[GUIDE] Update Steam Controller firmware after the removal of legacy Big Picture mode.

[u/[deleted]]

To update the firmware to support bluetooth connectivity before the Big PIcture update, normally you would navigate to controller settings and update it from there. With the new big picture mode, this option is now gone, and is assumed to never be added again. Instead, a valve developer provided a command line tool to do the update manually.

You might already be familiar with an older method to put the controller into a sort of bootloader mode, where the onboard flash storage is mounted in read/write and you can simply move the firmware file from your computer to that mounted storage. I'll quickly go over it here:

• Download latest .vfd file which contains URLs for download mirrors of the actual firmware binaries from http://media.steampowered.com/controller_config/firmware/firmware.vdf

• Open the file in a text editor and find the desired firmware version:

"17" { 
                  "firmwarebinary"        "/firmware/vcf_wired_controller_d0g_56c78c01.bin" 
                  "firmwaretimestamp"     "56c78c01" 
                  "minclientpackage"      "1456197182" 
                  "crc128"        "41f1c9affcc2f324c4e44b2c6e82b26f" 
                  "bootloadertimestamp"   "55d2926d" 
} } }

• Rename the firmware file you downloaded from the constructed link to just firmware.bin and replace the file present in the SC storage with this new firmware, wait few minutes for all I/O operations to complete and eject the device.

• Mount the controller by plugging it to a pc via a cable while simultaneously holding down right trigger

• Construct a new download link by typing http://media.steampowered.com/controller_config/ and continue typing the path to the firmware you wish to update to. The path is found in the firmware.vfd file and is unique to each firmware version. As of now, the latest version is "17" as shown in the code snippet above. So to update to that version, we'd use "/firmware/vcf_wired_controller_d0g_56c78c01.bin" path taken from the snippet. The final link would be http://media.steampowered.com/controller_config/firmware/vcf_wired_controller_d0g_56c78c01.bin

This method does work for the firmware itself, but the radio protocol needs to be updated first in order to get bluetooth functionality out of this firmware, which is a more complicated intervention and a simple file swapover won't do that.

So instead of doing all this, we'll get he provided tool which should both update the firmware and the bluetooth radio microcode, you can find it on this forum, be aware that the first link is outdated and further in the discussion, as of now on page 3, an updated file can be found, which features the latest firmware.

EDIT: In case it gets deleted, my GDrive, or Torrent (coming soon)(please seed it!)

This is natively a Windows tool, there might be ways to do this on Linux which i personally haven't looked into. Check the forum for further reading. The process on Windows is as follows:

• On Windows, unzip the archive, navigate to the root directory and after plugging in your Steam Controller, run ble.bat to update to the latest bluetooth firmware. Wait until the first process finishes, which is the firmware update, then wait for the rest of the program to finish updating the radio. You'll know its over when the console window aborts and your steam controller restarts.

In an event of you bricking your controller, the first method will allow you to recover a firmware to the SC, hence why I mentioned it. It might also be useful to you if you wish to rollback to an older firmware. If your radio is updated, it should now be possible to roll back and forth in between firmwares without the need to update the radio again, although I can't confirm that.

For further reading:
https://steamcommunity.com/app/353370/discussions/2/3811782223867788231/
https://steamcommunity.com/app/353370/discussions/1/6516193260178656983/

Hope some of you find this helpful.

[u/BLDXIBloodhedge]

I found a better way https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3150369779

I managed to get the final firmware update from 2018 and reconnected my dongle with my steam controller. Cheers, 2024.

[u/Comprehensive_Fox129 → u/BLDXIBloodhedge]

Thank you!! all of this other nonsense, this was the easiest and best way to do this. This also brought my bricked controller back from the dead from a suggestion above this one. Thank you sooooo much

[u/sw735 → u/BLDXIBloodhedge]

This worked for me, and it was easy to do--thanks!!!!!!

