For DS4Windows to work correctly with your DualShock 4 or DualSense controller on Windows 10 or 11, you need to install specific drivers. These drivers help DS4Windows communicate with your controller and your computer.

Some drivers are absolutely necessary, while others are optional but can improve how DS4Windows works. When you launch the DS4Windows application for the first time, it will often guide you through installing these needed drivers.

Here are the key drivers:

1. Virtual Gamepad Emulation Bus (ViGEmBus)

The ViGEmBus driver is the most important component for DS4Windows. It creates virtual, or “fake,” controllers on your computer. DS4Windows uses ViGEmBus to make your PlayStation controller appear to Windows and games as if it were an Xbox 360, Xbox One, or even a virtual DualShock 4 controller.

• Function: Creates virtual gamepads.
• Necessity: Required for DS4Windows to function.
• Benefit: Allows your PlayStation controller to be recognized by games that expect Xbox controllers.

2. HidHide

The HidHide driver is an optional but highly recommended tool. It solves a common problem called “double input.” This happens when both Windows and DS4Windows try to recognize your controller at the same time. The result is that your controller’s actions are registered twice, which can make games unplayable. HidHide hides your physical PlayStation controller from Windows, allowing only DS4Windows to detect it. This prevents conflicting inputs.

• Function: Hides physical gamepads from the system.
• Necessity: Optional, but highly recommended to prevent double input issues.
• Benefit: Ensures smooth gameplay without conflicting controller signals.

3. FakerInput

FakerInput is another optional driver that expands DS4Windows’s capabilities. It allows DS4Windows to send virtual keyboard and mouse commands to your computer. This is particularly useful in situations where the standard way DS4Windows sends these commands might fail. For example, if you are running a game as an administrator, or if a game has anti-cheat systems that block normal input methods, FakerInput can help DS4Windows work. It is essential for using DS4Windows with certain games that have strong anti-cheat protection, like Valorant.

• Function: Exposes system-wide virtual keyboard and mouse.
• Necessity: Optional, but needed for specific situations like elevated processes or certain anti-cheat systems.
• Benefit: Improves compatibility with a wider range of games and system prompts.

4. Windows Libraries and Frameworks

DS4Windows relies on certain core components of the Windows operating system to run. These are not drivers in the traditional sense but are essential software packages.

• Microsoft .NET 6.0.6 Runtime Desktop: This is a software framework developed by Microsoft. DS4Windows is built using this framework, so it needs to be installed for the application to run. Some users might find that installing just the .NET runtime is not enough. In such cases, installing the entire .NET SDK (Software Development Kit) can resolve the issue. The .NET SDK includes the runtime along with tools for developers, but it ensures all necessary components are present.
• Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x64 or x86): This is another set of runtime libraries from Microsoft. Many applications, including DS4Windows, use components from Visual C++. You will need to install either the x64 version (for 64-bit Windows) or the x86 version (for 32-bit Windows), depending on your operating system. Most modern computers run 64-bit Windows.
• Operating System: DS4Windows is designed to work with Windows 10 or newer operating systems. Older versions of Windows may not be fully supported.
• Function: Provides core software components for DS4Windows to run.
• Necessity: Required for the DS4Windows application to launch and function.
• Benefit: Ensures compatibility and stable operation of the software.

5. DS4Windows Application

After installing the required drivers and Windows components, you can download and run the DS4Windows program itself. The official DS4Windows application ties all these drivers and components together, allowing you to configure and use your PlayStation controller on your PC. It is important to download the official version of the DS4Windows application from its reputable source to ensure you have the latest features and security updates.

• Function: The main program that manages your controller and its settings.
• Necessity: Required for using all the features.
• Benefit: Provides a user interface to customize and control your PlayStation controller on Windows.

Legacy Controller Drivers (No Longer Needed)

In the past, DS4Windows used different drivers that are now outdated. These “legacy” drivers are no longer required for current versions of DS4Windows. Knowing about them can prevent issues if you accidentally install them.

HidGuardian

HidGuardian was a driver that could hide controllers from the system, similar to HidHide. It was previously used by DS4Windows to prevent the double input problem. However, HidGuardian was replaced by HidHide because HidHide is more effective and easier to use.

• Status: Obsolete.
• Reason for Obsolescence: Replaced by HidHide, which performs better.
• Important Note: DS4Windows stopped supporting HidGuardian in version 3.0.8. If you still have HidGuardian installed, it might hide your controller from both Windows and DS4Windows, making your controller unusable. It is best to remove it if present.

