How to Control the Windows Desktop With an Xbox or Steam Controller

Xbox or Steam Controller for Windows Desktop?

If you set up your PC as a PC gaming center and media room, why use a mouse when you can just use your game controller?

By default, the Xbox controllers work well with many PC games, but it will not allow you to navigate in the office and play something Netflix. But with third-party software, you can use an Xbox 360 Controller ( on amazon ) or Xbox One Controller as a mouse and a keyboard. If you have one of the valve Steam controllers, it will work as a mouse and keyboard on your desktop without any additional settings required.

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Xbox Controllers Require Additional Software

Microsoft does not include this functionality by default for Xbox controllers, you will need software that can make a Comptrollership of the Xbox as a mouse and a keyboard. Fortunately, there are a number of options. Gopher 360 is a free and open source one, and it works without any additional configuration. Other applications here require some configuration.
Just download and run Gopher 360. It is a lightweight application that “works” when you run it. Use the left-stick to move the mouse cursor, press the “A” button for left click and press the “X” button to the right click. The website states Gopher360 configuring keys in more detail.

If you want to use the Windows on-screen keyboard with it, you’ll need to click to the right of the Gopher 360 Application and select “Run as administrator.” You can then use the Windows keyboard on the screen to type. To do always run as an administrator, you can right-click the Gopher.exe file, select “Properties“, select the “Compatibility” tab and enable the “Run this program as an administrator”.
To launch the on-screen keyboard in Windows 10, you can right-click the taskbar and select “Show touch keyboard button.” You will see a keyboard icon next to your system tray. Click with the controller and get a screen keyboard, you can use for typing. It is not ideal for large amounts of hits, but could be useful if you want to search for something Netflix quickly.

Gopher 360 works during execution and open in the background. For sure it is still working, you can place the Gopher.exe file in the Startup folder of your computer. Windows will automatically run when you log on.

Gopher 360 is your only choice, but it is our favorite. If you want to try something else, even if both Xpadder and  JoyToKey are advanced game controller configuration tools. And each can be used to operate the controller as a mouse and keyboard. However, they require configurations and profiles, so they are not quite as plug-and-play. JoyToKey is shareware, so it is not totally free.
If you are willing to spend some money, you might want to try Controller Companion, which is reviewed on Steam at $ 2.99 fare. Designed for use with Xbox 360 and Xbox One controller, it’ll make your controller function as a mouse on the desk. More interestingly, it includes a custom keyboard on the screen that some people might find more effective than the native Windows screen keyboard.

Steam controllers just work

If you have one of the controllers Steam valve, it functions natively as a mouse and a keyboard. While you have connected to your PC, simply use it on the Windows desktop.

The right touchpad on the controller moves the cursor, you can even shake your finger across the touchpad and cursor keep moving. The button to the right shoulder making a left click button and the left shoulder right-clicks. It sounds like the opposite of what it should be, but the right shoulder button is in the most convenient location, so it makes sense.

The other buttons also carry out concrete actions. For example, the left touchpad functions as a scroll wheel, while the functions of the button up, down, left and right arrows, and.

You can actually adjust these controls yourself. To do this, the interface of the open mode Steam Big Picture, select the “Settings” button cog in the upper right corner of the screen, select “Settings” under the controller, and select “desktop configuration.”Unfortunately, there is no way to open steam-screen keyboard because it is part of the Steam overlay. But you can use the Windows on-screen keyboard, just like you want to use with an Xbox controller.

There really is no substitute for a keyboard and mouse to the use of heavy PC, but with a controller function as a mouse and a keyboard base is great for some Netflix or other video-based reading and Internet browsing in your living room. It is a shame to support using Microsoft’s own Xbox controllers on the Windows desktop is not only built into Windows, but with the right software, you will be up and running in no time.