Winlator is one of the most popular Windows emulators that you can use on Android, especially to play PC games on your mobile device. Though the functions of Winlator extend far beyond that, the key reason for its usage worldwide is for gaming.
There are many amazing features and qualities of Winlator. While being compatible with a wide range of Android versions, it is also capable of adapting to a wide variety of controller devices. For example, you can connect gamepads and use keyboard mapping with the games you play on an Android device using Winlator. So Winlator is superior to the other Windows emulators because of its exclusive features.

Why Do You Want Controllers / Keyboard & Mouse in Winlator?
Playing a PC game with good performance was a big challenge back then. But now, it has even come into your fingertips. The Windows games that required a lot of advanced functionality to run can now be played with minimal resources of your computer. One reason for this is that the devices are already upgraded to match the requirements of the games and are available for affordable prices compared to their older versions.
However, since now you can run those advanced games on your mobiles with Winlator, there certainly are other controllers that help you get the video game feeling. Those controllers will enable you to play the game with easier gestures than the touchscreen alone and will activate punctual game functions as well. For example, if you are playing an action game, a keyboard could help you access different shots quicker than by only using the touchscreen.
You should also know that Winlator consists of a built-in virtual controller that you can try. Yet, the keyboard is the first thing that your fingers have the practice to use, and so is the mouse. So this article will educate you on how to connect a keyboard and mouse to your Android device and enjoy your Winlator gaming on a whole other level.
How to Use a Controller in Winlator?
By connecting a controller to your Winlator device, you can enjoy the game with more comfort and freedom. When you have to access all the functions of the game through the touchscreen alone, it could be difficult and crammed. Of course, this is something that depends on the game you are playing, but surely, those who installed Winlator for the sake of playing games will definitely agree.
By following the below set of steps, you can connect a controller to your Android device and optimize its functionality as well
Steps to connect a controller to your Android device:
- First of all, you should physically connect the controller to your device. In this case, if you have a Bluetooth controller, make sure you pair it with the device and confirm that the device recognizes the connection. If your controller is a wired one, you can use a USB OTG cable to connect it to the mobile.
- When the controller is properly connected, you should launch Winlator on the device and enter a container where you can get a game to run. Now tap on the Back button within the container. This will show you the Menu where you can find the option “Controls”.

- Now select “Input Controls”, which will show you a drop-down menu. The following control schemes available in Winlator will be shown to you:
- Real-Time Strategy (RTS) – for games based on strategy
- Virtual Gamepad – for those who prefer the built-in on-screen controller
- Custom Controller Profile – If there is an external gamepad available with you

- You can select the controller option that is with you.

- If you wish to customize the selected controller, you should click on the “Settings” button, which is right next to the dropdown menu. Options such as selecting key mappings, button functions, and tweak settings are all available here for you to change.

- In order to make sure that your controller is working properly, tap on “External Controllers”. This will direct you to change the button mapping on your gamepad.
- After the controller is fully set, you can go ahead, open a game, and check your upgrade.
How to Use Keyboard and Mouse in Winlator?
However, controllers are not always necessary. Gaming could still be fun if you have the conventional keyboard and mouse connected to Winlator too. You can connect the keyboard and mouse combo to your Android device by following the steps given below:
- Just like for the other controllers, you need to physically connect your keyboard and mouse to the Android device first. If you have a Bluetooth Keyboard and mouse duo, connect them to the device and ensure that each of them stays paired. But if you have a wired keyboard and mouse, a USB OTG cable will help you connect them to the device.
- Now launch Winlator and open the game that you wish to play in a container.
- There could be a common issue of certain keyboard keys not working with Winlator. You can fix this by installing an app called “Key Remapper”. Key Remapper can be downloaded from its website through a setup.exe file.

- To complete installing the Key Remapper app, open another Winlator container and open D: drive. There, you can run the downloaded setup.exe file and wait for the installation to complete.

- Now go to the Start menu in Winlator and choose “Programs”>”ATNSOFT Key Remapper” and open the app.

- When Key Remapper programs opens on your screen, select the option “Insert Action”. This will allow you to map the keys manually to the respective functions. If you have already identified the faulty keys, such as Enter and Esc in many cases, you can map them properly from here.
- Now your keyboard and mouse should be perfectly ready for you. You can launch your favorite game and start enjoying it now.
Final Words
So, as it is clear, using controllers will give you a better gaming experience with your Android device, which is very similar to playing original PC games. Likewise, connecting the keyboard and mouse combo will also bring you smooth and high-performance gaming. So, make sure you follow the instructions given in this article carefully and make your Winlator gaming experience the best you could think of.