To play Call of Duty on PC with a controller, connect a compatible controller by USB or Bluetooth, check that Windows and—if you use it—your launcher can see its inputs, then choose controller input in the game’s settings. The precise menu labels can vary by Call of Duty release.
Connect the controller to your PC
Use USB for a wired connection, or Bluetooth if both your controller and PC support it. Microsoft’s Windows 11 guidance covers compatible Game Input controllers connected by either method: Connect a controller to a PC for gaming on Windows 11.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- USB: Connect the controller to the PC with a compatible cable.
- Bluetooth: Pair the controller with the PC using Windows Bluetooth settings. The PC needs Bluetooth, and the controller must support it.
If you already own a compatible controller and cable, setup may not require buying anything.
Recommended Free Tools
Check that the PC receives controller input
Before changing game settings, confirm the controller registers at the system or launcher level. Microsoft points to Steam’s Test Input feature as one way to check button input. Steam’s available controller options are under Steam > Settings > Controller; options may depend on the device and Steam setup. See Steam’s controller setup guidance for players.
#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
- Connect or pair the controller.
- If you use Steam, open Steam > Settings > Controller and check the controller settings. Use the available input-testing option to confirm that buttons register.
- If the input test does not respond, troubleshoot the connection or device recognition before diagnosing Call of Duty.
Select controller input in Call of Duty
Launch the game and open its settings. Look for a controller, input-device, or controls option, then select the controller as the active input if the game provides that choice. A Blizzard guide to Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War documents switching between keyboard and mouse and controller and adjusting controller-play settings: PC controls and settings for Black Ops Cold War.
That guide is specific to Black Ops Cold War, so do not assume another release uses the same menu names or layout. Check the settings in your installed Call of Duty title.
Rank #2
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Troubleshoot a controller the game does not recognize
Check the setup in layers, moving from the PC toward the game:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Windows: Confirm the controller is connected or paired and that Windows receives input. If it does not, address the connection or pairing first.
- Launcher: If you play through Steam, check Steam > Settings > Controller and test input there. These Steam-specific steps do not apply to other launchers.
- Call of Duty: If the controller works in the system or launcher but not in the game, revisit the game’s input settings and select controller input where available.
- Remapping software: If you run external controller-remapping software, temporarily check whether it affects the device Steam interfaces with. Steam documents that interaction, but changing or closing the software is a diagnostic step—not a guaranteed fix.
Does your Call of Duty launcher change the setup?
Call of Duty PC installation is not limited to Steam. Activision’s Warzone installation guide includes installation paths for both Battle.net and Steam: Call of Duty: Warzone installation and setup. Use Steam’s controller settings only if your game is installed or launched through Steam; for another launcher, verify input in Windows and use that Call of Duty title’s own settings.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Rank #4
- XBOX ELITE WIRELESS CONTROLLER SERIES 2: Play like a pro with adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks..Audio : 3.5mm stereo headset jack. Also compatible with the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter and all other Xbox controller accessories made by Microsoft.
- CORE ESSENTIALS: Includes just the components you need to unleash your best game. Additional components sold separately for even more customization with the Complete Component Pack.
- LIMITLESS CUSTOMIZATION: Exclusive button mapping options in the Xbox Accessories app—even pick which color the Xbox button lights up with.*
- CUSTOM PROFILES: Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly.*
- EXTENDED GAMEPLAY: Stay in the game with up to 40 hours of battery life and refined components that are built to last.*
Rank #3
- PLAY LIKE A PRO — The XBOX Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 features over 30 ways to play like a pro. Designed in collaboration with pro-level players, it puts exceptional performance, customization, and durability where it matters most.
- ADJUSTABLE-TENSION THUMBSTICKS — Fine-tune your aim with thumbsticks that let you adjust resistance for improved accuracy, consistency, and control in every match.
- SHORTER HAIR TRIGGER LOCKS — Fire faster and react quicker with three-step hair trigger locks that reduce pull distance for rapid input in competitive gameplay.
- INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS — Swap thumbstick toppers, D-pads, and paddles to tailor your controller to your preferred gaming style. Includes 6 thumbsticks, 4 paddles, 2 D-pads, carrying case, and charging dock.
- SAVE AND SWITCH PROFILES — Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly with the dedicated Profile button. Even pick which color the XBOX button lights up as.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
