How to Enable Touchpad and Gyroscope Features in DS4Windows (DS4Win)

Have you ever wondered if your PlayStation controller’s touchpad and gyroscope can work on Windows? I had the same question when I started using DS4Windows (DS4Win). At first, I only used it for basic controls, but soon I realized I was missing out on advanced features. That’s when I learned how to enable the touchpad and gyroscope properly. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to unlock these features step by step, so you can enjoy a smoother and more immersive gaming experience on Windows.

How to Enable Touchpad and Gyroscope Features in DS4Windows (DS4Win)? (Quick Answer)

1. Install the latest DS4Windows.
   
2. Connect your controller.
   
3. Open DS4Windows and go to Profiles.
   
4. Enable Touchpad Settings (mouse, gestures, or custom).
   
5. Enable Gyro Settings (joystick, d-pad, or custom sensitivity).
   
6. Save changes and test in games.
   

What is DS4Windows (DS4Win)?

DS4Windows (DS4Win) is a free, open-source tool that lets you use a DualShock 4 or DualSense controller on a Windows PC. It works by emulating an Xbox 360 controller, making your PlayStation controller compatible with most Windows games.

But DS4Windows does more than just connect your controller. It unlocks advanced features like:

• The touchpad as a mouse or custom input.
  
• The gyroscope for motion controls.
  
• Button remapping and profile creation.
  
• Vibration customization.
  

Many users don’t know these features are disabled by default. To get the best gaming experience, you must enable and configure them manually.

Why Use Touchpad and Gyroscope in DS4Windows?

The touchpad and gyroscope add flexibility and precision to your gameplay. Here’s why they matter:

• Touchpad Advantages
  
  • Use as a virtual mouse for PC navigation.
    
  • Assign gestures for custom game actions.
    
  • Improve quick menu access in RPGs or shooters.
    
• Gyroscope Advantages
  
  • Smooth aiming in first-person shooters.
    
  • Motion-based controls for racing or sports games.
    
  • Immersive gameplay similar to Nintendo Switch motion features.
    

By enabling these, you transform your controller into a multi-purpose device that works far beyond simple button inputs.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Enable Touchpad and Gyroscope in DS4Windows

Here’s the complete method to turn on and configure these features:

Step 1: Install the Latest DS4Windows Version

1. Download the newest release from the official DS4Windows GitHub page.
   
2. Extract the files and run DS4Windows.exe.
   
3. Make sure you install the required drivers (ViGEmBus, HidHide, and FakerInput).
   

Step 2: Connect Your Controller

• Use a USB cable or Bluetooth to connect your DualShock 4 or DualSense.
  
• Once connected, DS4Windows should recognize it automatically.
  

Step 3: Open DS4Windows Settings

1. Launch DS4Windows.
   
2. Go to the Profiles tab.
   
3. Select the profile for your controller or create a new one.
   

Step 4: Enable the Touchpad Feature

1. Inside the profile editor, find Touchpad Settings.
   
2. You can configure it as:
   
   • Mouse Mode → Touchpad works like a laptop trackpad.
     
   • Gestures → Assign swipes or taps to in-game actions.
     
   • Custom Bindings → Map touchpad clicks to keyboard shortcuts.
     
3. Save your settings.
   

Step 5: Enable the Gyroscope Feature

1. In the profile editor, open Gyro Settings.
   
2. Choose Enable Gyro.
   
3. Select your preferred mode:
   
   • Mouse Joystick → Use tilt for aiming.
     
   • Directional Pad → Assign gyro movement to button actions.
     
   • Custom Sensitivity → Adjust how sensitive the gyro is.
     
4. Save and apply changes.
   

Step 6: Test the Features

• Open a game or use Gamepad Tester websites to verify.
  
• Move your controller to test the gyro.
  
• Swipe or tap the touchpad to confirm it responds.
  

Step 7: Fine-Tune for Best Experience

• Adjust dead zones for smoother motion.
  
• Reduce sensitivity if aiming feels too fast.
  
• Use different profiles for different game genres.
  

Troubleshooting Touchpad and Gyroscope Issues

Sometimes the features may not work right away. Here are solutions:

• Issue: Touchpad not responding
  → Ensure the touchpad option is enabled in your DS4Windows profile.
  → Update drivers and firmware.
  
• Issue: Gyroscope too sensitive
  → Lower sensitivity in Gyro Settings.
  → Add a dead zone to avoid drift.
  
• Issue: DS4Windows not detecting controller
  → Reconnect via USB or Bluetooth.
  → Restart DS4Windows with admin rights.
  → Reinstall ViGEmBus drivers.
  

Extra Tips for Better Control

• Use per-game profiles to customize settings.
  
• Combine gyro with right stick for hybrid aiming.
  
• Enable touchpad multi-touch gestures for shortcuts.
  
• Save different configurations for single-player and competitive games.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does every game support the DS4Windows touchpad and gyro?

Not all games support these features directly. However, DS4Windows allows you to map them as keyboard or mouse inputs, making them usable in most games.

2. Do I need special drivers to enable touchpad and gyro?

Yes. You need to install ViGEmBus, HidHide, and FakerInput drivers, which DS4Windows prompts during setup. Without them, features may not work.

3. Can I use the touchpad as a mouse outside games?

Yes. DS4Windows lets you configure the touchpad as a system-wide mouse, so you can browse, click, and scroll on Windows.

4. How do I reduce gyro sensitivity?

Open your controller profile in DS4Windows, go to Gyro Settings, and lower the sensitivity slider or set a larger dead zone.

5. Can I create different profiles for each game?

Yes. DS4Windows allows you to create multiple profiles. You can assign unique touchpad and gyro settings depending on the game.

6. Why is my touchpad not responding?

This usually happens if the option is disabled in your profile. Open DS4Windows, go to Profiles > Touchpad Settings, and enable it.

7. Is DS4Windows safe for enabling touchpad and gyro?

Yes. DS4Windows is an open-source and safe tool if downloaded from the official GitHub repository. Just avoid unofficial third-party downloads.

Final Thought

Enabling the touchpad and gyroscope in DS4Windows unlocks the full power of your PlayStation controller on Windows. With the right configuration, you can enjoy smoother aiming, faster navigation, and more personalized gameplay. Take the time to set up profiles, adjust sensitivity, and explore advanced features. Once done, your gaming experience becomes far more immersive and efficient.