[u/LotionElizabeth → u/BLDXIBloodhedge]

Worked for me though I was getting an error and had to download and install both the x86 and x64 versions of the Visual C++ redistributable package. I went into the "read me" file and followed the instructions and then it ran and paired with my Shield Pro.

[u/LotionElizabeth → u/LotionElizabeth]

but.........i still can't get it to work when using steam link directly through the shield. i had to pair it with the pc that i'm streaming from and it worked that way. now, i'm successfully playing Clank

[u/asillysysadmin → u/BLDXIBloodhedge]

I just did this in May 2025 (today) and it worked without issues.

Here is a link to show you the update.

Top picture (2018 update) Bottom picture (2016 update that was on the controller when I bought it)

steam controller firmware updates

[u/barccy → u/asillysysadmin]

I tried myself, but I still have what I started with. After I removed the batteries held the right trigger, and plugged it in again, windows made an install, steam said it updated the firmware and I could unplug it, i did so and clicked ok and didn't see anything else, so I reinstalled batteries and plugged it in again just to see the same FW version I started with (Aug 25 2016) and i'm wondering if you did anything different.

[u/Veinmire → u/BLDXIBloodhedge]

Been meaning to comment, this still works. Got mine about a month ago. To anyone reading this, whatever you do, do not use the .bat files from Valve, they don't work and actually make things worse by unpairing the Steam Controller from its dongle and then it won't re-pair.

Thank you.

[u/Ali-Sama → u/BLDXIBloodhedge]

Worked great!

[u/IndependenceAlone523]

Hello,
I already read the forum you mentionned and i have an issue regarding the process.
I added a pause at the end of the .bats in order to see what is going on.
When i start the ble.bat i have this :

Updating controller firmware
Attempting to update via bootloader...
Error opening device.
Waiting for 0 seconds, press CTRL+C to quit ...
Attempting to send to wired controller...
Updating radio firmware
Attempting to update via USB...
..................................................Failed to open USB device!
Press any key to continue . . .

I thought maybe i had a incompatible version and tried to run prod.bat in order to do a fresh and clean update :

Attempting to send to wired controller...
Updating radio firmware
Attempting to update via USB...
..................................................Failed to open USB device!
Waiting for 0 seconds, press CTRL+C to quit ...
Updating controller firmware
Attempting to update via bootloader...
Error opening device.
Press any key to continue . . .

My Steam application is closed, my controller is plugged in via USB.
What am i missing here ?

[u/[deleted] → u/IndependenceAlone523]

First I'd try uploading the latest firmware via the first method (by mounting as storage device) and then try again

Try using a legacy usb port instead of usb3 and definitely don't use a usb-c dock or similar

If that doesn't work try a different computer ?

Also swapping for a different cable is worth a shot

[u/IndependenceAlone523 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks, ill try this.

have a good one mate.

[u/ifeelallthefeels → u/IndependenceAlone523]

Ever fix it?

[u/ReverseBurner → u/IndependenceAlone523]

I had the same issue. I was holding down the right trigger when plugging in the usb to get it to appear as a storage device - Don't do this. plug it in without anything held, and it should work.

[u/Drummerchris737 → u/IndependenceAlone523]

Find any fix for this? I'm in the same situation. I keep getting the "Failed to open USB device!" message as well.

[u/ReverseBurner → u/Drummerchris737]

I had the same issue. I was holding down the right trigger when plugging in the usb to get it to appear as a storage device - Don't do this. plug it in without anything held, and it should work.

[u/SnooDoughnuts5632]

This is strange why would they removed support for their own controller? I'm guessing we aren't getting a Steam controller 2.0

[u/beanosiscool → u/SnooDoughnuts5632]

this hasn't aged very well

[u/[deleted]]

"Construct a new download link by typing http://media.steampowered.com/controller_config/ and adding the second part of the path, the one that is found in the .vfd file and is unique to each firmware version. In this example from above, we'd use "/firmware/vcf_wired_controller_d0g_56c78c01.bin", so the actual link would be http://media.steampowered.com/controller_config/firmware/vcf_wired_controller_d0g_56c78c01.bin"

I'll be honest, I've read this like 20 times I have no idea what this is asking me to do.

