DS4Windows Guide

The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Using Your Favorite Controllers on PC

Understanding DS4Windows

DS4Windows is a powerful, free, and open-source utility designed for Windows PCs. Its primary mission is to enable the seamless use of PlayStation controllers—including the DualShock 3, DualShock 4, DualSense, and DualSense Edge—as well as other popular gamepads like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and Joy-Cons, with computer games.

Emulation

DS4Windows functions by emulating an Xbox 360 controller. This is a strategic choice, as the Xbox 360 controller's XInput API is widely supported across the vast majority of PC games, ensuring a high degree of compatibility. By making your PlayStation or Nintendo controller appear to the system as an Xbox 360 controller, DS4Windows unlocks access to countless games that would otherwise be unplayable with these devices.

Remapping & Customization

DS4Windows extends its utility far beyond simple emulation. It is a comprehensive input customization tool, allowing users to extensively remap nearly every aspect of their controller. Buttons, analog sticks, triggers, the touchpad, and even gyro motion sensors can be reassigned to different controller actions, keyboard presses, mouse movements, or complex macros.

Main advantages

Less input lag compared to some alternative solutions
Robust profile system for game-specific configurations
Allows controllers to work with games lacking gamepad support

System Requirements and Official Sources

Before diving into the world of enhanced controller support with DS4Windows, it's essential to ensure your system meets the necessary prerequisites and that you obtain the software from a reliable source.

System requirements

Component	Specification	Notes
Operating System	Windows 10 or newer is explicitly required.	While some very old versions might have worked with Windows 7/8.1, modern DS4Windows development targets Windows 10 and 11.
Microsoft.NET Runtime	Microsoft.NET 8.0 Desktop Runtime (either x64 or x86)	This is a critical dependency. For the latest Ryochan7 releases (version 3.3.0 and newer, including v3.3.3), Microsoft.NET 8.0 Desktop Runtime is mandatory.
Visual C++ Redistributable	Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable package (x64 or x86)	Also required for proper functionality
Bluetooth (Optional)	Bluetooth 4.0 or higher adapter	For wireless use. DS4Windows officially supports the Microsoft Bluetooth stack. CSR and Toshiba Bluetooth stacks have been reported as problematic.

Downloading the Correct Version

The most reliable and direct source for Ryochan7's builds has always been his GitHub releases page.

Download DS4Windows from GitHub

As of the time of writing, the last known stable version released by Ryochan7 is v3.3.3, dated December 31, 2023.

Step-by-Step Installation and Setup Guide

Installing DS4Windows is a relatively straightforward process, as it's a portable application. However, the correct setup of its accompanying drivers is crucial for proper functionality.

Prerequisites Check

.NET Runtime Requirements

For the latest Ryochan7 releases (v3.3.0 and newer, including v3.3.3), you must install:

Microsoft.NET 8.0 Desktop Runtime (x64 or x86, matching your DS4Windows build)
Download link: .NET 8.0 Downloads (Make sure to select "Desktop Runtime")

Visual C++ Requirements

You also need the Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable package:

Download link: Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64)

⚠️ Important Note

DS4Windows will fail to launch if you have the wrong version of .NET Runtime or if you only have the regular .NET Runtime (not the Desktop Runtime). Make sure to install the correct version before proceeding.

Downloading DS4Windows

Navigate to the official Ryochan7 DS4Windows GitHub releases page: https://github.com/Ryochan7/DS4Windows/releases
Locate the latest stable release (e.g., v3.3.3)
Under the 'Assets' section for that release, download the appropriate archive file for your system (for most users, this will be DS4Windows_3.3.3_x64.zip or DS4Windows_3.3.3_x64.7z)

Extracting DS4Windows

DS4Windows is a portable program, meaning it doesn't require a traditional installer that integrates it deep into the Windows system.

