“No Joysticks Have Been Found” Error: Causes and Fixes

The “No Joysticks Have Been Found” error is a common issue faced by gamers or users who are trying to use game controllers or joysticks with their computers. This error typically appears when a game or software is unable to detect the connected joystick or controller. The error can be frustrating, but it’s usually fixable by following a series of troubleshooting steps. In this article, we’ll explore what causes the “No Joysticks Have Been Found” error and how to resolve it.

What Causes the “No Joysticks Have Been Found” Error?

There are several potential reasons why your joystick or gamepad might not be detected by your system or a particular game. These include:

1. Driver Issues: If the drivers for your joystick or game controller are not installed, outdated, or corrupted, your system will fail to recognize the device.
2. Incorrect Connection: A poor USB connection or a faulty cable can result in the joystick not being detected. Similarly, using incorrect ports (USB 3.0 vs. USB 2.0) can cause issues.
3. Device Not Properly Configured: Sometimes the device needs to be properly configured or set as the default controller in the operating system or game settings.
4. Game or Software Bug: Occasionally, the issue might be specific to the game or software you’re using, such as compatibility issues with certain games or applications that don’t recognize all controller types.
5. Incompatible Joystick or Controller: Some older joysticks or third-party controllers may not be fully compatible with newer operating systems or games, leading to detection failures.
6. USB Port Issues: Sometimes the USB port itself might be malfunctioning, which could prevent the device from being detected.

How to Fix the “No Joysticks Have Been Found” Error

Here are several ways to troubleshoot and fix the “No Joysticks Have Been Found” error:

1. Check the Physical Connection

• Inspect the Cable and Port: Make sure the joystick or controller is properly plugged into a functional USB port. Try switching ports to ensure the issue isn’t with the USB port itself.
• Test with Another Device: Plug your joystick into another computer or device to confirm that it works. This will help determine if the problem lies with the controller or your computer.
• Try a Different Cable: If possible, test with a different USB cable. Sometimes, a faulty cable can cause connection issues.

2. Update or Reinstall Drivers

• Update Drivers: Outdated or missing drivers can prevent the joystick from being detected. To update your drivers:
  • Open the Device Manager (press Win + X and select Device Manager).
  • Find your joystick or game controller under the “Human Interface Devices” or “Sound, video and game controllers” section.
  • Right-click and select “Update Driver”.
  • Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the prompts to update the driver.
• Reinstall Drivers: If updating doesn’t work, try reinstalling the drivers:
  • In Device Manager, right-click your joystick under the relevant category.
  • Select “Uninstall Device”, then restart your computer.
  • Reconnect your joystick, and Windows should automatically attempt to reinstall the drivers.

3. Configure the Joystick in the Operating System

• Windows: Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers. Right-click on your joystick/controller, and choose Game Controller Settings. From here, you can test the joystick and set it as the default device for gaming.
• Mac: On macOS, there’s no native controller settings tool, but you can check if the device is recognized by using third-party software like Joystick Mapper.

4. Check for Game-Specific Settings

• Some games require specific configurations to recognize joysticks or controllers. Ensure that your game’s settings are configured to use a joystick:
  • Open the game’s options menu or controller settings.
  • Ensure that the game is set to detect the joystick, and check if there’s an option to select the controller.

5. Install Gamepad Emulation Software

• For games that do not support your joystick or controller natively, you may need to install third-party software that emulates a gamepad. Popular programs like DS4Windows (for PlayStation controllers) or XInput (for Xbox controllers) can make controllers appear as standard gamepads to your system and software.

6. Test in Safe Mode or with Clean Boot

• Sometimes, third-party software can interfere with hardware detection. Booting Windows in Safe Mode can help troubleshoot this.
  • Restart your PC and press F8 or Shift + F8 during startup to enter Safe Mode.
  • Once in Safe Mode, check if the joystick is recognized. If it is, then some software running in normal mode is causing the conflict.

7. Try a Different Joystick or Controller

• If you have access to another joystick or controller, try connecting it to your computer to see if the issue is specific to the original device.

8. Check for Operating System Compatibility

• Ensure your joystick or game controller is compatible with your operating system. Some older devices may not be supported on newer versions of Windows, macOS, or Linux. Check the manufacturer’s website for drivers or compatibility updates.

9. Update or Reinstall the Game

• If the issue is specific to one game, check for any available updates or patches. Developers may release fixes for compatibility problems with specific controllers.
• As a last resort, you can try reinstalling the game to resolve any corrupted game files causing the error.

Conclusion

The “No Joysticks Have Been Found” error can stem from various causes, but it’s generally solvable with some simple troubleshooting. By checking physical connections, updating drivers, ensuring the correct settings, and testing with different devices, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to gaming in no time. If the problem persists despite all efforts, the joystick may need to be replaced, or it could be a deeper software issue requiring professional support.