HP OMEN 16 Core Ultra 7 155H Game Controller Not Detected Fix

Gaming Fix

HP OMEN 16 Game Controller Not Detected Fix

HP OMEN 16 · Core Ultra 7 155H · Windows 11 · USB & Bluetooth controller

When a game controller is not detected on the HP OMEN 16, the cause varies by connection type. USB controllers may not initialize due to power management. Bluetooth controllers need proper pairing. Xinput controllers are not detected by DirectInput games and vice versa. Follow the fix for your connection type.

Fix 1 — For USB controllers: try a different port and disable USB power management

Connect the controller to a different USB-A port on the OMEN 16. Then go to Device Manager → Universal Serial Bus controllers, right-click each USB Root Hub → Properties → Power Management, and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device. USB power management can prevent controllers from reinitializing after a brief idle period.

Fix 2 — For Xbox controllers: use Xbox Accessories app

Download Xbox Accessories from the Microsoft Store. Connect the Xbox controller via USB-A to USB-C cable or the Xbox wireless adapter. The Xbox Accessories app confirms the controller is detected by Windows and allows firmware updates. Update the controller firmware if prompted — outdated firmware can cause non-detection on the OMEN 16.

Fix 3 — For DualShock/DualSense controllers: use DS4Windows or Steam input

PlayStation controllers connected via USB use DirectInput, which most modern games do not natively support. Install DS4Windows to remap the DualSense or DualShock as an Xbox (XInput) controller. Alternatively, enable Steam Controller support in Steam → Settings → Controller, which handles PS controller input translation automatically.

Fix 4 — For Bluetooth controllers: re-pair and update Bluetooth driver

Remove the controller from Settings → Bluetooth & devices, then re-pair it in pairing mode. If Bluetooth detection is unreliable, update the Intel Bluetooth driver from HP Support for the OMEN 16. Outdated Bluetooth drivers on the Core Ultra 7 155H platform cause intermittent controller disconnections during gameplay.

Fix 5 — Test the controller in Game Controllers settings

Press Win + R, type joy.cpl, and press Enter to open Game Controllers. If the controller appears here, it is detected by Windows. If a game does not see it, the issue is game-specific input handling (try enabling Big Picture mode in Steam or verifying game files). If it does not appear in joy.cpl, the controller hardware or driver is the issue.

Firdaus, Johor Bahru: “My PS5 DualSense was not detected in most games on my HP OMEN 16. Installing DS4Windows and using the virtual Xbox mode fixed controller detection in every game I tested.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the HP OMEN 16 have an Xbox wireless receiver built in?

No. The OMEN 16 does not include an integrated Xbox Wireless receiver. To use an Xbox wireless controller without USB cable, you need the separate Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows (sold separately), or connect via Bluetooth if the Xbox controller supports it (Xbox Series S/X controller and newer).

Can the HP OMEN 16 detect multiple controllers simultaneously?

Yes. Windows supports up to 8 XInput controllers simultaneously and additional DirectInput controllers. Connect each controller before launching the game. Most games auto-assign controllers in the order they were connected.

Why does my controller work in some games but not others on the HP OMEN 16?

The controller is likely detected by Windows (it appears in joy.cpl) but the specific game uses XInput while your controller outputs DirectInput, or vice versa. Use DS4Windows for PlayStation controllers or Steam Input for broad game compatibility. Some older games require the controller to be player 1 and do not accept input from any other slot.

Does the HP OMEN 16 support rumble feedback from controllers?

Yes. USB and Bluetooth connected controllers that support rumble (vibration) will function normally with games that implement the rumble API. For Xbox controllers this works natively. DualSense haptic feedback requires DS4Windows or native game support for full haptic features.