll typically notice unwanted movement while playing games. It's called controller drift, or analog stick drift, because one or both thumbsticks will drift, or move, in an undesired direction even when you aren't touching them.

### 6. Should Deadzone be high or low?
Decreasing the deadzone setting will make the joystick more sensitive to input. Generally speaking, using lower settings will increase your accuracy, as more (or all) of the joystick's movement will correspond to on-screen movement. The drawback is that it might make your controller feel **“twitchy”** or over-responsive.

### 7. How do I test my gamepad on Windows 10?
* Test game controller input
* Connect your game controller to your PC.
* If you hear the installing hardware chime on Windows 10, allow drivers for it to install.
* Open your browser and visit Gamepad Tester.
* Press any button on the controller to wake it up.
* The controller will be detected by Gamepad Tester.


### 8. How do I test my gamepad joystick?
You can begin testing your controller or gamepad by pressing a button or moving one of the analog sticks on your gamepad. When you press a button or move an analog stick, the illustration above should light up or display the movement of your analog stick.