FPS drop and stutters when using controller, but none on keyboard

Addressing Controller-Related FPS Drops and Stuttering on PC Following Recent Updates

Many gamers have recently encountered a frustrating issue where using a controller on PC results in significant FPS drops and stuttering, while gameplay remains smooth when using keyboard and mouse. This problem appears to have emerged roughly around September 20, 2025, shortly after a Microsoft update.

Understanding the Issue

Players have reported that, after the update, even minimal contact with the controller causes drastic performance issues. Notably, those affected notice no such problems when switching to traditional input devices like keyboard and mouse. The widespread nature of this problem became evident through online discussions, including Reddit threads where affected users shared similar experiences.

Potential Cause: The “GameInput” Service

A common thread among those experiencing these issues is related to the “GameInput” component. It appears that there are two instances of this service installed on affected systems: one from 2023 and another from the recent update in September 2025. The coincidence suggests that the latest version may be incompatible or problematic.

Troubleshooting Steps Taken

• Uninstallation Attempts: Some users have attempted to resolve the issue by uninstalling both “GameInput” entries and then restarting their computers. While this temporarily alleviated the problem—often for about an hour—it typically reoccurred later.

• Disabling the Service: Other users have tried disabling or stopping the “GameInput” service via Windows Services management. Despite these efforts, the performance issues persisted, indicating that the service may restart automatically or that other related processes are involved.

Implications for Gamers

For those who rely on controllers and have enjoyed seamless gaming for years, this recent update has disrupted that experience. The inability to use controllers without significant performance degradation diminishes the gaming experience for many, especially for subscribers of services like Xbox/PC Ultimate Game Pass.

Recommendations Moving Forward

While a definitive fix may require further updates from Microsoft or game developers, users encountering this problem can consider the following:

1. Monitor for Official Patches: Keep an eye on official Microsoft updates or driver updates that address this specific issue.

2. Temporary Hardware Switch: Use keyboard and mouse to maintain optimal performance until a permanent solution is released.

3. Provide Feedback: Report this issue through official channels, such as the Windows Feedback Hub or support forums, to help prioritize a fix.

4. Stay Informed: Follow community discussions on platforms like Reddit or official support pages