DS4Windows lets Windows games use a PS5 DualSense by creating a virtual Xbox 360 controller from the physical controller. That distinction matters: DS4Windows does not replace the DualSense in Windows; it adds a second controller that games can recognize through XInput.
For the broadest game compatibility, use DS4Windows’ default Xbox 360 output, install HidHide to prevent double input, and connect the DualSense with either a data-capable USB-C cable or correctly configured Bluetooth.
What you need before installing DS4Windows
The current official DS4Windows release is v3.5. Download it from the official DS4-Windows.com download page or its official GitHub release—not from an old Jays2Kings download or an arbitrary software mirror.
| Requirement | What to install or check |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 or newer |
| Runtime | Microsoft .NET 8.0 Desktop Runtime |
| Redistributable | Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable |
| Virtual controller driver | ViGEmBus |
| Recommended hiding driver | HidHide |
| Controller | PS5 DualSense, connected by USB or Bluetooth |
DS4Windows is portable. Download the official x64 package, extract it to a normal folder such as C:\DS4Windows or a folder inside your Documents directory, then run DS4Windows.exe. Do not extract it into Program Files, Windows, or another protected system folder.
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- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
Install DS4Windows and its drivers
- Download and extract the official DS4Windows v3.5 x64 package.
- Run DS4Windows.exe.
- When prompted for the user-data location, choose AppData folder. This is the recommended option. Choose Program folder only if you specifically want settings stored beside the executable.
- Follow the first-run driver setup.
- Install ViGEmBus. This is required for virtual Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 controllers.
- Install HidHide if offered or install it separately. HidHide is strongly recommended because it hides the physical DualSense from games while allowing DS4Windows to read it.
- Install FakerInput only if you need to map controller buttons to keyboard or mouse actions. It is optional for normal gamepad use.
- Select Finished when driver installation is complete.
Do not install HidGuardian alongside HidHide. HidGuardian support was removed from DS4Windows in v3.0.8, and a controller still hidden by HidGuardian may not be detected by current versions.
Connect the PS5 controller with USB
- Start DS4Windows.
- Connect the DualSense to the PC with a USB-C cable that supports data transfer.
- Wait a few seconds. The controller should appear on DS4Windows’ Controllers tab.
- Check that the Default profile is selected.
A charge-only cable can power the controller without creating a usable data connection. If the controller only charges, try a different cable known to transfer files, then try another USB port. Sony officially supports DualSense USB connections on 64-bit Windows 10 and Windows 11, although individual features depend on the game.
Connect the PS5 controller over Bluetooth
Put the DualSense into pairing mode
- Turn the controller off. If the player indicator is lit, hold the PS button until it turns off.
- Disconnect the USB cable.
- Hold Create + PS together until the light bar flashes.
- Add the controller from Windows Bluetooth settings.
The Create button is the small button to the left of the touchpad. Older DS4Windows instructions may call this button Share, so “PS + Share” and “Create + PS” refer to the same pairing action on the DualSense.
Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
- Turn Bluetooth on.
- Select Add device > Bluetooth, then select the DualSense when it appears under new devices.
You can also select the Network, Sound, or Battery icon beside the clock, choose the Bluetooth tile’s device-management chevron, and select the controller under New devices.
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Windows 10
- Open Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Turn Bluetooth on.
- Select Add Bluetooth or other device.
- Choose Bluetooth.
- Select the DualSense, then select Done.
Do not simply turn on the controller and accept a generic Windows notification if the controller has not been paired through the Bluetooth device list. Incorrect pairing can make the controller appear in Windows but disconnect or fail to appear in DS4Windows.
If a previously paired controller will not reconnect, remove it from the Windows Bluetooth device list, put it back into pairing mode with Create + PS, and add it again manually.
Rank #2
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
Configure DS4Windows for game compatibility
DS4Windows normally selects the Default profile, which uses Xbox 360 emulation. This is usually the right choice because most Windows games support Xbox/XInput controllers.
