How do I update the steam controller firmware? :: Steam Controller General Discussions

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Vola Oct 16, 2015 @ 1:42pm

How do I update the steam controller firmware?

My new steam controller is a freakin earthquake generator on the PC. I synched it to the new steam link, it says I have to now take the controller and cable to my pc for an update. Now if I plug the cable in to the controller on the PC it just starts vibrating and shaking my mouse all over my desktop. no prompts for firmware update. Only earthquakes and frustration.

Last edited by Vola; Oct 16, 2015 @ 1:43pm

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Showing 1-15 of 28 comments

D2KX Oct 16, 2015 @ 1:44pm

Start Steam Big Picture Mode

Max Oct 16, 2015 @ 1:45pm

Launch Steam and click on the controller icon in the top right corner to start Steam in Big Picture mode. If a firmware update is necessary, you will receive an update prompt. Follow any on-screen instructions and get back to enjoying your Steam Controller in no time!

Faolind Oct 16, 2015 @ 2:29pm

Mine has been sitting updating for about 30 minutes now. Is that normal? It keeps seemingly to be done, only to pop up the update screen again. I have received no instructions other than "don't turn anything off"

Faolind Oct 16, 2015 @ 2:30pm

It also won't turn off without poppig the batteries.

Etherealsteel Oct 16, 2015 @ 2:43pm

Originally posted by Faolind:
It also won't turn off without poppig the batteries.

I used the USB cable that comes with it to update controller.. I'm not sure if the update works wireless.. but it might.. I also did things like restarted Steam after my first update didn't go over well.. mostly my fault...

Moarsuho Oct 16, 2015 @ 2:55pm

My update worked wirelessly. It did keep seeming like it was done and then started back up, but I let it be for a few minutes while I brewed some coffee and when I got back it was done.

And to turn it off you hold down the steam button for a few seconds.

Last edited by Moarsuho; Oct 16, 2015 @ 2:55pm

Hatchetforce Oct 17, 2015 @ 4:22am

Originally posted by Max:
Launch Steam and click on the controller icon in the top right corner to start Steam in Big Picture mode. If a firmware update is necessary, you will receive an update prompt. Follow any on-screen instructions and get back to enjoying your Steam Controller in no time!

I have tried this and it doesn't work. I have two Steam controllers and it doesn't happen. When I plug them in everything functions and there is no prompt for an update. BUT...when I use them in my living room with my Steam Link, it tells me there is an update and it says the controllers must be hooked up to the computer streaming Steam with a USB cable in order to get the update. No other instructions, no other information, just go do that. Actually its pretty thoughtless on Valve's part.

I go into the other room and do this and nothing happens. I can cycle PC power/Steam/Controller...nothing. But as soon as I go back to the Steam link, there is the update prompt again. Annoying Valve doesn't let you see your firmware and then just cable up the controller, go to the controller tab and click a button that says Update Controller.

Steef Oct 17, 2015 @ 5:01am

Originally posted by Faolind:
It also won't turn off without poppig the batteries.

Long press the steam button on the controller while in Big Picture Mode.

The menu that pops up has a controller disable feature.

30 minutes is long to update the firmware, too about 5 on mine.

Trisky Oct 17, 2015 @ 10:21am

I can't install the update either, tried plugging controller in with steam link on and tried turning big picture mode on pc with controller off plugging in with USB nothing comes up. Go to settings and it doesn't even pick up a controller yet i can move with it which is weird. Any tips?

Hatchetforce Oct 17, 2015 @ 10:43am

Originally posted by Trisky:
I can't install the update either, tried plugging controller in with steam link on and tried turning big picture mode on pc with controller off plugging in with USB nothing comes up. Go to settings and it doesn't even pick up a controller yet i can move with it which is weird. Any tips?

That is the same thing I am seeing. It works on both the Steam Link and directly on the PC via wireless and USB. But Steam will not detect it even though I can use it.

#10

Medavelvan Oct 18, 2015 @ 8:05am

Here's how I figured out how to update the firmware: https://youtu.be/K-5bDfu0j-U
Not sure its the only way but this is how I did it

#11

simon Oct 18, 2015 @ 8:25am

I had a similar problem updating the controller. You need to connect it directly to your PC with a USB cable whilst running steam in big picture mode. However, the additional problem I found was that if the steam link was turned on, the controller seemed to always connect to the steam link rather than the computer (even though it was directly connected via usb). I had to unplug the steam link and then it started working.

I also noticed that if I had another gamepad plugged in (in my case a logitech F310), the steam controller wouldn't be recognised either

#12

Mokagogo Oct 23, 2015 @ 1:54pm

Thank you, Simon; I didn't consider turning the Steam Link off in the other room as well. I'll do that too. I'll also ensure I close out Big Picture and then reopen Big Picture with the controller attached via USB. Hopefully that'll pick it up.

#13

motayba Oct 23, 2015 @ 6:32pm

Originally posted by Medavelvan:
Here's how I figured out how to update the firmware: https://youtu.be/K-5bDfu0j-U
Not sure its the only way but this is how I did it

Thank you, Medavelvan!

#14