Create a dedicated folder on your computer where you want to keep DS4Windows (e.g., C:\DS4Windows or a folder within your Documents)
IMPORTANT: Do NOT extract DS4Windows into system-protected directories like C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86). Doing so can lead to permission issues.
Extract the entire contents of the downloaded .zip or .7z archive into the folder you created

Initial Program Launch and Configuration

Open the folder where you extracted DS4Windows
Double-click DS4Windows.exe to run the application
On the first launch, DS4Windows will prompt you to choose where it should save user data (AppData folder is recommended for most users)
After selecting the save location, a 'Welcome to DS4Windows' setup window will appear to guide you through driver installation

Driver Installation Walkthrough

ViGEmBus Driver

The Virtual Gamepad Emulation Bus (ViGEmBus) driver is absolutely required for DS4Windows to function. It allows DS4Windows to create the virtual Xbox 360 or virtual DualShock 4 controllers that games will recognize.

Action: In the 'Welcome to DS4Windows' window, click the button labeled 'Step 1: Install ViGEmBus Driver' and follow the on-screen prompts.

HidHide Driver

The HidHide driver is strongly recommended to prevent the common 'double input' or 'double controller' issue. This problem occurs when a game detects both your actual physical controller and the virtual controller created by DS4Windows simultaneously.

Action: Click the button for 'Step 2: Install HidHide Driver' and follow the prompts. A system reboot is REQUIRED after installing HidHide for it to take effect.

Post-installation configuration: After rebooting, HidHide will need to be configured. This involves opening the 'HidHide Configuration Client,' selecting your physical controller(s) to hide them, checking 'Enable device hiding,' and adding DS4Windows.exe to the Applications tab.

FakerInput Driver (Optional)

The FakerInput driver is optional. It's designed for users who intend to perform advanced keyboard and mouse emulation with their controller.

Action: If you plan on extensively using your controller to emulate keyboard and mouse inputs, you can click the button to install this driver. Otherwise, it can be skipped.

Finalizing Initial Setup

Once the necessary drivers have been installed, click the 'Finished' button on the setup window
The main DS4Windows application window should now be visible
If using Steam, open Steam > Settings > Controller and ensure that both 'PlayStation Configuration Support' and 'Xbox Configuration Support' are unchecked to avoid conflicts

Connecting Your Controller

Once DS4Windows and its necessary drivers are installed, the next step is to connect your controller to your PC. DS4Windows supports both wired (USB) and wireless (Bluetooth) connections for most compatible gamepads.

Connecting via USB Cable

Connecting your controller via a USB cable is generally the simplest and most reliable method, often preferred for its direct connection and lack of potential wireless interference or battery concerns.

Cable Requirements: Obtain a USB cable that is compatible with your controller (Micro USB for most DualShock 4 models, USB-C for DualSense) and ensure it is a data transfer cable, not just a charging-only cable.
Connection: Plug one end of the USB cable into your controller and the other end into an available USB port on your PC.
Detection: Upon successful connection, Windows should typically play a 'device detected' sound. The controller's lightbar may illuminate.
Verification in DS4Windows: If DS4Windows is running, the connected controller should appear in the 'Controllers' tab of the main window.

Pairing via Bluetooth

For a wireless experience, Bluetooth is the go-to option. However, Bluetooth connectivity can sometimes be more finicky than USB due to factors like adapter quality, driver compatibility, and potential interference.

Bluetooth Prerequisites

Ensure your PC has a Bluetooth adapter. A Bluetooth 4.0 or newer adapter is generally recommended for better stability.
DS4Windows officially supports the Microsoft Bluetooth stack. Adapters relying on older CSR or Toshiba Bluetooth stacks have been reported to cause issues.

The Correct Pairing Method

Controller pairing mode:

DualShock 4 / DualSense / DualSense Edge： Press and hold the PS button and the Share button simultaneously. Continue holding until the controller's lightbar begins to flash rapidly, typically in a double-blink pattern. This indicates it's discoverable for pairing.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller / Joy-Cons： Locate the small, round sync button. Press and hold this sync button until the player indicator LEDs start flashing in a specific pattern.