Virtual Gamepad Emulation Bus (ScpVBus)

The ScpVBus driver was an older driver used to create virtual Xbox 360 controllers. It was the predecessor to the ViGEmBus driver. ScpVBus became obsolete with the release of the more advanced ViGEmBus driver.

• Status: Obsolete.
• Reason for Obsolescence: Replaced by ViGEmBus.
• Common Error: Users sometimes accidentally install ScpVBus when searching for DS4Windows online. This can happen if they find older versions of DS4Windows that still prompt for ScpVBus installation.
• Important Note: Ryochan7’s DS4Windows, the current widely used version, does not use ScpVBus except for very specific testing. For the average user, ScpVBus has no purpose. It is recommended to uninstall it if you have it, as it can sometimes cause system issues or even Blue Screens of Death (BSoD) on Windows.

Why Driver Management Matters

Proper driver management is crucial for a smooth experience with DS4Windows. Installing the correct, up-to-date drivers ensures that your controller functions reliably and efficiently. Using outdated or incorrect drivers can lead to:

• Input lag: Delays between your controller actions and what happens on screen.
• Connection issues: Your controller might disconnect randomly.
• Crashes: The DS4Windows application or even your games might crash.
• System instability: In rare cases, incorrect drivers can cause your Windows system to become unstable.

Regularly checking for updates for DS4Windows and its associated drivers can prevent many common problems. The DS4Windows application usually provides notifications when new driver updates are available.

Setting Up DS4Windows: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you have gathered the necessary drivers and the DS4Windows application, the setup process is straightforward.

1. Download DS4Windows: Obtain the official DS4Windows application from a trusted source, such as its GitHub page or a reputable download portal.
2. Extract the Files: DS4Windows usually comes as a zipped file. Unzip the contents to a folder on your computer. A good location would be within your “Program Files” or “Documents” folder.
3. Run DS4Windows: Open the DS4Windows application.
4. Driver Installation Prompt: The first time you run DS4Windows, it will likely prompt you to install the necessary drivers. Click on the “Install Drivers” or similar option. This process will typically install ViGEmBus.
5. Optional Driver Installation (HidHide/FakerInput): If you plan to use HidHide to prevent double input or FakerInput for expanded compatibility, you will need to install these separately. DS4Windows often has a “Settings” or “Tools” tab where you can find options to install these additional drivers. Follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Connect Your Controller: Connect your DualShock 4 or DualSense controller to your PC using a USB cable or via Bluetooth. For Bluetooth, ensure your PC has Bluetooth capabilities and pair the controller through Windows’ Bluetooth settings.
7. Configure in DS4Windows: Once connected, DS4Windows should detect your controller. You can then go into the “Profiles” tab to create or edit a profile for your controller. Here, you can customize button mappings, touchpad settings, light bar colors, and more.
8. Test Your Controller: Launch a game to test if your controller is working as expected. If you experience issues like double input, ensure HidHide is correctly installed and activated within DS4Windows.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the correct drivers, you might encounter issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Controller Not Detected:
  • Ensure all required drivers (.NET Runtime, Visual C++, ViGEmBus) are installed.
  • Try a different USB cable or Bluetooth adapter.
  • Restart DS4Windows and your computer.
  • Check if your controller is charged.
• Double Input (Two Inputs Registered):
  • Install and enable HidHide within DS4Windows. Make sure HidHide is configured to hide your controller.
  • Ensure no other controller remapping software is running.
• DS4Windows Not Launching:
  • Verify that .NET 6.0.6 Runtime Desktop and Visual C++ Redistributable are installed.
  • Check your antivirus software; it might be blocking DS4Windows. Add an exception for the DS4Windows folder.
• Game Not Recognizing Controller:
  • Ensure DS4Windows is running and your controller is connected.
  • Check if the game supports Xbox controllers. DS4Windows makes your PlayStation controller act like an Xbox controller.
  • For games with anti-cheat, consider installing FakerInput.
• Blue Screen of Death (BSoD):
  • If you experience BSoD, especially after installing drivers, check if you have any legacy drivers like ScpVBus or HidGuardian installed. Uninstall them immediately.
  • Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date.

By understanding the purpose of each driver and following proper installation steps, you can effectively use your PlayStation controllers on your Windows PC with DS4Windows. This allows you to enjoy a wider range of games with your preferred gaming hardware.