Game freezing whenever a device is connected or disconnected (Steam PC)

[cerealfordinner]

So I've had this issue going on for a while now, I haven't been playing for too long so it's hard to say if it's always been there or I just didn't notice it until later, but whenever a device is connected or disconnected the game will lock up for probably 10-20 seconds before returning to normal. During this time the audio will continue to play, but the game is completely unresponsive. I play on controller so a device connecting or disconnecting isn't completely unusual.
This is different than the issues I've seen in the past where the Device Manager refreshing will causing the controller to stop working briefly.

What I've tried so far:
-Changing Steam's settings for Steam Input, but to be fair I get the same freezing behavior if I plug in a mouse or a virtual controller through something like Moonlight
-Disabling Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator from the Windows Device Manager

Interestingly I don't have this issue when I play on Linux and no other Steam games seem to have this issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated, as these lock ups will seem to happen during the most inopportune times.

[Votraftur]

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

We apologize for any inconvenience you have been experiencing. There are a few situations that can cause the error you are describing. Please try the following troubleshooting methods to resolve the issue:

- Verifying the files in the ‘Library’ folder by right clicking Final Fantasy XIV and then choosing ‘Properties’. From there, click ‘Local Files’ and then ‘Verify integrity of game cache’. Doing so will verify if the game was installed properly.
- Please try running the game as an administrator.
- Perform a clean boot by opening the task manager and select the 'Start up' Tab. Disable everything.
- Please be sure to disable or remove any overlays (Discord, Steam, NVIDIA etc.) as they may interfere with startup.
- Try reconfiguring some of the Steam controller settings. Go to Steam>Settings>Controller>General Controller Settings and unchecked all the boxes.
- 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.
- Delete all USB and gamepad devices via the Device Manager. Restart your computer and allow the device to rediscover the devices and reinstall the drives.

We recommend that both Steam and the game be installed on the C: drive, as installing it on any drive that is not the default may cause more problems.

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