How to Calibrate a Joystick

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Last Updated: February 2, 2024

Computer joysticks, while not as popular as in years past, are still fairly commonly used for a multitude of games and applications. Joysticks are excellent for certain games such as some first-person shooters and flight simulators, where a keyboard and mouse can feel too confusing or unnatural for smooth gameplay. However, joysticks tend to loosen up over time, and may not center correctly when released. This can cause "The Club" syndrome: when the joystick seems to be constantly pulling in one direction. Additionally, users have reported problems adapting old joysticks to Microsoft Windows 7. Calibrating your joystick will recenter it, and improve game play.

Note: There are no joysticks made specifically for Mac OSX, and they generally do not run well on recent Macs. There may be variations in set up and calibration dependent on the model and age of the joystick. These steps apply most readily to Microsoft Windows 7.

Steps

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Open the Control Panel.^{[1]
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- Note: The navigation path to this control may differ depending on how your version of Windows is customized; however, the Control Panel can generally be found through the Start Menu or under My Computer.
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If your joystick does not appear, check your connections, and make sure it is fully plugged in, or that your computer can handle all the USB memory.
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Follow the directions of the Device Calibration Wizard that appears.
- For axis calibration, move your joystick in full circles, and make sure the '+' sign traces all four sides and corners of the square.
- On the next screen, click the left thumb button on the joystick again. This should bring you to the next screen. Move the throttle back and forth several times, then click "Next."^{[4]
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- Now, for Z calibration, rotate your joystick several times, then click "Next," then "Finish" and then "OK."

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Question

What if the joystick says it is calibrated, but it is not working?

Community Answer

Your controller might be broken, and you may need to get a new one.

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Tips

The joystick manufacturer may also provide a calibration and button test tool in the supplied software package. It is usually recommended, but not required, that you calibrate your joystick using this tool instead of the built-in Windows tool, since the manufacturer's tool will probably contain extra features or settings.

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Recalibrate your joystick after periods of disuse or if you notice any drifting.

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Warnings

Please note that calibration cannot fix physically broken joysticks; if your joystick is broken or excessively loose, it is probably better to get a new one.

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When not in use, make sure the joystick is straight up and centered. If the joystick is left on its side or held in tension for long periods of time, the springs will weaken and the joystick will be unusable. Calibration will not rectify this.^{[5]
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This guide is for the Windows operating system only. If you are trying to run a joystick on a different operating system, you may consider contacting the manufacturer for further advice.

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Things You'll Need

A PC with Windows
A PC-compatible joystick, and available memory and USB port(s).
Manufacturer's drivers and software are recommended, but not always required for USB joysticks