To create a clean test profile:
- Open the Profiles tab.
- Select New.
- When DS4Windows asks whether to use a preset, select Yes.
- Choose a Gamepad preset with Xbox output.
- Save the profile.
- Return to Controllers and select the new profile for the DualSense.
Keep DS4Windows running while playing. If you stop the application, the virtual controller disappears and the game may lose its input device.
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Use Xbox 360 output unless a particular game explicitly requires DualShock 4 input. You can change the output by creating a Gamepad > DualShock 4 profile or by editing a profile and opening Profile Editor > Other > Virtual controller settings.
| Output | Best use | Potential issue |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox 360 | Most PC games and launchers | The game displays Xbox button prompts |
| DualShock 4 | Games with native DS4 support | Games without DS4 support may stop detecting the controller |
Virtual DS4 emulation currently has limitations: rumble is disabled, and lightbar or rumble passthrough is not available in the same way as Xbox 360 emulation. Do not assume that switching to DS4 output adds full DualSense functionality.
Set up HidHide to prevent double input
Without hiding, Windows and a game may see both the real DualSense and DS4Windows’ virtual controller. This can cause duplicated button presses, two-player mode, changing button prompts, ignored input, or erratic controls.
- Install HidHide and restart Windows.
- Open HidHide Configuration Client from the Start menu.
- Open the Applications tab.
- Add the complete path to DS4Windows.exe to the allowed applications list.
- Open the Devices tab and connect the DualSense.
- Tick the physical controller entry. A red lock should appear.
- Enable Device Hiding.
- Disconnect and reconnect the controller.
If you use the DualSense through both USB and Bluetooth, HidHide may show separate entries. Mark both entries separately. HidHide whitelists the executable’s full path, so moving DS4Windows later requires adding the new executable location. If you use a custom DS4Windows executable name, add that executable to HidHide as well.
Rank #3
- Feel you in-game actions and environement simulated through haptic feedback
- Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
- Chat online through the built-in microphone
- Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
- Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
After configuring HidHide, fully close the Configuration Client before starting or troubleshooting DS4Windows. Leaving the client open can make the Ex status in DS4Windows appear incorrect. In the Controllers tab, an X in the Ex column indicates that double-input protection may not be active.
Verify that the physical controller is hidden
- Press Win + R.
- Type joy.cpl and press Enter.
- Check the Game Controllers list.
With no virtual controllers active, a correctly hidden physical DualSense should not appear in this list. You can also search Windows for Set up USB Game Controllers.
Configure Steam without creating conflicts
Steam Input and DS4Windows can both process the same physical controller. Running both may produce duplicate or conflicting input.
When using an Xbox-emulated DS4Windows profile, disable Steam’s:
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- Xbox Configuration Support
Some games with native DualSense or DS4 support are exceptions. They may require launching through Steam with PlayStation Configuration Support enabled. In that case, test Steam Input instead of running it alongside DS4Windows. After changing Steam, DS4Windows, or HidHide settings, restart the game.
What DualSense features work on PC?
Basic buttons, sticks, triggers, and normal controller input work through the virtual controller profile. However, do not expect every PS5 feature to work through DS4Windows in every game.
Rank #4
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
- Sony states that DualSense haptic feedback on PC requires a USB connection and a game that supports it.
- The built-in microphone and speaker may work in supported Windows games or applications.
- The headset jack requires a wired PC connection.
- Wireless DualSense haptics, adaptive triggers, speaker audio, and headset behavior should not be treated as universal DS4Windows v3.5 features.
Troubleshoot DS4Windows connection problems
The controller does not appear in DS4Windows
- Confirm that Windows or Device Manager detects the controller.
- For USB, try another data-capable cable and another USB port.
- For Bluetooth, remove the old pairing and pair again with Create + PS.
- Open Settings > Device options in DS4Windows and confirm that DualSense support is not disabled.
- Close Device Options, then select Stop and Start in DS4Windows.
- Check whether HidHide is hiding the controller from DS4Windows.
