Software⏱️ 2 min read📅 2026-05-29

How to Fix: Lag on old PC games until a gamepad is connected

Windows XP games running slow on Windows 10 PC, but with gamepad connected, they run at full speed.

Quick Answer: Try updating the graphics drivers for your integrated graphics card to see if it resolves the issue.

Some older Windows XP games are running very slow on your Windows 10 PC, but connecting a gamepad before launching the game resolves the issue. This phenomenon occurs even when the game doesn't utilize gamepad input.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • Older games may not be optimized for modern Windows versions.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Method 1: Disable Gamepad Interference

  1. Step 1: Open the Device Manager and expand the 'Game Controllers' section.

Method 2: Update GameMaker Engine

  1. Step 1: Check the game's official website for updates and install any available patches.

🎯 Final Words

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the lag issue in your older Windows XP games. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to the game's developer for further assistance.

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