Hey Letsbedeluxe — thanks for the clear description. You’re doing the right thing by blocking GameInput when it breaks things, but Bedrock’s new requirement makes that awkward. I’ll give a few practical workarounds (ways to play without relying on the Microsoft GameInput package) and some targeted troubleshooting steps if you prefer to install GameInput and fix the lag/disconnect instead.
Before we dive in: can you tell me
- Windows version (Windows 10 or 11 and build if you know it)?
- Controller make/model (Xbox, DualSense, generic XInput, Bluetooth controller, etc. and whether it’s wired or wireless?
- Headset model and how it connects (USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth)?
- Exact Minecraft error or behaviour when it “requires” GameInput (any popup text)?
Workarounds (play without having to use Microsoft GameInput)
1) Use Steam Input (easy, usually works)
- Add Bedrock Launcher / Minecraft.exe as a Non‑Steam Game in Steam: Steam > Games > Add a Non‑Steam Game > Browse > select the Minecraft launcher .exe.
- In your Steam library right‑click the added entry > Properties > Controller > Force off/Enable “Enable Steam Input” or choose a Steam Input preset (you can try “Generic Gamepad” or “Xbox”).
- Launch Minecraft through Steam — Steam will present an XInput-compatible controller to the game even if GameInput isn’t installed.
Note: This often fixes controller input without touching GameInput. If you use a Bluetooth controller, pair it to Windows first.
2) Use a controller-to-XInput wrapper (x360ce / DS4Windows / ViGEm / antiMicroX)
- x360ce: maps any DirectInput controller to XInput (works with many games). Place the x360ce .dll/EXE next to the Minecraft executable and configure.
- DS4Windows: for DualShock/ DualSense controllers — makes them appear as Xbox controllers.
- These tools let Bedrock see an XInput controller without the OS package. Some are third‑party; use caution and download from the official project page.
3) Use Java Edition (if acceptable)
- Java Edition doesn’t require Microsoft GameInput. If you own only Bedrock this may not be an option, but it’s a workaround if controller isn't strictly required in Bedrock.
If you want to install GameInput and stop the lag/disconnections
If Bedrock insists on GameInput but GameInput creates lag/disconnects, try troubleshooting the cause — it’s usually a driver/conflict or audio/device exclusive access issue.
Before changes: create a System Restore point and back up anything important.
A. Install GameInput properly
- Reinstall the official GameInput/“Game Input Redistributable” from the Microsoft Store (or via the installer you used before). This ensures all files are correct.
B. Update drivers & firmware
- Update controller firmware (Xbox Accessories app for Xbox controllers).
- Update controller drivers in Device Manager: find your controller under “Human Interface Devices” or “Xbox Peripherals” → right‑click → Update driver.
- Update Bluetooth drivers if the controller/headset is Bluetooth (use vendor site or chipset vendor: Intel/Widcomm/Qualcomm).
- Update headset drivers or audio drivers (Realtek/USB audio driver as appropriate).
C. USB / Bluetooth hardware checks
- Try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0 for some older controllers/headsets) and avoid front-panel hubs.
- If Bluetooth, test with a different dongle or use wired to check if Bluetooth stack causes the problem.
D. Audio exclusive control (headset dropouts)
- Windows Sound > Right‑click device > Properties > Advanced tab > uncheck “Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device” and uncheck enhancements. This commonly fixes apps stealing the audio device and causing disconnects.
E. Disable potential interfering features
- Turn off Xbox Game Bar and Game DVR temporarily (Settings > Gaming) to test.
- Try turning off “Spatial Sound” or other enhancements.
F. System integrity checks
- Run these from an elevated Command Prompt:
- sfc /scannow
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
These fix corrupted system files that could affect GameInput.
G. Test in Clean Boot
- Do a clean boot (disable non‑Microsoft startup items/services) and test — this can reveal a conflicting third‑party driver/app.
H. Look for event logs
- After reproducing the lag/disconnect, open Event Viewer → Windows Logs → System/Application and look for errors around the time of disconnection. That helps identify the driver or service causing it.
If none of that helps
- You can temporarily keep GameInput uninstalled and use one of the wrappers (Steam Input/x360ce/DS4Windows). If you want, I can walk you step‑by‑step through adding Bedrock to Steam or setting up x360ce/DS4Windows — tell me which controller you have.
Safety note
- Third‑party wrappers are widely used but always download them from official project pages and be aware some multiplayer anti‑cheat systems can be picky (Bedrock generally permits these for input mapping, but check the tool’s docs).
Next step
Tell me the Windows version, controller and headset details, and whether you prefer:
A) trying Steam Input first (I’ll give exact step‑by‑step),
B) installing GameInput and troubleshooting so it stops lagging (I’ll give a prioritized checklist), or
C) setting up x360ce/DS4Windows (I’ll provide install/config steps for your controller).
I’ll guide you through whichever path you pick.
dealing with something that breaks your controller and your headset is wild. minecraft forcing gameinput back on you is just… ugh. i don’t know a perfect workaround, but maybe try updating controller drivers or checking if there’s a lighter version of gameinput floating around. sometimes folks on forums find random tweaks that actually work. hope you find a fix soon, that kinda lag can ruin the whole vibe 