- Remove HidGuardian if it is installed.
USB only charges the controller
Start with the cable: charge-only USB-C cables are a common cause. If that does not help, check whether Windows disabled the HID device:
- Press Win + R, enter control printers, and select OK.
- Right-click the controller and select Properties.
- Open Hardware and select HID-compliant game controller.
- Check the device status.
- If it is disabled, open Properties > Enable device.
Bluetooth connects and then disconnects
Test these causes in order:
- Pair the controller again using the correct method.
- Try another Bluetooth adapter or USB port.
- Move the adapter away from the PC with a USB extension cable.
- Avoid plugging the adapter directly beside a noisy USB 3.x device.
- Temporarily disable Wi-Fi to test for radio interference.
- Check the DS4Windows Log tab.
- Test the controller with DS4Windows and Steam closed.
Some Bluetooth adapters handle the higher data rate used after DS4Windows starts using the DualSense poorly. A controller can therefore pair successfully but disconnect once DS4Windows begins creating the virtual device.
DS4Windows detects the controller but creates no virtual controller
- Open Controllers.
- Select Edit beside the active profile.
- Open Profile Editor > Other.
- Make sure Disable virtual controller is not selected.
- Save the profile.
- Stop and restart DS4Windows.
- Check joy.cpl again.
The game does not detect the controller
First test the virtual controller in a controller tester or through joy.cpl. If it works there, use Xbox 360 output, confirm the physical controller is hidden with HidHide, close Steam Input and other remappers, and restart the game.
The game registers every input twice
This is usually the physical-plus-virtual controller problem. Configure HidHide, lock the physical USB or Bluetooth entry, enable device hiding, reconnect the controller, and close the HidHide Configuration Client before launching DS4Windows. Also check the Ex column in the Controllers tab.
The character moves when the stick is untouched
That usually indicates physical stick drift or a centering problem. If the stick moves while untouched, adjust the profile’s dead zone to reduce unwanted movement. Increasing the dead zone can mask minor drift, but it cannot repair a failing sensor.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Is DS4Windows safe for connecting a PS5 controller to a PC?
Use the current official DS4Windows v3.5 download from DS4-Windows.com or its official GitHub release. Avoid old Jays2Kings downloads and unofficial mirrors.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- Bring gaming worlds to life, Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback (Available when feature is supported by game)
- Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers (Available when feature is supported by game)
- Find your voice, share your passion, chat online with the built in microphone (Available when feature is supported by game)
- Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
- Multi-device connectivity, connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices
Why does DS4Windows create an Xbox controller instead of showing a DualSense?
Its default profile creates a separate virtual Xbox 360 controller because most Windows games support XInput. The physical DualSense remains the input source, while the virtual controller is what the game sees.
Do I need HidHide?
It is not needed for DS4Windows to detect a controller, but it is strongly recommended. It hides the physical DualSense from games so they do not process both the physical and virtual controllers.
Can I use DS4Windows over Bluetooth?
Yes. Put the controller into pairing mode by holding Create + PS until the light bar flashes, then add it through Windows Bluetooth settings. Bluetooth may not provide all wired DualSense features, and a weak adapter can disconnect under load.
Why does DS4Windows show the controller but my game does not?
Confirm that a virtual controller appears in DS4Windows and works in a tester, use Xbox 360 output, hide the physical controller with HidHide, close other remappers, and restart the game.
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Should Steam Input be enabled with DS4Windows?
Usually not. Disable Steam’s PlayStation and Xbox Configuration Support when using an Xbox-emulated DS4Windows profile. A game with native DS4 support may be an exception, but avoid running both input systems simultaneously.
The Bottom Line
For the least troublesome setup, install official DS4Windows v3.5, install ViGEmBus and HidHide, connect the DualSense with a data USB-C cable or correctly pair it through Bluetooth, and leave the Default Xbox 360 profile selected. Hide the physical controller before launching games, and do not run Steam Input or another remapper at the same time unless a particular game requires it.
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