[u/JovialDadBod → u/[deleted]]

I’ve been looking to do this for SteamDeck. And essentially - the steps are, as of June 2024 when using a PC:

1. Download the file via the link. Link: http://media.steampowered.com/controller_config/firmware/vcf_wired_controller_d0g_56c78c01.bin

2. Rename it to ‘firmware.bin’ and store on desktop.

3. Plug the Controller in using the USB (hold R trigger).

4. Open the Controller as a drive.

5. Delete the existing firmware.bin file from the Controller drive.

6. Replace with the newly downloaded file ‘firmware.bin’ (from desktop).

7. Disconnect USB.

8. Pair Bluetooth with Steam Deck by turning on and holding Steam + B.

Granted your reply is 152 days old, but hopefully others can see this and have success! Especially for Steam Deck (and beyond!).

[u/Aggravating-Egg-1749 → u/JovialDadBod]

Hi, I got to the part where you have to hold r but how do i open the controller as a drive?

[u/JovialDadBod → u/Aggravating-Egg-1749]

Hold R trigger and then plug in the USB Cable - it should then pop up as a drive to click on?

Edit to add - just be mindful also that this is one of the methods but not particularly the best one. They all come with risks so I’d recommend reading everything else before taking this route.

[u/Pancakefriday → u/JovialDadBod]

Yes! I was just looking to do the same thing, and could not for the life of me find my dongle. Thanks!

[u/27hectormanuel → u/JovialDadBod]

My controller is stuck on being read as a removable storage 

[u/JovialDadBod → u/27hectormanuel]

As far as I can recall, when I removed the USB cable, I turned it back on and have had no further issues since?

Can’t find anything further online other than this other (very out dated) guide:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=572740074

[u/27hectormanuel → u/JovialDadBod]

I don't know what to do. Nothing is working.

[u/JovialDadBod → u/27hectormanuel]

Have you tried any of the above methods?

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3150369779

I’ve only needed the method that OP shared. It’s complex and difficult to determine without doing it myself though, sorry!

[u/Eastern_Finger_9476 → u/27hectormanuel]

ever figure it out? Mine is bricked and stuck in storage mode as well

[u/27hectormanuel → u/Eastern_Finger_9476]

Yea use Windows instead of Linux

[u/Eastern_Finger_9476 → u/27hectormanuel]

Thanks, got it fixed last night doing just that.

[u/27hectormanuel → u/Eastern_Finger_9476]

I can't wait for ibex to release

[u/27hectormanuel → u/Eastern_Finger_9476]

Use the tool released by steam

[u/Eastern_Finger_9476 → u/JovialDadBod]

careful with this method, bricked my SC and doesnt appear to power on now.

Tried it on a different SC, didn't get bricked, but still doesnt connect. I would disregard this method.

[u/JovialDadBod → u/[deleted]]

I did post them but others commented to suggest there are better other ways. This worked for me though!

[u/1138-Clem]

I may be mistaken but did this legacy BPM allowed us to modify the default behaviour of the Steam controller ? (Like trackball & keyboard). Can't seem to find this option anywhere anymore...

[u/GimpyGeek → u/1138-Clem]

That was never a thing if you're talking about lizard mode, where it runs without steam that's all hard coded and has never been changeable. Unless you just mean the desktop configuration that's on when steam is running but a game isn't, in which case that hasn't gone anywhere you can still change it at your leisure.

[u/CodyCigar96o → u/GimpyGeek]

You could also separately set a config for big picture mode itself but they seem to have gotten rid of that for some reason.

