DS4Windows | DS5Windows

DS4Windows is free and very powerful software that allows you to use your PlayStation controller on a Windows PC by emulating it as an Xbox controller.
Are you prepared to change your game? Get DS4Windows today and experience perfect compatibility, remapping, and a new level of comfort.

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What is DS4Windows?

DS4Windows is a software that enables easy access to advanced controller options on a computer. It is an open-source input mapper that converts the signals of the PlayStation controllers into inputs for Xbox. The genius fix allows players to play almost any Windows game with a DualShock 4 controller, a DualSense controller, or even a Nintendo Switch Pro controller. It is capable of working both with USB and Bluetooth connections, which is truly unmatched.

DS4Windows is compatible with the majority of PC games, as it emulates an Xbox 360 controller, which can provide a comfortable gaming experience. The software is renowned for its user-friendly interface, which enables users to tailor their experience to their liking with standard controllers, whether they are casual or hardcore gamers. This is achieved by creating profiles, utilizing macro commands, advanced touchpad mapping, and extensive gyroscope options.

Features of DS4Windows

Preset Options

Choose between gamepad-only, mouse and keyboard presets, and hybrid controls with a gyro to create a flexible gaming setup that’s quick to set up and allows for adaptive gaming.

Lightbar Customisation

Allows you to personalise the LED light on your DualShock 4 (PS4) controller to control colour, font, and brightness or turn it off to save battery while you’re gaming on a PC.

Wireless Rumble Support

Experience realistic vibration on your DualSense or DualShock 4 controllers, including when using Bluetooth, to enhance immersion in each session.

Profile System

Make and tailor profiles to individual games. DS4 Windows can automatically load the correct profile depending on what application you are using.

Two-Stage Trigger Effects

Modify trigger reactions to respond as Full Click or Pulse to accommodate various gameplay mechanics, particularly racing or shooting games.

Complete Controller Remapping

All buttons, sticks, or triggers are reassignable. Gameplay can assign actions, such as mouse clicks and keyboard keys, to enhance the game experience.

Gyroscope Support

Turn on the gyro to control motion, swipe gestures, or move the pointer. It is ideal for scoping in first-person shooter games or to navigate like a mouse.

Sensitivity and Dead Zones

Customize the dead zones of sticks and triggers to your liking. Fine-tuning input enhances precision and fine control of movement.

Multi-Controller Support

Apply DualShock 3/4, Dual Sense, Switch Pro, Joy-Cons, and others. It’s ideal for gamers who need multiple controllers during gameplay.

DS4Windows not only makes controllers work, but it also allows you to have complete control over the way they function. PC gamers should consider this tool a good solution due to its features, including macro support, app launching, battery monitoring, and profile auto-switching.

DS4 Screenshots

DS4Windows operates by turning your actual DualShock 4 controller into a virtual gamepad, compatible with your Windows system and various software. Many PC games were coded to accept only Xbox controllers, so the DS4 fills that gap by emulating the PS4 pad as an Xbox device, allowing most games to run smoothly with it.

Here is what DS4Windows can accomplish:

Emulate Xbox controllers or DS4 controllers to match what your game supports.
Play games that only support Xbox controllers by converting your DualShock input into Xbox language.
Remap buttons, sticks, or triggers for a personalised setup; swap jump and crouch, or soften a joystick’s dead zone as you wish.
Disable parts of the input chain or attach special functions like turbo fire for quick bursts or macro playback when needed.
Connect via Bluetooth or USB to ensure compatibility with games that typically require wired connections.
Maintain compatibility with the keypad and mouse to play those games that do not support gamepads.
Use your controller to control the keyboard and mouse, perfect for games that don’t support gamepads at all.
Enable motion control mapping to steer the movement or the cursor with your controller’s sensors when the options are limited.

These flexible remapping and customisation options make DS4Windows an essential companion for PC players seeking compatibility and control with the DualShock 4.

DS4Windows gives gamers the freedom to run nearly any USB or Bluetooth controller on a PC, whether it’s a DualShock 4, DualSense, Switch Pro, or Joy-Con. Here is what you can do with it:

Multi-Controller Support: Use a single tool to remap and set dead zones for the DS4, DualSense, Switch Pro and each Joy-Con paired together or separately.
Xbox 360 Emulation: Emulate your Xbox 360 controller with a PC while using a DS4.
DS4 v1 Emulation: DS4 Windows can emulate DS4 v1 to enable wireless and third-party controller support for the games played by older versions of DualShock 4.
Keyboard & Mouse Emulation: Play games that are not supported by controllers by connecting your controllers to your keyboard and mouse actions.
Custom Mapping: Adjust and fine-tune every input and output by using advanced modifiers to adjust sensitivity curves and tighten or loosen dead zones.
Touchpad as Mouse: Make the DS4 touchpad slide like a laptop touchpad or redirect actions like taps, swipes and double-taps to any button.
Gyro Control Support: Use motion sensors of your game controller while playing games to emulate the movement of the mouse or right stick (RS).
Lightbar Customisation: Set the lightbar colour and use it to check the battery level or profile status.
Eco Profile Switching: DS4 Windows detects when you open a new game or program and loads the matching controller profile on the spot.
Auto Profile Switching: DS4 Windows can automatically switch profiles when you switch between different apps and games.
Auto Updates: The app automatically checks for new updates and downloads them to ensure the latest version.

