What’s the First Thing to Do After Installing DS4Windows?

You’ve installed DS4Windows to use your PlayStation controller on PC, but your controller still isn’t working properly. The crucial first step many users miss is installing the ViGEmBus driver. Without this essential component, your DualShock 4 won’t function correctly with Windows games.

Why ViGEmBus Drivers Matter After DS4Windows Installation?

DS4Windows creates a friendly interface that recognizes your PS4 controller, but it can’t do its job alone. The software needs ViGEmBus (Virtual Gamepad Emulation Framework) to create a virtual Xbox 360 controller that Windows and games can understand.

This driver acts as a translator between your DualShock 4 and Windows. Most PC games are designed to work with Xbox controllers using Microsoft’s XInput standard. Your PlayStation controller uses DirectInput, which many modern games don’t fully support.

Without the ViGEmBus driver installed, DS4Windows simply can’t perform its main function – making your PlayStation controller work like an Xbox controller. This leads to unresponsive buttons, connection problems, and frustration when trying to play your favorite games.

Step 1: Install the ViGEmBus Driver Immediately

After launching DS4Windows for the first time:

1. Look for the Settings tab or Welcome screen (location varies by version)
2. Find the “Install ViGEmBus Driver” button
3. Click it to begin installation
4. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the process

Important: Make sure you’re connected to the internet during this step, as the installer may need to download components.

Some newer versions of DS4Windows may also show options for additional drivers:

• HidHide: Prevents double inputs by hiding your physical controller
• FakerInput: Enables keyboard/mouse emulation in certain setups

While these can be helpful, ViGEmBus is the absolutely essential driver you need right away.

Step 2: Restart DS4Windows to Activate the Driver

After installing ViGEmBus:

1. Close DS4Windows completely
2. Reopen the application
3. Connect your DualShock 4 controller via USB cable or Bluetooth

This restart allows DS4Windows to recognize and use the newly installed driver. When you check the Devices or Controller tab, your DualShock 4 should now appear as an “Xbox 360 Controller” – this confirms the driver is working correctly.

Step 3: Test Your Controller Connection

To verify everything is working properly:

1. Go to the Controller tab in DS4Windows
2. Connect any DS4windows supported controller
3. Move the joysticks and press buttons to see if the on-screen display responds
4. Check that the controller status shows “Connected” and “Xbox 360 Controller”

If your controller shows as “DS4 Controller” instead of “Xbox 360 Controller,” the ViGEmBus driver may not be properly installed or activated.

Step 4: Create Your Default Profile

With your controller now working correctly, it’s time to set up how you want it to behave:

1. Go to the Profiles tab in DS4Windows
2. Use the default profile or create a new one
3. Adjust button mapping, sensitivity, and other settings
4. Set it as your default profile (Settings > Auto Profiles)

This ensures your controller maintains your preferred settings each time you connect it.

Troubleshooting ViGEmBus Driver Issues

If your controller still doesn’t work properly after installing the driver:

Check Device Manager

1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager
2. Look under “Human Interface Devices” and “Xbox 360 Peripherals”
3. Check for any yellow warning symbols next to devices

Reinstall ViGEmBus

1. Open Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program
2. Find and uninstall ViGEmBus Driver
3. Restart your computer
4. Open DS4Windows and reinstall the driver

Try a Different USB Port

Sometimes the issue is with the connection itself. Try:

1. A different USB port (preferably USB 3.0)
2. A different USB cable
3. Bluetooth connection instead of wired (if available)

What Happens If You Skip ViGEmBus Installation?

Without ViGEmBus, you’ll experience frustrating problems:

• Your controller might not be detected by games at all
• Buttons may not respond consistently
• You might get double inputs (one press registers twice)
• Some games will completely ignore your controller

These problems occur because Windows doesn’t know how to translate your DualShock 4 inputs into something most games understand. ViGEmBus bridges this gap.

Can DS4Windows Work Without ViGEmBus?

In short: no. While DS4Windows will launch, it will be like trying to drive a car without fuel. The application needs ViGEmBus to create the virtual Xbox controller that makes everything work.

A few older games support DirectInput natively and might work, but the vast majority of modern PC games expect XInput (Xbox) controllers. Without ViGEmBus, DS4Windows simply can’t provide that functionality.

Remember: installing ViGEmBus should always be your first step after setting up DS4Windows. This small but critical action saves hours of DS4windows problems and troubleshooting.