Common Issues with DS4Windows Startup

1. The application fails to launch or crashes immediately upon startup.

The application failing to start or crashing shortly after launching can have several potential reasons:

Reasons and Solutions:

• Check For Missing Components:

Ensure that the following prerequisites are correctly configured on your system:

Microsoft .NET 6.0 Runtime (Desktop Version) – console and server versions are incompatible.

Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x64 or x86), depending on your system.

ViGEmBus Driver – uninstall it, then reinstall if there are issues.

Microsoft 360 Driver – particularly relevant if using a DualShock 3/4 or DualSense controller.

• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 8.1, 10, or 11 are required, as older versions are not supported. 
• Write-Protected Folders

DS4Windows should be placed in a user-accessible location, such as the Documents or Downloads folders, rather than the Program Files folder, which requires administrative rights.

Corrupted User Data:

• To resolve user-related data corruption issues with the application, close DS4Windows, secure user data backups, and then delete app-specific files. 
• Save any file containing configuration settings backups outside the app directory so they can be restored after corruption repairs without manual editing.
• Restore files individually to locate the corrupt file and relaunch the application.

Logs & Event Viewer:

To open logs, go to the installation folder or use Win + R, then type %appdata% and press Enter.

If you see errors like ‘winmgmt failed’, run these WMI repair commands:

net stop winmgmt  

winmgmt /reset repository  

After running these commands, restart your PC.

• Incompatible Apps:

MSI Afterburner with RTSS RivaTuner can generate conflicts.

To fix this issue, open RivaTuner, set the Application Detection Level to None, and click Save.

• Legacy Drivers:

The ScpV Bus Driver is obsolete and may cause errors with ViGEmBus.

Uninstall it entirely to remove compatibility issues.

2. Game Ignores DS4 Controller

Some games do not support DualShock 4 controllers. If so, switch to a virtual Xbox 360 controller via DS4Windows.

3. Character Or Camera Moves On Its Own

This is commonly attributed to stick drift, when a stick doesn’t return to a neutral position, resulting in gradual pressure being applied toward its centre point.

Solution:

• Ensure Dead Zone and Anti-Dead Zone settings are both at 0.00.
• Check your stick movement using the Gamepad Tester.
• If drifting persists, consider cleaning or replacing the stick.

4. Fine-Tune Dead Zone Settings

For minor left stick drift:

If Axis 0 shows a drift around 0.16, raise the Dead Zone value to that level. This instructs DS4Windows not to register small movements of the stick as active input.

5. Controller Stops Responding Suddenly

Possible causes:

• Loose USB connection or dirty port 
• Bluetooth transmission issues (high latency) 
• Wireless signals are causing interference
• Wireless peripheral devices operating nearby

Solutions:

• Switch to a working USB cable.
• Clean USB ports; no liquids are allowed.
• Reduce surrounding wireless noise. 
• Check logs and track error messages related to this issue.

6. Game Lagging upon the Input Prompted

For games responding sluggishly:

• If using Bluetooth, it is often a common culprit due to lag; consider switching to a USB connection instead.
• If you’re using a USB connection, the cable might be damaged and not working correctly.
• Older versions of HidHide drivers can cause slow performance; ensure they are up to date.

7. Nonfunctional Gyro, Motion, Lightbar, Touchpad, or Rumble

Any of these require proper configuratio,n along with relevant drivers installed

Solution:

• Ensure you’re using the latest version of DS4Windows. 
• Check PCGamingWiki to see if your game is compatible with these features and their settings. 
• Ensure your controller profile in DS4Windows has all relevant settings enabled.
• If your game uses Steam Input, activate PlayStation Configuration Support within Steam for that game.

8. Lacking Rumble Feedback Features

To activate rumble

• Access DS4 controller settings: 
• Open Rumble settings in the controller profile section.
• Start Rumble from 0% to 100%.
• Save changes -> Stop and restart the controller after stopping it from pairing/syncing mode repetition. 
• Switch to Virtual Xbox 360 Controller mode if you are still experiencing issues.

9. Duplicate Controller Detected or Double Input

Reason: 

Double input occurs when your computer or game detects both physical and virtual controllers.

Solution:

To solve this, ensure you use HidHide properly.

10. Fixing Double Input with HidHide

Reason:

The Real Controller Is Not Hidden

Simply installing HidHide is not sufficient.

Solution:

• Shut down DS4Windows completely, including from the system tray. 
• Launch the HidHide Configuration Client. 
• Select your real controller → Check ‘Enable Device Hiding’. 
• Add DS4Windows to the application list for exclusion. 
• Restart DS4Windows → Look for the icon that indicates the central controller is hidden (key icon) to confirm it’s hidden.

Still Experiencing Double Inputs?

If, after following the steps to hide the controller, you continue to experience problems, then:

• Check again if Enable Device Hiding is checked. 
• Using an alternative method (such as Bluetooth if USB was initially used, or vice versa), disconnect and then reconnect the controller. 
• A gamepad tester can be used to verify whether the real controller has been hidden. If it persists, reset from step one again.

Final Thought

DS4Windows is a great tool, but like any software, it can face challenges at times. This guide covers comprehensive startup error traces, along with all inherent hardware clashes, defunct controllers, and more. Multiple fixes are suggested to streamline problem-solving routes rather than relying on a singular approach.

Remember that your optimal configuration includes the most recent update of DS4Windows, correct driver installations, and effective use of HidHide. If you encounter any further issues, please visit our online forums or the official DS4Windows page for assistance and to access the latest updates. Enjoy gaming!