Windows pairing steps:

On your Windows PC, open Settings
Navigate to Bluetooth & devices (or 'Devices' then 'Bluetooth & other devices' in some Windows versions)
Ensure Bluetooth is turned On
Click on 'Add device' or 'Add Bluetooth or other device'
In the 'Add a device' window, select 'Bluetooth'
Windows will begin scanning for discoverable Bluetooth devices. Your controller should appear in the list
Click on your controller in the list to initiate pairing
If Windows prompts for a PIN code during pairing, try entering 0000

Pairing Troubleshooting

If you encounter connection problems with a previously paired controller, try removing the device from Windows' list of paired Bluetooth devices and then re-pair it
Simply turning on the controller will only work if it has been successfully paired previously

Verifying Connection in DS4Windows

Ensure DS4Windows is running
Navigate to the 'Controllers' tab in the main DS4Windows window
Your connected controller should be listed, showing: ID, Status (USB or BT), Battery level, Selected Profile, and 'Ex' status
You can check the current input delay (latency) by hovering your mouse cursor over its ID or name

Supported Gamepads

Ryochan7's fork of DS4Windows significantly expanded the range of controllers that can be used on a PC. While its name emphasizes DualShock 4 support, its capabilities extend to several other popular gamepads.

Sony DualShock 4 (DS4 v.1 and v.2)

This is the original target controller for the software. Both the original (v.1) and revised (v.2, with the lightbar visible through the touchpad) versions are fully supported.

Sony DualSense (PlayStation 5 Controller)

The PS5 controller is well-supported, including its basic rumble features. DS4Windows can also interface with its adaptive triggers in limited forms.

Sony DualSense Edge

Initial support for the pro-grade DualSense Edge controller has been added, allowing users of this newer gamepad to leverage DS4Windows' features.

Sony DualShock 3 (DS3)

The PlayStation 3 controller can also be used, but it has a specific requirement: users must first install and configure the DsHidMini driver package.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Nintendo's official Pro Controller is supported, offering another excellent alternative for PC gaming via DS4Windows.

Nintendo Joy-Cons (Left and Right)

Individual Joy-Cons are supported and can be used either as separate mini-controllers or paired together. Motion controls and basic rumble work.

Third-party controller support

DS4Windows also added support for a selection of popular third-party controllers that are often designed for PlayStation consoles but may have different internal hardware or identifiers than official Sony gamepads.

Razer Raiju and variants

Nacon Revolution series controllers

Hori PlayStation controllers

Various other third-party models

Core Features and Customization

DS4Windows is renowned not just for making controllers work, but for the extensive level of control it gives users over their gamepad experience. This is primarily achieved through its robust profile system and a wide array of customizable features.

Controller Emulation Explained

DS4Windows' core strength lies in its ability to emulate different types of controllers, tricking the PC and games into recognizing your connected gamepad as something it might natively support better.

Virtual Xbox 360 Controller (Default)

This is the most common and often default emulation target within DS4Windows. The reason is simple: Xbox 360 controllers use Microsoft's XInput API, which has near-universal support in PC games.

Virtual DualShock 4 Controller

DS4Windows also provides the option to emulate a virtual DualShock 4 controller. This mode is beneficial for the subset of PC games that have native support for the DualShock 4.

How to switch emulation types: The type of controller DS4Windows emulates is determined by the active profile. To change the emulation type, edit a profile and look for the 'Output Controller' option.

Mastering Profiles for Personalized Gaming

Profiles are the heart of DS4Windows' customization capabilities. A profile is a collection of all your specific settings – button mappings, analog stick sensitivities, lightbar colors, macro assignments, gyro controls, and more – saved for a particular controller or use case.

Profile management

Create New Profiles: Start from scratch or use a preset
Edit Existing Profiles: Modify any setting within a saved profile
Rename, Delete, Duplicate Profiles: Standard management functions
Import/Export Profiles: Share your configurations with others or back them up

Automatic profile switching

The 'Auto Profiles' tab allows you to associate specific profiles with particular applications (games or other programs). When DS4Windows detects that a linked application has been launched or brought into focus, it will automatically switch the active controller to the designated profile for that application.

Button Mapping and Axis Tuning

The ability to meticulously customize how your controller's buttons and analog sticks behave is a core strength of DS4Windows.

Button remapping

Within the profile editor, usually under a 'Controls' or 'Mappings' tab, you can remap almost every physical button on your controller to a different controller button, keyboard key, mouse action, or special action.

