What Is FakerInput?

FakerInput is an optional driver for DS4Windows, a popular tool that maps PlayStation controllers to work on Windows as Xbox inputs. When enabled, FakerInput exposes system-wide virtual keyboard and mouse events. This helps tackle issues such as:

• Games running with elevated (administrator) privileges
• Anti-cheat systems blocking standard DS4Windows inputs (e.g., in Valorant)
• System dialog boxes or UAC prompts that ignore normal input methods

Big benefit? Your controller works where it otherwise wouldn’t.

Why FakerInput Matters

1. Handles Elevated Applications

If a game or launcher runs as Administrator, regular DS4Windows input might not reach it. FakerInput bypasses this by using virtual input methods recognized system-wide—even in elevated sessions.

2. Avoids Anti-Cheat Restrictions

Anti-cheat software like Vanguard (used by Valorant) actively blocks unknown input libraries. FakerInput’s virtual layer mimics real hardware, making it less detectable and allowing games to accept controller input seamlessly.

3. Preserves Compatibility With System Prompts

Windows prompts, like User Account Control or recovery screens, often ignore non-system inputs. FakerInput ensures your controller can still navigate those interfaces.

How FakerInput Works?

1. Intercepts DS4Windows output.
2. Generates virtual keyboard and mouse events.
3. Emulates system-recognized hardware input via Windows support libraries.
4. Sends clean input to any active window—be it a full-screen game, system dialog, or admin app.

This process ensures even blocked apps receive your controller commands.

Activating FakerInput

To enable FakerInput in DS4Windows:

1. Open DS4Windows settings.
2. Locate the “Use FakerInput” toggle (often under advanced settings).
3. Check the box and restart DS4Windows.
4. Optionally, run the DS4Windows application as Administrator to ensure it can inject its driver properly.

Turning it on adds the ViGEmBus-based keyboard and mouse emulator that routes input correctly.

Real-World Use Cases

Valorant

Played with Vanguard anti-cheat, Valorant blocks typical virtual input libraries. Enabling FakerInput allows in-game use of your DS4 controller—even when Vanguard is active.

Admin Tools & Launchers

For tools like Steam, Origin, or EA App that run as administrator, standard DS4Windows may not work. FakerInput fixes that access issue.

Troubleshooting Interface Navigation

If your controller suddenly stops working on Windows menus, updates, or recovery modes, activate FakerInput to regain functionality.

Benefits at a Glance

Why You Need It	What FakerInput Delivers
Elevated game access	Works with games/l aunchers running as Administrator
Anti-cheat compatibility	Bypasses blocks from systems like Vanguard
System menus & prompts	Enables controller use in critical Windows dialogs

Safety, Performance & Compatibility

• Driver-level input means performance lag is minimal and indistinguishable from real hardware.
• FakerInput uses well-known libraries like ViGEmBus, trusted and widely used in the gaming community.
• Best used when standard DS4Windows input fails or is blocked. In other cases, it’s fine to leave disabled.

When to Disable FakerInput

While helpful, enabling FakerInput when not needed could cause:

• Occasional input delay in rare setups
• Rare app incompatibility that prefers direct driver input

If your controller works fine without it, you can disable FakerInput in DS4Windows settings until a blocked scenario occurs.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Install ViGEmBus (usually bundled with DS4Windows).
2. Launch DS4Windows and connect your DS4 controller.
3. Go to Settings → Controllers/Advanced.
4. Enable “Use FakerInput” checkbox.
5. Restart DS4Windows for changes to apply.
6. Launch the game or app—even as Administrator.
7. Test controller buttons to ensure functionality.

Troubleshooting FAQs

Q: My controller still doesn’t work in Valorant—what now?
A: Ensure DS4Windows is also running as Administrator. Confirm “Use FakerInput” is checked. A system restart may help initialize the virtual driver.

Q: Is FakerInput safe or flagged as cheat software?
A: No. It uses standard, signed virtual-driver libraries (e.g. ViGEmBus), approved by major projects like Steam Input. It doesn’t modify game files or memory.

Q: Will FakerInput slow down my input response?
A: No. Virtual input is processed at the driver or OS level, so performance and latency are virtually identical to physical hardware.

Proven Results & Community Feedback

Community forums and Reddit posts highlight its effectiveness:

“FakerInput fixed my controller in Valorant—without it, Vanguard blocked every input.”
“It lets me use my DS4 in admin-run launchers—never saw that before.”

These peer reviews confirm FakerInput’s role in real-world controller compatibility.

Keep It Reliable

To maintain smooth input:

• Always use the latest DS4Windows build
• Update ViGEmBus driver when notified
• Run DS4Windows as Administrator if needed
• Only enable FakerInput when facing blocked input; otherwise, disable for simplicity

Final Takeaways

• FakerInput adds virtual keyboard and mouse support to DS4Windows
• It’s crucial when games/apps run as Administrator or have strict anti-cheat measures
• Enables smoother usage across Valorant, system dialogs, and protected launchers
• Use it only when needed, and it’s safe, efficient, and effective