What Is DS4Windows and Why You Need It

DS4Windows is free software that makes non- XInput controllers work with PC games. Most PC games only recognize XInput controllers automatically. When you plug in a PlayStation or Nintendo controller, many games simply ignore it. DS4Windows tricks your PC into thinking your controller is an XInput controller, solving this compatibility problem.

The software creates a “virtual” XInput controller that mirrors the inputs from your real controller. This virtual controller speaks the language your games understand. However, not all controllers work with DS4Windows, and even supported controllers might have limited features.

Officially Supported Controllers

DS4Windows works with more than just PlayStation controllers. The software has grown to support many different gamepads from various brands. Here’s a complete list of officially supported controllers and when they were added to DS4Windows:

PlayStation Controllers

DualShock 4 (DS4) v1 and v2

• Supported since version 1.4.53
• Full support for motion controls and rumble
• Touchpad functions fully work
• LED color can be customized
• Audio jack works only when connected via USB (DS4 v2 only)
• Wireless use requires Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR or higher

DualSense (PS5 Controller)

• Added in version 2.1.17
• Motion sensors fully supported
• Basic rumble works (not advanced haptic feedback)
• LED color can be customized
• Adaptive triggers have limited functionality
• Audio works only through USB connection
• Requires Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR for wireless use

DualSense Edge

• Support added in version 3.2.8
• Features match regular DualSense
• Back paddles can be mapped to other buttons
• Profile switching not directly supported

DualShock 3 (PS3 Controller)

• Added in version 2.2.10
• Requires special DsHidMini driver to work (check out our DS4Windows Driver Guide)
• Basic rumble supported (single strength only)
• No pressure-sensitive button support
• No motion control support
• LED indicators can be controlled
• Requires Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR for wireless use

Sony Wireless Adapter

• Support since version 1.4.53
• Allows DS4 controllers to use headphone jack wirelessly

Razer PlayStation-Compatible Controllers

Razer Raiju (Original)

• Added in version 1.4.99
• Full button and analog stick support

Razer Raiju Tournament Edition

• Support since version 1.7.8
• All standard features work

Razer Raiju Ultimate

• Added in version 1.7.9
• Full feature support

Nacon PlayStation-Compatible Controllers

Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro

• Added in version 1.7.20
• Standard features supported

Nacon Revolution Pro v3

• Support since version 1.7.23
• Basic functionality works

Nacon Revolution Infinite

• Added in version 1.7.26
• Standard features supported

Other PlayStation-Compatible Controllers

Hori PS4 Mini Controller

• Support since version 1.4.119
• Lacks touchpad and motion controls
• All buttons work normally

PS4 Fun Controller

• Added in version 1.7.4
• Basic functionality works

Steel Play Metaltech P4 (Wired)

• Support since version 1.7.17
• Standard button functions work

Hori Fighting Commander

• Added in version 1.7.20
• Designed for fighting games
• D-pad works extremely well

Astro C40

• Support since version 2.1.4
• Premium controller with customizable module layout
• Full feature support

SnakeByte Game:Pad

• Added in version 2.1.8
• Basic functionality works

Specialist PS4 Controllers

• Three unspecified models added in version 2.1.6
• Basic functions supported

Nintendo Controllers

Switch Pro Controller

• Added in version 2.1.16
• Motion sensors work
• Basic rumble only (no HD rumble)
• ZR/ZL buttons work as digital buttons, not analog triggers
• No LED or NFC support
• Requires Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR for wireless

Nintendo Joy-Cons

• Support since version 2.1.17
• Can be used individually or as a pair
• Motion sensors fully supported
• Basic rumble only (no HD rumble)
• No LED control or NFC support
• ZR/ZL buttons are digital, not analog
• Requires Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR for wireless

Feature Support By Controller Type

Not all controllers support the same features in DS4Windows. Here’s a breakdown of what works with each controller type:

DualShock 4 (DS4) Features

Motion Controls: ✓ Fully supported

Rumble: ✓ Complete support with variable intensity

Touchpad: ✓ Works as mouse and supports gestures

LED Control: ✓ Full RGB color customization

Audio: ✓ Works via USB only (DS4 v2) or with Sony Wireless Adapter

Triggers: ✓ Full analog support

Wireless Use: Requires Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR or higher

