What Is the ViGEmBus Driver?

The ViGEmBus driver is a kernel-mode driver for Windows. It works as the core behind the Virtual Gamepad Emulation Framework (ViGEm), which lets your computer detect virtual controllers as if they were real physical devices. It was designed to replace older, less reliable drivers like Scarlett.Crush Productions’ Virtual Bus Driver.

Built using Microsoft’s Kernel-Mode Driver Framework (KMDF), ViGEmBus provides low-level access to Windows. That allows precise emulation of controllers like the Xbox 360 Controller and Sony DualShock 4, which are widely supported in both old and new PC games.

Unlike patch-based or plug-in solutions, ViGEmBus integrates natively. Once installed, games automatically detect your input tool—no tweaks required.

Why Use the ViGEmBus Driver?

1. Broad Compatibility:
ViGEmBus allows emulation of widely accepted controllers. Most PC games support the Xbox 360 layout, and many recognize DualShock 4. With ViGEm, you don’t need the original hardware—games still respond as if it’s plugged in.

2. Hassle-Free Integration:
Some controller emulators need extra software or patching. Not ViGEm. Once installed, it functions like any official driver. There’s no need to modify game files or run helper programs.

3. Strong Windows Support:
Because ViGEmBus is built into Windows’ low-level driver structure, it continues to work through system updates. That means fewer issues when Microsoft rolls out new patches.

Key Features of ViGEmBus

• Kernel-Level Access: Operates deep in Windows for better speed and reliability.
• Virtual Controller Support: Emulates Xbox 360 and DualShock 4 gamepads.
• No Patching Required: Games and apps detect devices without external tools.
• Open-Source Development: Maintained by the Nefarius Software Foundation.
• Frequent Updates: Regular support ensures compatibility with modern systems and games.

Supported Devices

ViGEmBus currently supports two main types of virtual controllers:

• Microsoft Xbox 360 Controller
• Sony DualShock 4 Controller

These are the most popular controller types recognized across major PC game titles. With these emulations, even nonstandard input devices can work in games that require XInput or DualShock support.

Common Use Cases for ViGEmBus

1. DS4Windows Integration
DS4Windows uses ViGEm to translate DualShock 4 signals into Xbox 360 input. This allows smooth performance in games that don’t natively support Sony’s controller.

2. Custom Hardware Compatibility
Custom arcade sticks, racing wheels, or retro controllers can be routed through ViGEm. Games will treat these inputs as if they came from a real Xbox or PlayStation controller.

3. Remote Play Enhancements
PS4 Remote Play often expects a DualShock 4. ViGEm allows users to emulate this controller, enabling gameplay with alternate devices.

4. Avoiding x360ce Limitations
x360ce struggles with some games. ViGEm offers an alternative that doesn’t rely on external DLL injection, reducing compatibility issues.

5. Network Input Routing
Gamers can send controller input across machines using ViGEm-based tools, ideal for streaming or remote testing.

6. Slot Control for Multiplayer Games
ViGEm lets you control how emulated controllers are ordered, solving Player One conflicts.

7. Automated Testing
Game developers can automate input testing using virtual controllers created by ViGEmBus.

Installing ViGEmBus Driver

Step-by-Step Installation:

1. Download the installer (ViGEmBusSetup_xXX.msi) from the official GitHub repository.
2. Run the installer by double-clicking the .msi file.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions. Restart if prompted.
4. Verify installation in Device Manager:
   • Open via Win+X → Device Manager.
   • Switch to Devices by Connection.
   • Look for Virtual Gamepad Emulation Bus under “Nefarius” or similar.

ViGEmBus 1.22.0 – Latest Notable Update

In version 1.22.0, the automatic updater was removed, simplifying how updates are applied. Although the version number didn’t change, some users need to run the installer twice to complete upgrades. This ensures all outdated files are replaced properly.

If you experience failed updates or detection errors, try:

• Running the installer again.
• Uninstalling and reinstalling.
• Restarting the PC after setup.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Multiple Installations Detected
Check Device Manager. If you see duplicate drivers under “Virtual Gamepad Emulation Bus,” uninstall older entries.

2. Driver Not Detected
Use Driver Store Explorer to find and remove incomplete installs. Look for files named vigembus.inf.

3. HP Omen Driver Conflicts
Some HP Omen laptops ship with older versions of ViGEmBus from 2018. These may conflict with the current version. Uninstall the old driver, restart, and install the latest version from the official source.

How to Fully Remove ViGEmBus (If Needed)

To remove all traces of ViGEmBus:

1. Go to Control Panel > Programs and uninstall ViGEmBus.
2. Restart your PC.
3. Open Device Manager and remove any remaining “Virtual Gamepad Emulation Bus” entries.
4. Use Driver Store Explorer to delete any leftover driver files.
5. Reboot again.

Once these steps are done, you can install a fresh version without legacy conflicts.

How ViGEm Compares to Other Solutions

Feature	ViGEmBus Driver	x360ce	SCP Toolkit
Kernel-Level Integration	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Xbox 360 Emulation Support	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
DualShock 4 Emulation	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Ongoing Development	✅ Active	⚠️ Limited	❌ Discontinued
System-Wide Driver Support	✅ Yes	❌ Game-specific	✅ Yes (but outdated)
Open Source	✅ Yes (Nefarius)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (but abandoned)

ViGEmBus is the only actively developed, kernel-level, and dual-controller-compatible emulator in this space.

FAQ’s

1. Is ViGEmBus safe to install?

Yes. It is open-source and developed by trusted contributors. Always download from official sources like GitHub to avoid malware.

2. Do I need ViGEmBus for DS4Windows?

Yes. DS4Windows relies on ViGEmBus to emulate an Xbox 360 controller when using a DualShock 4. Without it, DS4Windows won’t work properly.

3. Can ViGEmBus emulate a DualSense (PS5) controller?

Not yet. As of now, only Xbox 360 and DualShock 4 are supported. Support for DualSense may be added in future updates.

4. I see multiple ViGEm entries in Device Manager. What should I do?

Uninstall all of them. Then, use Driver Store Explorer to remove leftovers. Reboot your system and reinstall the latest driver.

5. How do I know ViGEmBus is working?

Open Device Manager, switch to View by Connection, and look for Nefarius Virtual Gamepad Emulation Bus. It should show “working properly.”

Final Takeaway

The ViGEmBus driver gives PC users a reliable, modern way to emulate popular game controllers. Whether you’re using tools like DS4Windows, configuring custom input setups, or troubleshooting unsupported devices, ViGEmBus offers clean, driver-level support—without hacks or risky patches.

It’s actively maintained, works deep within Windows for maximum performance, and supports the two most widely used controller formats in modern gaming.