How to configure joysticks on a PC? A similar question increasingly arises among modern gamers. Especially for those who purchase the latest generation of games. To cope with the task is not as difficult as it seems. The main thing is to know what to do in a particular case. Connecting gamepads to computers and laptops can be done even by a novice PC user.
Types of Joysticks
First, find out what are the gamepads. The direct configuration of devices will depend on this.
Today you can find the following options for joysticks:
- one-dimensional - allow you to make movements "up" and "down";
- two-dimensional - you can interact with objects in two dimensions;
- three-dimensional - allow you to control the character in three planes;
- four-dimensional - universal gamepads suitable for modern games, especially on consoles.
In addition, you may encounter such models of the corresponding devices:
Next, we will try to figure out how to configure joysticks on a PC. It is not as hard to do as it seems.
USB model - connection method
How to connect a joystick to a PC? The main problem is that gamepads are different. For example, computer or console. There will be no problems with the first ones. Console gamepads are generally connected in the same way as computer ones, but debugging them will require more attention. Therefore, we will focus on the "native" for PC joysticks.
Let's start with the USB device. First you need to connect it to a computer. You can do it this way:
- Turn on the PC and unzip the gamepad.
- Insert the joystick wire with the USB end into the USB slot on the computer.
- If necessary, press the button to turn on the gamepad (some models are equipped with one).
It is done. But that is not all. How to configure the joystick on a PC? One connection to play through the appropriate device is not enough!
Without wires
But we'll talk about this later. First, find out how you can connect a wireless joystick for your PC. A similar task brings some trouble. Especially on older computers and laptops - they do not have a built-in Bluetooth module. You will have to buy it separately and insert it into the USB-socket in the computer. After installing the drivers, you can begin to work with the gamepad.
Suppose there is a Bluetooth module on the laptop. Instructions for connecting a wireless joystick look like this:
- Charge the gamepad. For example, through a USB cable. It will be bundled with the appropriate device.
- Insert the special receiver from the joystick into the USB socket on the computer.
- Turn on the gamepad and Bluetooth in the operating system.
- Find through the application from "Bluetooth" a new device - a model of the joystick necessary for the user.
- Double-click on the corresponding line and click on "Connect".
If everything is done correctly, the connection indicators on the joystick will light up. You can proceed to the second stage of configuration.
Driver installation
How to connect the joystick to the PC, we found out. Now you need to make this device work. One connection is not enough for this.
Have to think about installing drivers. If the Internet is connected to the computer, the search for the necessary libraries for the gamepad will start automatically. Only more often than not, it ends in failure.
Therefore, you can install the driver like this:
- Open the official website of the device manufacturer.
- Select the "Gamepads" section, and then the model of your joystick.
- Click on the button with the package of libraries for the desired operating system.
- Click on the "Save" button and wait for the download to finish.
- Launch the driver installation wizard and follow the on-screen instructions. Typically, the user is prompted to select the library settings for the gamepad and accept the license.
This is just one of several ways. Thinking about how to configure the joystick on a PC, the user has to first initialize the drivers for the device.
The second solution to the problem looks like this:
- Take the installation disk that is included with the gamepad.
- Insert the disk into the drive and wait for it to load.
- Select the command "Driver" - "Install".
- Complete initialization by following the on-screen instructions.
Now everything should work. Theoretically, after the actions done, it is already possible to play using the gamepad. But sometimes you have to directly configure the device.
How to assign buttons
In order to be able to use the gamepad normally, you will have to set commands to its buttons. How to configure the joystick on a PC?
Usually it is proposed to act like this:
- Open "Start" - "Control Panel".
- Choose a way to display information - "Small Icons".
- Take a look at the "Devices and Printers" section.
- Double click on the gamepad icon.
- Prescribe a specific action opposite the buttons of the device. This is the main setting of the joystick.
- Save corrections.
The case is completed. Now it’s clear how to configure the joystick on a PC. If the user uses a non-native device, you will have to download a special program for debugging the device. For example, InputMapper. Here, using the Mapping option, the gamepad emulator is turned on. In the Settings section, you can configure the joystick. To do this, you have to click on the action in the parameter window, and then on the desired button.
Conclusion
Sometimes the joystick does not work on the PC. This usually happens for the following reasons:
- due to device incompatibility;
- lack of drivers;
- connection to the computer "non-native" gamepad;
- outdated drivers;
- lack of energy in wireless models of devices.
In any case, it’s now clear how to configure the joystick on a PC. If the above instructions are followed, but the device still does not work, it is better to contact a computer service center. There they will certainly help to understand and eliminate the cause of the malfunction.