What Is DS4Windows and Why Drivers Matter?

DS4Windows is a tool that transforms your PlayStation controller into something your PC games can understand. Most PC games automatically work with Xbox controllers but ignore PlayStation controllers. DS4Windows bridges this gap by making your PC think you’re using an Xbox controller.

For this magic trick to work, you need specific software components called drivers. These drivers create the connection between your controller hardware and Windows operating system. Without them, pressing buttons on your controller is like speaking a language your PC doesn’t understand.

Let’s look at what drivers you need, what each one does, and how to get them working properly.

Required Drivers for DS4Windows

1. ViGEmBus Driver (Required)

What it does: ViGEmBus (Virtual Gamepad Emulation Bus) creates fake controllers that Windows can see. It’s the foundation that lets DS4Windows transform your PlayStation controller signals into Xbox controller signals.

Why you need it: Without ViGEmBus, your games won’t detect any controller input because DS4Windows can’t create the virtual Xbox controller that games recognize.

Where to get it: Download from the official ViGEm website (ViGEm.org)

What happens if missing: Your games won’t respond to any controller inputs, even though DS4Windows might detect your controller.

2. Microsoft System Libraries (Required)

Two critical Microsoft components must be installed:

.NET Runtime (v6.0.6 or newer)

• This framework lets DS4Windows run properly on your system
• Some computers need the full .NET SDK instead of just the Runtime
• Download from Microsoft’s official site

Visual C++ Redistributable (2015-2019)

• These libraries help DS4Windows talk to Windows system functions
• You need both x64 and x86 versions installed
• Download from Microsoft’s official site

System Requirements: Windows 10 or newer works best. Older Windows versions may have compatibility issues.

3. DS4Windows Application (Required)

After installing the drivers above, you need the main DS4Windows application itself.

Official version: Always download from Ryochan7’s GitHub page

• This is the actively maintained version
• Offers regular updates and bug fixes
• Includes the latest controller compatibility

What it does: Provides the interface where you set up button mappings, adjust sensitivity, create profiles, and enable special features like touchpad support.

Recommended Optional Drivers

HidHide Driver (Highly Recommended)

What it does: HidHide solves the “double input” problem – where Windows sees both your real controller and the virtual controller at the same time.

Common symptoms of double input:

• Buttons register twice when pressed once
• Games switch to two-player mode unexpectedly
• Character movements become jerky or unresponsive

How it works: HidHide makes your real controller invisible to games but visible to DS4Windows. This way, games only see the virtual controller.

Where to get it: Download from Nefarius Software Solutions’ GitHub page

FakerInput Driver (Optional for Special Cases)

What it does: Lets DS4Windows send keyboard and mouse commands in tough environments where normal methods don’t work.

When you need it:

• Playing games with anti-cheat systems (like Valorant)
• Using controller buttons to trigger keyboard commands in protected programs
• Accessing Windows features that normally block controller input

How it works: FakerInput bypasses normal Windows input methods to inject commands that even protected programs will accept.

Where to get it: Available on the ViGEm GitHub page

Outdated Drivers to Avoid

1. HidGuardian (Deprecated)

What it was: An older tool similar to HidHide that hid real controllers from games.

Current status: No longer supported in DS4Windows since version 3.0.8

Problem: If still installed, it can block your controller completely from being detected.

What to do: Uninstall it through Windows Device Manager or dedicated removal tools.

2. ScpVBus (Obsolete)

What it was: The predecessor to ViGEmBus, used in older versions of DS4Windows.

How you might get it: Many users accidentally install this when downloading unofficial DS4Windows versions (especially the outdated Jays2Kings version).

Risks: Can cause system crashes (blue screens), input conflicts, or controller detection failures.

What to do: Remove through Device Manager or dedicated uninstaller.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Problem	Likely Cause	How to Fix It
Controller not detected	Missing ViGEmBus driver	Reinstall ViGEmBus from official source
Game sees two controllers	Double input issue	Install and set up HidHide
Controller works in menus but not in game	Game blocking controller input	Try FakerInput driver
DS4Windows won’t start	Missing .NET components	Install full .NET 6 SDK
Buttons work but sticks don’t	Controller driver conflict	Remove old controller drivers first

DS4Windows Driver Installation Guide

Follow these steps in order for the best results:

Step 1: Install ViGEmBus First

• Download from official ViGEm site
• Run the installer and restart your computer

Step 2: Install Microsoft Components

• Add .NET 6 Runtime (or SDK if Runtime doesn’t work)
• Install both versions of Visual C++ Redistributable

Step 3: Set Up DS4Windows

• Download from Ryochan7’s GitHub
• Run the program and connect your controller

Step 4: Add HidHide to Prevent Double Input

• Install HidHide
• Use DS4Windows’ built-in HidHide configuration
• Select your controller to hide

Step 5: Add FakerInput If Needed

• Only install if you have issues with protected games
• Follow the GitHub instructions carefully

Step 6: Remove Old Drivers If Present

• Check Device Manager for HidGuardian or ScpVBus
• Uninstall them to prevent conflicts

Safety and Maintenance Tips

Download Sources

Only get drivers from official GitHub repositories or developer websites. Avoid random download sites that might include malware.

Update Regularly

Check for driver updates every few months. Updates fix bugs and add support for new controllers.

Backup Profiles

Save your controller profiles after you get them working perfectly. This saves time if you need to reinstall.

Check Logs for Errors

If something’s not working, look at the DS4Windows logs. They often tell you exactly what driver is missing.