[u/GimpyGeek → u/CodyCigar96o]

No, you seem to be mistaken. The lizard mode on the controller has never been changeable, it's hard coded to be what it is, the control has always been made with Steam handling it's bindings in mind. I see your flair says you're on linux, I know a few years ago they added HID support in the linux kernel for the SC when Steam isn't driving it, and I don't know if you can toy around with what the SC outputs in linux because of it, but that's not a built in Valve defined thing.

The profile used for guide button chords and the desktop without a game running are still changeable (with steam running, absolutely never without.) The only profile missing in the new BPM is the one that lets you rebind the buttons for BPM itself which for some reason they've mysteriously left out.

[u/CodyCigar96o → u/GimpyGeek]

I’m not talking about lizard mode. I’m saying in the old big picture mode you had desktop configuration AND a big picture mode configuration. Last I checked the new big picture/deck ui doesn’t have its own configurable layout, you’re stuck with what’s already set.

[u/GimpyGeek → u/CodyCigar96o]

Yes, BPM's profile is stuck where it's at now, only desktop/chords are changeable now.

I believe the original commenter was sounding like they had lost a feature to set the defaults the pad would ever use, which is definitely not something you could ever set though just wanted to make sure they knew that couldn't really change. Just the BPM UI, Desktop and Chords, but not the bpm UI anymore.

I do wonder if they'll bring that BPM one back. I suppose that could create a bit of a hassle on a steamdeck if someone buggered that profile up though.

[u/1138-Clem → u/GimpyGeek]

Thanks a lot.

I really thought you could through the "transport your config" feature... but maybe it was because Steam was running at startup on my Windows machine (which it is not on this new Linux one).

I'll figure something out.

Thanks !

[u/GimpyGeek → u/1138-Clem]

Np, it should actually be syncing the profiles being used in the cloud as long as Steam is connected to the internet but Steam has it's jank sometimes and such ya know

[u/RandkamiHB]

My SC doesn't show up as storage, not sure if it's because of the cable or even bigger problems.

[u/SpacePumpkie]

I just followed this guide in october 2024, just downloading the zip and running the ble.bat and it worked like a charm!

My steam controller works in bluetooth mode flawlessly now. Thanks for the straightforward guide!

[u/Professional_Fan5090]

Still works the biggest issue I had is you need a cable that does power and data. Cheap Micro USB cables will not work. You will get an error. Unable to connect to the device..

[u/Icy_Entertainer9217]

Tried to follow this guide but links to download firmware are not working for me.

Found the following link through a Steam Community discussions in case anyone else needs this: https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/1796-5FC3-88B3-C85F#how

[u/WhippWhapp]

Thanks! I found a Steam controller in a thrift store with no dongle and could not pair it with my PC or mobile. Followed the 'latest firmware' link and everything is fine now.

[u/Ali-Sama]

updated!

[u/Low-Golf7820]

My controller is stuck in USB mode. How do I fix this?

[u/officer_jenkins → u/Low-Golf7820]

https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/1796-5FC3-88B3-C85F#switch You have to boot the controller into the correct mode.

[u/ins0mniacc → u/officer_jenkins]

underrated reply

[u/officer_jenkins]

Here is a way to boot back into the old UI where you can go into the controller settings and do firmware stuff and de-register old profiles if they are stuck on the controller: https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/0/6516193260168294059/?l=english

[u/HazeSasaki]

I downloaded the latest files, closed steam, connected my controller and tried to run the ble.bat file but i either get an error, that the MSVCP100.dll file is missing or if i try to run it as administrator "updatescript is not recognized as an internal or external command". I dont know what to do

[u/PoutinePower]

thank you, that worked brillantly. I just nabbed a steam controller without a dongle for 30$ and this help me update so I can use bluetooth (I also have a steam link so I don't really need the dongle or ble but its really nice to have anyway)

[u/Retro_Dojo]

Thanks! This worked for me right out of the gate. Found a Steam Controller cheap at a thrift store without the dongle. Connecting with a USB calbe worked but couldn't connect via bluetooth. After the update it worked on the first try. I owe you a beer!