Your controller won’t connect, or the game won’t recognize your input and now you’re stuck. DS4Windows should help, but when it fails, the frustration builds fast. If DS4Windows crashes, won’t start, or your controller isn’t detected, this guide walks you through real fixes with clear steps. Stop guessing and get your DualShock 4 working correctly again.

DS4 Windows Not Working? Learn How to Fix with these Easy Steps

If your DS4 Windows is not working for some reasons, you can fix it via following these steps.

1. DS4Windows Fails to Open, Start, or Save Settings

If DS4Windows silently crashes, doesn’t launch, or refuses to start when you click “Start,” this usually means:

• Missing system dependencies
• Faulty settings or corrupted config files
• Incompatible Windows updates

Fixes:

• Check for .NET Runtime: DS4Windows needs the latest .NET 6 Runtime to work. Download from Microsoft’s official site.
• Run as Administrator: Right-click DS4Windows > “Run as administrator.” This grants access to necessary system-level functions.
• Delete Config Files: Corrupted configs can break startup. Go to C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\DS4Windows, back up, and delete the config files. Restart the app to auto-generate fresh ones.
• Disable Antivirus Temporarily: Some antivirus programs block DS4Windows silently. Whitelist it or disable the antivirus briefly to test.
• Use the Standalone Version: If installed version fails, try the portable version of DS4Windows.

2. DS4Windows Not Detecting Your Controller

When DS4Windows fails to recognize your PS4 or DualSense controller, it may be due to:

• Faulty USB cable or port
• Bluetooth interference
• Disabled device drivers

Solutions:

• Change the USB Cable or Port: Use a data-capable USB cable and try another port.
• Enable Device Drivers: Go to Device Manager > Human Interface Devices. Ensure HID-compliant game controller is enabled.
• Reset the Controller: Use a pin to press the small reset button on the back of the DualShock 4 for 5 seconds.
• Bluetooth Tips:
  • Remove and re-pair the controller in Windows Settings > Bluetooth.
  • Ensure your PC supports Bluetooth 4.0 or higher for stable connection.

3. Games Not Recognizing the Virtual Controller

Even if DS4Windows sees the controller, games may not respond. This is usually caused by:

• Incorrect output mode in DS4Windows
• Double input from both the real and virtual controllers
• Interference from other software

Steps to Fix:

• Switch to Xbox 360 Output: In DS4Windows, go to Profiles > Controller tab > Output Mode > Select “Xbox 360.” Most games are optimized for Xbox inputs.
• Check HidHide Status: Make sure HidHide is installed and configured to hide the real controller. This ensures only the virtual controller is visible to games.
• Disable Steam Input (if using Steam): Steam Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings > Uncheck all PlayStation-related options.

4. Double Input Issues

Double input happens when a game detects both the real controller and the DS4Windows virtual controller at once. Symptoms include:

• Buttons registering twice
• Games switching to two-player mode
• Input delays or misfires

Fix Strategy:

• Install and Configure HidHide:
  • Download HidHide from the official GitHub page.
  • Open the HidHide Configuration Client.
  • Ensure the physical controller is selected and hidden.
  • Allow DS4Windows to still access the device.
• Restart the PC after making changes to ensure they take effect.
• Verify Virtual Controller Only Is Active in-game by checking input settings.

5. Controller Works But Misbehaves In-Game

You may experience the controller being recognized, but the buttons act wrong, or movements feel off. Causes include:

• Faulty profiles in DS4Windows
• Game detecting unintended inputs
• Hardware defects

How to Resolve:

• Create a New Profile:
  • Open DS4Windows > Profiles > New.
  • Map buttons manually or use a preset.
  • Save and apply the new profile.
• Turn Off DS4 Support in Steam (if playing via Steam).
• Test Controller in Another Game: If issues persist, the controller hardware might be the problem.

6. Bluetooth Connection Problems

DS4Windows may fail to work wirelessly via Bluetooth due to:

• Incompatible Bluetooth drivers
• Windows power management
• Weak signal strength

Steps to Fix:

• Use a Compatible Bluetooth Adapter: Adapters with CSR chipset or Intel Bluetooth 4.0+ are recommended.
• Disable Power Saving:
  • Go to Device Manager > Bluetooth > Properties > Power Management.
  • Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
• Unpair and Reconnect: Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth > Remove the controller and re-pair.

7. Steam and DS4Windows Conflicts

Steam has its own controller remapping system. When both DS4Windows and Steam handle input, they can clash.

Best Practice:

• Disable Steam’s PlayStation Support:
  • Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings
  • Uncheck “PlayStation Configuration Support”
• Use DS4Windows Exclusively for Mapping
• Some Exceptions Exist:
  • Games like Horizon Zero Dawn may require Steam input. In such cases:
    • Temporarily disable DS4Windows
    • Enable Steam PlayStation support

Advanced Tip: Rename the DS4Windows .exe to avoid detection by Steam, but this should only be done if necessary, as it may cause other issues.

8. Keyboard and Mouse Remapping Issues

If you’re using keyboard and mouse emulation via DS4Windows and notice poor response:

• Check Profile Settings: Ensure the keyboard/mouse mappings are assigned correctly.
• Use Lower Sensitivity: High sensitivity may cause erratic cursor behavior.
• No Official Guide Exists Yet: But you can experiment by testing one remap at a time.

9. Other Common Fixes and Tips

• Update DS4Windows Regularly: Always use the latest version from the official GitHub to avoid outdated bugs.
• Restart the System after major changes like driver updates or profile resets.
• Use Windows 10/11: Some features may not work properly on older versions like Windows 7 or 8.

Conclusion

DS4Windows is a powerful tool to use your DualShock 4 or DualSense controller on a PC, but it can run into several common issues ranging from connection errors to double input and profile problems. Most of these are caused by incorrect configuration, outdated drivers, or conflicts with Steam. Following the steps above ensures your controller works exactly as it should in any game environment.