RE8 - no button response after context switch

[whyme466]

Both my Xbox and VR controllers work perfectly when starting RE8. However, if I pause the game to switch to Steam Desktop, in order to compare progress with game walkthrough, then switch back to game, both Xbox and VR controllers become non-responsive. I can move my hands in-game via my Index controllers, but the game no longer responds to button presses from any input device. At this point, I am forced to quit the game, restarting from the last save. This issue did NOT exist with RE7 gameplay - I could freely switch between RE7 and the Steam Desktop.

Is there anything I can do to force the controllers to respond again, beyond quitting the game?

Update: Solution is to leave Steam Desktop with RE8 selected as active application, when returning to VR gaming (this step is NOT necessary for RE7).