Skyrim Controls Not Working on Steam Deck Fix

Walk through to get the game to recognize the Controls of the Steam Deck so you can play the game.

How to get controls working

1. Exit the game if you haven't already
   
2. Hit the Steam button on the left side of the console and go to Settings
   
3. While in Settings go to System and enable Developer Tools
   
4. Now once enabled go back to the game page and click on the gear icon for the settings
   
5. While there go to Developer and Delete Proton
   
6. Now go back to the gear icon and go to Properties then Compatibility and check the box
   
7. Now when the drop menu appears open it up and click on Proton Experimental

Once all that is done you should be able to launch the game just fine and the game will now recognize the Steam Deck as a controller and you can finally play the game.

This works with other games as well, but Skyrim is the only game I've ever had this issue with.

[D th W rm]

wiping proton also reset the mod loader and wiped all save game files, it did fix the controller input issue, and save time on uninstalling and reinstalling the whole game, modders will essentially still have to reinstall and do the extra steps to get the game modded again.

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Gonna have to rebuild a mod list and order so id recommend y'all take a screenshot of that first.

[Ysgramor]

THANKS!!!! worked for me, 2025 B)

[paid shavocado]

im trying to play in desktop mode and it won't recognize my keyboard and mouse, only the steam deck controller. any idea how to fix?

[Ki11s0n3]

It shouldn't delete any saves. Especially with cloud saves.

[Wajser]

RIP my saves At least the problem was fixed...

[Ki11s0n3]

Glad to hear it

[Tarnaclese]

Worked for me in 2024, thanks man!

[Lorlor485]

Turns out I had to load it from the desktop.

[Ki11s0n3]

Then either Steam updated and broke it or you skipped something. Did this myself and it got the game working for me.

[gamerprophet506]

Tried the steps. I does not work. The game will boot with keyboard and mouse only.