Dualshock 4 drivers for windows 10

DS4 Windows Drivers help your PC fully recognize your DualShock 4 or DualSense 5. Without them, features like advanced triggers and touch controls may go unused, resulting in incomplete gameplay. By installing these drivers, you ensure each button press and custom function works properly. Many Sony controllers lack native Windows support, causing missed inputs or missing triggers.

These drivers fill that gap by creating a bridge between your controller and the game. Once installed, your device appears as a standard gamepad. This guide shows you how to set them up and unlock the full potential of your favorite controllers.

Why Drivers Matter?

When you connect a DualShock 4 or a DualSense 5 to a Windows PC, you are asking two different systems to talk to each other. Sony designs its controllers primarily with PlayStation consoles in mind, while Microsoft builds Windows to interact smoothly with Xbox devices. This mismatch can cause missing features, unresponsive triggers, or lack of special inputs like the trackpad on the DualShock 4.

That’s where DS4 Windows comes in: it bridges the gap between your Sony controller and the Windows environment. But to do this job correctly, DS4 Windows depends on specific drivers. Each driver targets a separate function. Some are essential (without them, the software won’t work), and others are optional but helpful for things like better input handling and preventing double input errors.

Картинка с сайта: ds4-window.com

Essential DS4 Windows Drivers

Below, you’ll find a list of the main drivers that keep DS4 Windows functioning. These drivers can help your controller appear as an Xbox or even as another DualShock 4 device so games recognize it right away. Some of them are required, while others can add extra features.

1. Virtual Gamepad Emulation Bus (ViGEmBus) – Required

If you only pick one extra component for your DS4 Windows setup, let it be the ViGEmBus driver. This driver serves as the backbone of DS4 Windows because it creates virtual or “fake” controllers. In simple terms, when a game looks for an Xbox controller, ViGEmBus can present your DualShock 4 or DualSense 5 as if it were an actual Xbox 360 or another recognized device.

• Why It’s Needed: Many PC games offer built-in support for Xbox controllers and may not directly support Sony controllers. By emulating a more common device, you avoid a lot of compatibility problems.
• How It Works: The ViGEmBus driver runs at a low level in your operating system. When DS4 Windows detects your Sony controller, it uses the driver to present your controller as a supported gamepad.
• Installation: You usually download an .msi installer from a trusted source, then run it. If DS4 Windows notices you do not have ViGEmBus, it will often prompt you to install it.

2. HidHide – Optional

HidHide is all about avoiding the double input problem. Double input happens when your computer sees both your actual controller and the virtual controller at the same time. For example, pressing the “A” button might register twice in a game, messing up your controls.

• Purpose: HidHide hides physical gamepads from the system so only the virtual device (through DS4 Windows) is visible to the game.
• Benefit: This solution is especially valuable if you play games that get confused by two simultaneous controllers. It can also keep your system clean, showing only the devices you actually need.
• Installation: You download and install the HidHide driver, then follow DS4 Windows’ instructions on adding your controller to the “hidden” list.

3. FakerInput – Optional

Some games and systems have advanced security or special code that blocks certain commands. FakerInput steps in to help DS4 Windows send keyboard and mouse inputs in a way that bypasses these restrictions.

• Core Function: FakerInput creates a virtual keyboard and mouse. It sends inputs on a lower level than the standard “SendInput” method.
• When to Use It: Certain anti-cheat solutions, system prompts, or elevated processes can ignore normal input events. By using FakerInput, DS4 Windows can still control these games or processes.
• Examples: If you’re playing a game like Valorant, which has stricter anti-cheat measures, FakerInput helps keep the controller’s mapped keyboard and mouse inputs running.

4. Windows Libraries & Frameworks – Required

To work properly, DS4 Windows relies on key Microsoft components. These libraries let the application run smoothly and ensure that complex tasks happen without errors.

• .NET Runtime: Microsoft .NET 6.0.6 Runtime Desktop is often necessary. If installing the runtime doesn’t fix any errors, you might need the .NET Software Development Kit (SDK) instead.
• Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable: This library set includes important files that let DS4 Windows interact with the system. You might need either an x86 or x64 version, depending on your operating system.
• Operating System Requirements: Officially, Windows 10 or newer is recommended for the best support.
• Purpose: Installing these frameworks ensures DS4 Windows can perform advanced functions like hooking into device drivers and converting your controller’s signals into standard game inputs.

5. DS4Windows Application – Required

Once you’ve installed the main drivers, you’re ready to run DS4 Windows itself. This program is the final piece that ties everything together.

• Main Role: DS4 Windows maps each button on your DualShock 4 or DualSense 5 to an Xbox or another controller layout, so your games recognize it right away.
• Customization: In DS4 Windows, you can remap buttons, adjust touchpad features (for DS4), and fine-tune light bar settings. For the DualSense 5, you can also control haptic feedback if the game supports advanced rumble options.
• Download Location: You can get DS4 Windows from the official repository or website. Make sure you grab the correct version from the developer “Ryochan7,” as other older versions might prompt you to install outdated drivers.

Legacy Drivers

In the past, older drivers handled many of the tasks that ViGEmBus or HidHide now manage. If you see references to these legacy drivers, they might still lurk on your system, possibly causing conflicts. Knowing about them helps you troubleshoot issues.

HidGuardian

HidGuardian was the predecessor to HidHide. It hid controllers from certain programs, allowing only your chosen apps to detect them. This approach helped with double input, but the user experience wasn’t as smooth.

