[PC] Controller will become unresponsive for a few seconds intermittently

[TripleNine]

Hello,

I have been having this issue for the past ~2 weeks now where I will be playing and then my controller will just stop registering my inputs for a few seconds before handing control back to me. If I am running or turning my camera while it happens, then my character will just continue to run or the camera will spin until I am able to gain control again.

I have tried the following:

- Closed down any other unnecessary programs
- Connected both via Bluetooth and USB
- Used different controllers (2 DualShock 4s and a DualSense)
- Used third party tools such as DS4Windows to assume control of my controller (I normally just connect it natively so Windows and the game detects my controller as a generic "Wireless Controller")
- Completely uninstalled any controller drivers, and disabled Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator
- Tried to replicate the issue in other games, to no success

Nothing has changed on my end in regards to hardware or game settings. This is quite a big issue as it is causing me to die in savage raids by running into AoEs or the kill zones around the edge.

[Dynratygus]

Good afternoon and thank you for posting in the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums

What kind of controller do you experience the issue on? Is it a PlayStation controller?

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[TripleNine]

Yes, I have tried it with two DualShock 4 controllers and the PS5's DualSense controller. One of the DualShock 4s is brand new.

[Rhaervis]

Good morning and thank you for posting on the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.

We apologize that you are experiencing difficulties with your controller. Please try the following troubleshooting steps:

- If possible, try using a genuine Xbox360 or Xbox One controller (preferably wired) as these are compatible with Windows OS.
- Try plugging the controller into different ports (both front and back).
- Make sure all drivers for the controller are fully up to date.
- Uninstall and reinstall the device drivers.
- Disable all other device drivers, leaving the mouse, keyboard, and controller as the only active devices.
- If you are using a specialized gaming keyboard, try using a different keyboard to ensure there are no conflicts between the devices.
- Try unplugging all other devices and only plugging in the mouse, keyboard, and controller.
- Make sure Windows has been fully updated from the Microsoft/Windows Update website.

Thank you for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.

[angienessyo]

Having the same exact issue with my DS4! I've tried a different USB port, different brand new micro USB cable, and 3 different controllers. Have never had this issue with my DS4 until the past 1-2 weeks and I don't have this issue with any other games. My Windows is fully up to date, I've uninstalled/reinstalled drivers, have no gaming keyboard or mouse.

[angienessyo]

Sorry for the double post but I just did a lot of research on this and it's an ancient bug that's been around since 2013 and we likely both got it because of a hotfix 2 weeks ago. I have not tried this work around yet, but it looks like the way people have fixed it in the past is by going into device manager in Windows, Software Devices, and disabling "Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator". Looks like most people have resolved it this way in the past, but it's not guaranteed to work in all situations. (you won't want to leave it disabled forever if you use anything that relies on this) Another possible fix is by double checking that Windows isn't in a power saving mode.

Basically sometimes the game has some odd interactions with the way Windows handles controllers, so you'd likely still run into this on an Xbox or Switch Pro controller. Hopefully the patch resolves it, but this is a potential bandaid until then. I'll be trying it myself when I raid this weekend.

[Rhaervis]

Thank you for posting in the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.

Due to no response from the original poster, this thread will be moved to 'Closed Concerns.' If anyone is still having this particular problem, please create a new thread and we will assist you in any way we can.

Thank you for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.