Before installing DS4Windows, ensure that your PC meets the key software and hardware specifications required for the app to run smoothly and for your controller to function correctly.

Software Requirements

These are the programs and drivers the app needs to function.

Operating System: Windows 10 or later

DS4Windows is designed to run modern Windows versions. The installation may fail on Windows 7 or Windows 8, and the features may not function properly on these systems.

.NET Runtime x64 (Desktop App)

https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/dotnet/thank-you/runtime-desktop-8.0.0-windows-x64-installer

Download .NET 8.0 Runtime to start the program. The software powers the graphical interface and handles many background tasks.

Visual C++ Redistributable (2015-2019, x64 or x86)

This library supports the core functions of DS4Windows and many games. The absence of the program may trigger crashes or error alerts.

ViGEmBus Driver (Virtual Gamepad Emulation Framework)

This driver permits DS4Windows to generate virtual Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 controllers. Without this driver, the app may not function to simulate the controllers that most PC games accept.

HidHide Driver

The HidHide driver hides the actual physical pad, so only the virtual controller appears. By doing this, it stops double input, a glitch where a single button press is logged twice.

Hardware Requirements

The following items are needed to use DS4Windows without complications.

Supported Controllers

Sony DualShock 4 (DS4)
Sony DualSense (PS5)
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Joy-Con Controllers

All of these devices can be paired and customised through DS4Windows, although support for features such as the light bar or motion sensors may differ slightly.

RAM

A minimum of 2 GB of RAM is required for the operating system to run the app.

Storage

A disc space of 50 MB is required for DS4 software and drivers.

Connection Methods

Wired (Micro USB Cable)

This method offers the most reliable link. Connect the controller to the PC with a standard micro USB cable and start playing.

Wireless (Bluetooth 4.0)

This option functions best when using the Microsoft Bluetooth stack. CSR adapters may appear connected but often fail to communicate reliably. Toshiba stacks are not supported.

If you experience lag or sudden drops in connection, turn off the ‘Enable Output Data’ option within your controller profile. Doing so cuts power to the light bar and rumble features but helps to improve performance.

Additional Settings for Steam Users

Steam also requires a minor adjustment to prevent its controller layer from conflicting with DS4Windows.

Open Steam, and navigate to Settings, then Controller, and finally General Controller Settings.
Uncheck PlayStation Configuration Support and Xbox Configuration Support.

Once these items are disabled, DS4Windows retains complete command of the controller, and interference from Steam’s input is stopped.

Frequently Asked Questions about DS4Windows

DS4Windows is a free tool that enables the use of a PlayStation controller or other gamepads on a Windows PC by emulating them as an Xbox pad, allowing almost any PC game to be played with it.

Yes, the program is open-source, with frequent updates, and contains no hidden malware. It runs without high-level permissions to function.

The app sets up a virtual Xbox or DS4 device. It remaps your real gamepad input to the format that allows the operating system and games to recognise and support it.

It plays smoothly with the DualShock 4, DualSense (PS5), Switch Pro, single Joy-Cons, and almost any XInput gamepad, whether you connect them over USB or Bluetooth.

Most Steam games recognise controllers on their own due to the app’s built-in mapping, yet DS4Windows enhances the experience.

You’ll need:

Windows 10 or newer
.NET Runtime (x64)
Visual C++ Redistributable
ViGEmBus Driver
HidHide Driver

These programs help DS4Windows run smoothly and create virtual gamepads to allow your PC to recognise and utilise the controller.

Yes! DS4Windows works great on Windows 11 and Windows 10. It may not run optimally on older systems, such as Windows 7 or 8.

Yes. DS4Windows accepts DualSense gamepads and can pass along gyroscope, touchpad, and rumble effects when the game supports them.

Absolutely! With multiple profiles, you can remap buttons, adjust trigger feel, tweak dead zones, set custom light-bar colours, and more.

No, the tool is light and quick. Any delay you notice usually comes from the Bluetooth adapter, not from DS4Windows itself.

The emulated gamepad unlocks compatibility with challenging PC games, prevents double-input bugs, and opens additional tuning options that standard Windows settings do not offer.

Yes, you can hook up eight controllers at the same time. It’s perfect for crowded couch co-op sessions or small LAN parties.

Auto profile switching means DS4 Windows loads a preset layout instantly when you open a game or app. You don’t have to stop and change settings immediately.

You can turn any button press into a keyboard key or mouse move, so it works great for slideshows, video playback, or extra desk tasks.

Start by double-checking that drivers are installed and the controller is plugged in properly. If issues persist, visit the trusted website or the support forums for bug reports and expert advice.