• Why It’s Outdated: DS4 Windows stopped supporting HidGuardian as of version 3.0.8 because HidHide offers a more stable and user-friendly way to accomplish the same task.
• Potential Issues: If HidGuardian remains on your system, it may hide your controller from DS4 Windows or Windows in general. This can lead to your controller not appearing at all, even if everything else is installed correctly.

Virtual Gamepad Emulation Bus (ScpVBus)

Before ViGEmBus, there was ScpVBus. It created virtual Xbox 360 controllers for programs that needed them.

• Obsolete Technology: While it once did the job, ScpVBus can be unstable on modern systems. It might also cause occasional crashes (Blue Screen of Death) if it conflicts with other drivers.
• Common Mistake: Some people unknowingly install ScpVBus when they download an old version of DS4 Windows created by another developer named “Jays2kings.” That version is no longer maintained.
• Uninstall Recommendation: If you find ScpVBus in your system, consider removing it. Doing so can help avoid rare crashes or detection conflicts with the newer, better ViGEmBus driver.

How to Install and Verify the Drivers

Below is a simple approach to getting everything up and running. Remember that some steps might differ depending on your hardware or specific Windows configuration, but this is a general guideline:

1. Install ViGEmBus
   • Download the official ViGEmBus installer from a reputable site (often the official Nefarius or DS4 Windows GitHub).
   • Double-click the .msi file and follow the prompts to finish installation.
2. (Optional) Install HidHide
   • If double input errors bother you, go for HidHide.
   • Follow on-screen steps, then reboot if prompted.
3. (Optional) Install FakerInput
   • If you need to pass inputs into elevated processes or work around certain anti-cheat systems, consider FakerInput.
   • Again, follow the installer instructions and allow your PC to restart if needed.
4. Check Windows Libraries
   • Make sure you have .NET 6.0.6 Runtime Desktop or the .NET 6 SDK if the runtime alone doesn’t work.
   • Ensure the Visual C++ Redistributable (2015-2019) is installed. Sometimes, DS4 Windows itself includes a prompt to download these.
5. Install DS4 Windows
   • Download the latest version of DS4 Windows (by Ryochan7).
   • Unzip or install, then open DS4 Windows. The app usually detects if ViGEmBus or other drivers are missing, offering to install them.
   • Once everything is in place, DS4 Windows should list your controller as soon as you connect it via USB or Bluetooth.
6. Verify in Game
   • Launch a game that supports Xbox controllers.
   • If everything’s set up right, your DualShock 4 or DualSense 5 should act exactly like an Xbox controller (or whatever profile you’ve selected).

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Preventing Conflicts: Uninstall older drivers like HidGuardian or ScpVBus if you don’t need them. Having them around can lead to detection issues or weird conflicts with the new setup.
• Bluetooth Pairing: Windows sometimes has trouble connecting DualShock 4 or DualSense 5 via Bluetooth. Make sure you pair correctly, and if DS4 Windows still doesn’t recognize your controller, try using a USB cable first.
• Avoiding Double Input: If you see repeated button presses, consider HidHide. Once installed, you can hide the real device, leaving only the virtual one visible to your games.
• Updating DS4 Windows: Check regularly for updates, as Ryochan7 often improves the app to handle new Windows features or controller firmware.
• Test Different Profiles: DS4 Windows lets you create various profiles with custom mappings and sensitivity levels. If you switch from a DualShock 4 to a DualSense 5, you can save separate profiles so each controller feels just right.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Controller Not Showing Up

1. Check if ViGEmBus is installed by looking in your system’s programs list or Device Manager.
2. Make sure you have the correct Visual C++ Redistributables and .NET packages.
3. If the controller appears in Windows but not in DS4 Windows, see if HidHide or a leftover driver is blocking it.

Blue Screen Errors (BSoD)

1. Look for ScpVBus in your list of installed programs. Remove it if present.
2. Check for any driver conflicts in Device Manager. Outdated or broken drivers can cause system instability.

Double Input

1. Confirm that HidHide is set up. If not, install it and hide the physical controller.
2. Disable any older hooking tools or overlay apps that might also intercept your controller inputs.

No Rumble or Advanced Haptics

1. Some PC games may not support advanced haptics on DualSense 5, so you might only get standard rumble.
2. DS4 Windows is frequently updated to improve haptic compatibility, so keep the software current.

Trackpad Not Working (DualShock 4)

1. In DS4 Windows, open the profile settings to ensure the trackpad is enabled.
2. Some games do not directly use the trackpad but might still map it to a mouse input. You can configure gestures and sensitivity in DS4 Windows.

Conclusion

Setting up your DualShock 4 or DualSense 5 on a Windows machine can be straightforward once you install the right tools. The DS4 Windows Drivers—particularly ViGEmBus, HidHide, and FakerInput—work together to translate your controller’s signals into a language your PC understands. With essential Windows Libraries in place and the DS4 Windows Application properly configured, you’ll enjoy smooth gameplay on even the trickiest titles.

Don’t forget to remove any outdated drivers like HidGuardian or ScpVBus if you spot them on your computer. These older drivers can lead to conflict or confusion, preventing DS4 Windows from working as intended. Once everything is properly installed, your Sony controller should function just like an Xbox device in most modern games.

With a bit of preparation, you can easily take advantage of your favorite PlayStation controllers on Windows, enjoying enhanced comfort, unique features like the DualShock 4 trackpad, and advanced haptic feedback on the DualSense 5. Thanks to these drivers, you no longer have to settle for partial functionality. Instead, you get the best of both worlds: a familiar controller layout paired with the wide game compatibility that Windows offers.