DualSense (PS5) Features

Motion Controls: ✓ Fully supported

Rumble: ✓ Basic support only (no advanced haptics)

Touchpad: ✓ Functions as expected

LED Control: ✓ RGB color customization available

Audio: ✓ Works via USB connection only

Adaptive Triggers: ⚠️ Limited functionality

Wireless Use: Requires Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR or higher

DualShock 3 (DS3) Features

Motion Controls: ✗ Not supported

Rumble: ⚠️ Basic support (single strength)

LED Control: ✓ Can control the four LEDs

Pressure Buttons: ✗ Not supported

Wireless Use: Requires Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR and BthPS3 driver

Nintendo Switch Pro Features

Motion Controls: ✓ Fully supported

Rumble: ⚠️ Basic support only (no HD rumble)

LED Control: ✗ Not supported

Triggers: ⚠️ Digital only (not analog)

NFC: ✗ Not supported

Wireless Use: Requires Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR or higher

Nintendo Joy-Con Features

Motion Controls: ✓ Fully supported

Rumble: ⚠️ Basic only (no HD rumble)

LED Control: ✗ Not supported

Triggers: ⚠️ Digital only (not analog)

NFC: ✗ Not supported

Wireless Use: Requires Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR or higher

Wireless Connection Requirements

To use your controller wirelessly with DS4Windows, your computer needs the right Bluetooth hardware. Here are the minimum requirements:

Controller Type	Minimum Bluetooth Version
DualShock 3	Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
DualShock 4	Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
DualSense	Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Switch Pro	Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Joy-Cons	Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

EDR stands for Enhanced Data Rate, which improves connection stability and reduces input lag. Without the right Bluetooth version, your controller might disconnect frequently or have delayed responses.

Third-Party and Replica Controllers

Many companies make controllers that look like official PlayStation controllers but cost less. These replica controllers fall into two categories:

Fully Functional Replicas

Some third-party controllers perfectly mimic the technical details of official controllers. They use the same Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) as official controllers, making them appear identical to your computer.

Examples that work well:

• 8BitDo controllers (when set to Switch Pro mode)
• Most higher-quality wired PlayStation controller clones

These controllers typically work with DS4Windows without any special setup.

Unsupported Replicas

Many cheaper replicas use different VID/PID values than official controllers. DS4Windows won’t recognize these controllers automatically because they identify themselves differently to the computer.

Signs of an unsupported replica:

• DS4Windows doesn’t detect the controller at all
• The controller works in some games but not with DS4Windows
• Windows detects it as a “Generic gamepad” instead of “Wireless Controller”

How to Check Your Controller’s Compatibility

1. Connect your controller to your PC
2. Visit a gamepad testing website (like “Gamepad Tester”)
3. Look for the VID/PID values displayed
4. Compare them to known supported controllers

If your controller isn’t supported, you can request support by:

1. Submitting your controller’s VID/PID to the DS4Windows developers
2. Providing detailed information about how your controller functions
3. Being patient – adding support can take time depending on complexity

Special Setup Requirements

Some controllers need extra steps to work with DS4Windows:

DualShock 3 (PS3 Controller) Setup

1. Install the DsHidMini driver package
2. Set the driver to “DS4Windows Mode”
3. For wireless use, install the BthPS3 driver for Bluetooth connectivity
4. Connect the controller and launch DS4Windows

Joy-Con Setup

1. Pair each Joy-Con separately via Bluetooth
2. Launch DS4Windows
3. Choose whether to use them as separate controllers or combined

Audio Setup for DualShock 4 and DualSense

To use the headphone jack:

• Connect via USB cable, or
• Use the official Sony Wireless Adapter (for DS4 only)
• Standard Bluetooth connections don’t support audio

Common DS4 Windows Problems and Solutions

Controller connects but isn’t detected by DS4Windows

• Your controller might not be supported
• Check if you need special drivers (like DsHidMini for DS3)
• Verify the controller isn’t in the wrong mode (some have mode switches)

Features like rumble or motion don’t work

• Check if your controller model supports these features
• Make sure the feature is enabled in DS4Windows profiles
• Update to the latest DS4Windows version

Wireless connection keeps dropping

• Your Bluetooth adapter might not meet minimum requirements
• Interference from other devices could cause problems
• Keep the controller within 15-20 feet of the adapter