Guides
Practical help for detection problems, calibration, deadzones, steering rotation and stick drift, written to go with our test tools.
GuidesController Not Detected in the BrowserWhy browsers hide controllers until you press a button, and 9 checks that make yours appear.Read guide 
GuidesRacing Wheel Not Detected on PCPower, USB, PC mode, drivers, firmware and game settings: the full checklist for wheels that don't show up.Read guide 
GuidesPedals Not Reaching 100%Calibration, deadzones, saturation, combined mode and worn sensors: fix pedals that stop short or jump.Read guide 
GuidesHow to Fix Stick DriftConfirm drift with a measurement, then try recalibration, deadzones, cleaning, warranty or repair.Read guide 
GuidesHall Effect vs. PotentiometerHow the sensors inside sticks and pedals work, why some wear out, and what that means when you buy.Read guide 
GuidesWheel Rotation ExplainedDegrees of rotation, soft lock and steering ratio, and how to make the driver and the game agree.Read guide 
GuidesDeadzones ExplainedInner, outer, radial and axial deadzones, and how to pick the smallest value that works.Read guide 
GuidesCalibrate a Joystick in WindowsUse joy.cpl to reset and recalibrate axes that stop short or don't center, then verify the result.Read guide How our guides are made
Each guide starts from a symptom you can see in one of our tests, such as an axis that stops at 93% or a stick that won't settle, and works through the causes from the most likely and easiest to fix to the least likely. We point you to the manufacturer's own software and support whenever a fix needs it. We don't recommend opening a device that is still under warranty. Read more about how we work on the about page.