Axis configuration options

DS4Windows offers granular control over analog inputs from sticks and triggers

Deadzone

This defines a small area around the center of an analog stick (or the resting point of a trigger) where no input is registered.

Anti-Deadzone

This setting introduces an offset to the output value once the stick moves out of the DS4Windows deadzone.

Maxzone

This determines how far an analog stick or trigger needs to be pushed to register its maximum output (100%).

Output Curve

This powerful feature dictates how physical stick movement translates into virtual output. Options include Linear, Enhanced Precision, and Custom Bezier Curve.

Lightbar Customization

The lightbar on DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers is not just for show; DS4Windows allows you to customize its color and behavior for both aesthetic and functional purposes.

Custom Colors

You can set a static color for the lightbar for each profile.

Reflect Battery Level

A popular feature is to have the lightbar color dynamically change based on the controller's battery percentage.

Rainbow Mode

For a more vibrant effect, a 'Rainbow Mode' will make the lightbar cycle through various colors.

Flash Options

Some versions or settings allow for pulsing or flashing effects.

Touchpad and Gyro Controls

Modern PlayStation controllers feature both a touchpad and sophisticated gyroscope/accelerometer motion sensors. DS4Windows allows users to harness these inputs for various PC gaming and desktop control purposes.

Touchpad features

The touchpad can be configured for various functions:

Mouse Emulation: By default, the touchpad on DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers is often configured to emulate a PC mouse.
Toggle Touchpad Mouse: A common convenience feature is the ability to quickly toggle the touchpad's mouse functionality on or off.
Mapping Clicks and Swipes: You can define distinct actions for different areas or gestures on the touchpad.

Gyroscope control

The gyroscope allows the controller to detect its own rotation and tilt. DS4Windows leverages this for motion-based controls.

Mouse

This is a highly popular mode, especially for first-person and third-person shooters. Tilting the controller moves the mouse cursor.

Mouse-like Joystick

This clever mode is designed for games that don't support simultaneous controller and mouse input.

Directional Swipe

Gyro movements can be configured to trigger specific directional inputs or actions.

Macros and Special Actions

For users looking to automate complex inputs or add unique functionalities to their controller, DS4Windows offers powerful macro and special action capabilities.

Macros

A macro is a pre-recorded sequence of button presses, stick movements, and delays that can be triggered by a single button press or combination on your controller.

Special actions

Beyond macros that replicate controller/keyboard inputs, DS4Windows offers 'Special Actions' that perform specific program-level or system-level functions.

Launch Program: Open a specific application on your PC
Load Profile: Switch DS4Windows to a different controller profile
Check Battery: Can be used to trigger a lightbar indication of battery level
Media Controls: Play, pause, skip track, adjust volume
Mode Shifts: Allows a set of buttons to change their function while a designated modifier button is held down

Troubleshooting Common DS4Windows Issues

While DS4Windows is a robust tool, users may occasionally encounter issues. This section addresses some of the most common problems and provides steps to resolve them.

DS4Windows Not Detecting Controller

Is DS4Windows Running and Started?

Ensure the DS4Windows.exe application is actually running, and the service is started (button in bottom-right should say 'Stop').

Check Physical USB Connection

Try a different USB data cable, test a different USB port, and check if the lightbar indicates a data connection.

Verify Bluetooth Pairing

Ensure the controller was put into its specific pairing mode before attempting to add it via Windows Bluetooth settings.

Is the Controller Hidden by HidHide?

Check that DS4Windows.exe is whitelisted in HidHide Configuration Client, and that 'Enable device hiding' is checked.

The 'Double Input' Issue

This is when the game seems to receive every command twice, or the controller behaves erratically.

Cause: The game is simultaneously 'seeing' or receiving input from both your physical controller and the virtual controller created by DS4Windows.

Using HidHide Driver

Open the 'HidHide Configuration Client'
Go to the 'Devices' tab and check the box next to your physical controller(s)
Ensure the 'Enable device hiding' checkbox is checked
Go to the 'Applications' tab, add DS4Windows.exe and ensure it's checked
After correctly configuring HidHide, in DS4Windows the 'Ex' column should show a positive indicator

Latency or Input Lag Problems

Input lag, where there's a noticeable delay between pressing a button and the action occurring in-game, can ruin the gaming experience.

