How to Fix Battlefield 6 Virtual Controller Error Message?

Error “This software cannot be used at the same time as game. Please make sure it’s not running, or restart your PC. : Virtual Controller” in Battlefield 6 appears when the game’s anti-cheat system detects a background input device or software-based controller emulator like DS4Windows or Xpadder.

The Battlefield 6 anti-cheat system treats these tools as potential cheating methods. To maintain fair gameplay, it blocks such software and displays this error whenever you try to launch the game.

Now that you know why this error occurs, let’s move on to the solutions.

1. Disable Third-Party Controller Emulators

Disabling third-party controller emulation programs prevents duplicate controller signals and ensures the game only recognizes trusted devices.

1. Right-click the emulator’s icon from the system tray > Select Exit.
   
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + ESC to open Task Manager.
3. End all tasks related to DS4Windows or similar software.
   
4. Restart Battlefield 6 and check if the error is resolved.

2. Configure Controller Through Steam Input

Instead of relying on third-party software, configure your controller directly through Steam. Steam Input is trusted by most games and avoids conflict with Battlefield 6’s anti-cheat.

1. Open Steam and go to Settings.
   
2. Click the Controller tab.
   
3. Enable PlayStation Controller Support or Enable Steam Input for Xbox Controllers depending on your device.
   
4. Connect your controller via USB cable or Bluetooth.
5. Launch Battlefield 6 through Steam.
6. Right-click on Battlefield 6 in your Steam Library > Properties.
   
7. Go to Controller > Enable Steam Input.
   

3. Use x360ce as a Last-Resort Workaround

If none of the above solutions work, you may try x360ce. This tool remaps your controller into the Xbox XInput format, which Battlefield 6 usually accepts. However, keep in mind that it is still an emulator and may carry the same risks of detection as other tools. Use this only as a fallback option.

1. Download x360ce on your computer.
   
2. Extract the downloaded zip file.
   
3. Run x360ce.exe as Administrator.
   
4. Install any required components when prompted.
   
5. Reopen x360ce.exe as Administrator.
6. Select Controller 1 and click Add.
   
7. Select your connected controller and click Add Selected Device.
   
8. Click Remap All to align your buttons with Xbox inputs.
   
9. Once finished, click Save All.
   

NOTE: In the latest versions of x360ce, you usually don’t need to place the executable in the Battlefield 6 folder. If your controller still doesn’t work, try adding x360ce.exe into the game’s installation directory as a final step.