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Add a Non-Steam Game and Let Steam Input Handle the Controller

Steam Input only works for titles Steam knows about. Add the executable, enable the controller layer for that game and test it in Big Picture before playing.

by@guidox updated:10/30/26 time:15 min level:Beginner tested on:Windows 11 24H2, Steam client, DualSense works on:Windows 10, Windows 11, Steam client tools:Steam
TL;DR

**Add a Non-Steam Game** from the library, open its properties, enable **Steam Input** for that game and pick a layout. Without the per-game toggle the exe only sees raw XInput.

Before you start

Requirements

  • Steam client
  • A controller Steam recognises (Xbox, DualShock, DualSense, Switch Pro)
  • The game's own .exe path
Step by step

Instructions

01

Add the executable

Open the library, press **Add a Game > Add a Non-Steam Game**, then **Browse** and pick the game's .exe. Choose the game binary over a launcher when both exist.

⚠ warningTitles installed as UWP apps from the Microsoft Store cannot be added this way - they have no normal .exe entry.
02

Name the shortcut properly

Right-click the entry, open **Properties** and set a clean name. Steam uses it to match community layouts, and a name like 'game_launcher_final2' matches nothing.

03

Enable Steam Input for that game

Still in Properties, open the **Controller** section and switch **Enable Steam Input** on. This is the step people skip - the global setting does not cover non-Steam shortcuts.

Properties > Controller > Enable Steam Input
04

Pick a layout

Open the controller settings for the shortcut and choose a template or a community layout. For a controller-native game the Xbox template is enough; for keyboard games map the sticks to WASD and the buttons to aiming.

05

Verify in Big Picture

Start the game from Big Picture and press the guide button. The overlay has to show the layout as active, and the game must receive exactly one controller - not two.

tipDouble input is the classic symptom of Steam Input and the game's own DualShock support being active at the same time.
06

Deal with the launcher

Games that start through a launcher often lose the controller layout when the exe switches. Add the launcher, set the launch argument that skips it, or add both exes and keep the layout on the game itself.

Troubleshooting

Common issues

Buttons register twice

Steam Input and the game's own controller support are both on. Disable the in-game option or turn Steam Input off for that title.

The controller is not detected by the game

Steam Input is off for the shortcut, or the game only speaks DirectInput. Enable Steam Input and pick a template instead of relying on the game.

The game starts and closes immediately

Steam starts the exe from the wrong folder. Set **Start In** in the shortcut properties to the game directory.

Rumble is missing

Rumble over Bluetooth is flaky on some pads. Use the USB cable or the official wireless adapter.

FAQ

Frequently asked

Do I need to add every emulator too?

Yes, if you want the controller remapped through Steam. Some emulators handle pads better on their own - test both.

Does this break anti-cheat?

Some kernel-level anti-cheat refuses to launch a game started through Steam. Check with the game's own launcher in that case.

How to undo this

Remove the shortcut from the library (right-click > Manage > Remove non-Steam game). The game and its files are untouched.

Changelog · 1 entry
  1. 2026-10-30
    First version
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