Solution

Use a good quality Bluetooth adapter, preferably Bluetooth 4.0 or newer
Try different USB ports for your Bluetooth dongle, preferably USB 2.0
Minimize wireless interference from Wi-Fi and other devices
Set your Windows Power Plan to 'High Performance'
Adjust the 'BT Poll Rate' setting in DS4Windows profiles

DS4Windows Fails to Start or Crashes

Missing Microsoft.NET Runtime

Ensure you have the correct version of the Microsoft.NET Desktop Runtime installed for your DS4Windows version.

Missing Visual C++ Redistributable

Install the Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable package matching your DS4Windows build.

Corrupted User Data

Try backing up and then deleting the Profiles folder and configuration files, then relaunch DS4Windows.

ViGEmBus Driver Issues

Try reinstalling the ViGEmBus driver manually from its official GitHub page.

Current Status of DS4Windows

For a significant period, the fork of DS4Windows maintained by the developer Ryochan7 was the gold standard for using PlayStation and other alternative controllers on PC.

Ryochan7's version contributions

Expanded Controller Support: Added support for newer controllers beyond the DualShock 4
Improved User Interface: Significant rewrite from Windows Forms to Windows Presentation Foundation
Numerous Features and Bug Fixes: Added advanced configuration options, sophisticated macro capabilities, and more

In mid-2023, Ryochan7 announced plans to cease development on his DS4Windows fork, and the final official release from Ryochan7, version 3.3.3, was published on December 31, 2023.

It is crucial for users to understand that Ryochan7's version 3.3.3 remains fully functional as of its release. The EOL status means that this version will not receive any further official updates, bug fixes, or new feature additions.

Community forks

The open-source nature of DS4Windows allows any developer to 'fork' the project and continue its development. Following Ryochan7's announcement, several community members and groups have initiated such forks to provide ongoing support.

Vapour (formerly DS4Windows by CircumSpector): A significant undertaking aimed at modernizing large sections of the DS4Windows codebase

Schmaldeo's fork: Another fork that has been mentioned in community discussions as being actively maintained

Alternatives to DS4Windows

Steam Input

Valve's Steam platform includes a powerful and highly configurable built-in controller management system. It supports a vast range of controllers and allows for extensive remapping and action sets.

reWASD

This is a commercial (paid) software alternative that offers extremely comprehensive controller remapping features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will DS4Windows work with my PS5 controller?

Yes, DS4Windows supports the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, including basic rumble features and limited adaptive trigger functionality.

Can I use DS4Windows with Steam games?

Yes, but it's recommended to disable Steam's own controller configuration features to avoid conflicts. Go to Steam > Settings > Controller and uncheck both PlayStation and Xbox configuration support options.

Does DS4Windows work with Xbox controllers?

While DS4Windows might technically detect an Xbox controller, its primary purpose is not to remap or manage Xbox controllers. These controllers already have native Windows support, making DS4Windows largely redundant for them.

Why does my game detect two controllers?

This is the common 'double input' issue. It happens when a game sees both your physical controller and the virtual controller created by DS4Windows. The solution is to properly configure the HidHide driver as explained in the troubleshooting section.

Why does my controller not connect via Bluetooth?

The most common reason is incorrect pairing. Make sure to use the controller's specific pairing mode (e.g., PS+Share buttons for PlayStation controllers) when connecting. Also, ensure you have a compatible Bluetooth adapter using Microsoft's Bluetooth stack.

Conclusion

DS4Windows, through its various iterations and particularly due to the extensive development by Ryochan7, has established itself as an invaluable utility for PC gamers. It successfully addresses the long-standing challenge of using non-native controllers, especially PlayStation gamepads, with a wide array of Windows games by offering robust emulation and unparalleled customization options. From basic Xbox 360 controller emulation for broad compatibility to intricate button remapping, axis tuning, macro creation, and unique features like gyro controls and lightbar customization, DS4Windows empowers users to tailor their gaming experience to their precise preferences and needs.