DS4Windows Background

The Ultimate DualShock 4
Experience on Windows

Transform your PlayStation controller into the perfect Windows gaming companion. DS4Windows provides seamless connectivity, full customization, and professional-grade features for competitive and casual gamers alike.

No Installation Required
Wireless & USB Support
4 Controllers Simultaneously
10M+
Downloads Worldwide
4.8
Average Rating
99%
Game Compatibility

Bridging PlayStation & Windows Gaming Excellence

DS4Windows is a portable program that allows you to get the best experience while using a DualShock 4 controller on your PC. By emulating Xbox 360 controller input, DS4Windows ensures maximum compatibility with all Windows games that support gamepad input.

100% Safe & Secure

Open-source code reviewed by thousands of developers worldwide

Lightweight & Fast

Minimal resource usage with zero impact on gaming performance

Active Community

Supported by passionate developers and gaming enthusiasts

Project Statistics
GitHub Stars 6.8K+
Contributors 150+
Active Users 750K+
Supported Games 5000+
Windows 10/11
Steam Compatible
Epic Games
Origin & More

Why Choose DS4Windows?

The most comprehensive DualShock 4 solution for Windows gaming

Complete Controller Support

Full DualShock 4 compatibility with touchpad, light bar, motion sensors, and all buttons

Wireless & USB

Connect via Bluetooth or USB cable for maximum flexibility

4 Controllers

Support up to 4 controllers simultaneously for local multiplayer

Button Mapping

Remap any button to keyboard, mouse, or custom actions

RGB Light Bar

Customize colors, brightness, and battery indicators

Game Profiles

Auto-switch profiles based on running games

Battery Monitor

Real-time battery level with low battery alerts

Macro Support

Create complex button combinations and sequences

Low Latency

1000Hz polling rate for competitive gaming

Hide Controller

Prevent conflicts with games and other software

99%
Game Compatibility
<1ms
Input Latency
10M+
Downloads
4.8★
User Rating
Professional Interface

Intuitive & Powerful Interface

Experience the most advanced DualShock 4 management interface with real-time monitoring, instant customization, and seamless control

DS4Windows Main Interface
Controller Detection
Battery Status
Connection Status
Auto Profiles
Auto Profile Switching
Profile Management
Light Bar Control
Light Bar Control
RGB Customization

Instant Controller Detection

Automatic recognition and connection of DualShock 4 controllers with real-time status monitoring

✓ Plug & Play ✓ Multi-controller Support ✓ Connection Status

Smart Profile Management

Automatic profile switching based on running applications with unlimited custom configurations

✓ Auto-Detection ✓ Game-Specific Settings ✓ Easy Switching

Advanced Customization

Full RGB light bar control, button mapping, and performance tuning with real-time preview

✓ RGB Control ✓ Button Mapping ✓ Real-time Preview
4
Controllers Supported
1000Hz
Polling Rate
<1ms
Input Latency
Custom Profiles

Download DS4Windows

Free, open-source, and ready to use in minutes

Previous Versions

Access older versions for compatibility or testing purposes.

v3.2.21 February 2024
v3.2.20 January 2024
v3.1.x Legacy Support
System Requirements

Compatibility & Requirements

Lightweight application with minimal system requirements

Required

Operating System

Windows 10/11 (64-bit)

Version 1809+ Latest updates

Processor

Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent

Low CPU usage Multi-core support
Minimum

Memory

2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)

DDR3/DDR4 Low footprint
Minimal

Storage

50 MB available space

Portable app No installation
Required

Controller

DualShock 4 (Any revision)

All DS4 models Up to 4 controllers
Required

Connectivity

Bluetooth 2.1+ or USB 2.0

Wireless & wired Low latency
99% compatibility with Windows 10/11 • 100% DS4 support • Most systems from 2015+ are fully compatible

Additional Software

.NET Framework

Required for DS4Windows operation

Download

ViGEmBus Driver

Virtual gamepad emulation driver

Download

Visual C++ Redistributable

Required runtime components

Download

DS4Windows will notify you if any of these components are missing

Get Started in Minutes

Follow our comprehensive guide to set up DS4Windows perfectly

1

Download & Extract DS4Windows

Download the latest version from the official GitHub repository. Extract the ZIP file to a folder of your choice - DS4Windows is portable and doesn't require installation.

Tip: Create a folder in C:\Program Files\DS4Windows for easy access
2

Install Required Components

On first launch, DS4Windows will check for necessary drivers and frameworks. Follow the prompts to install ViGEmBus driver and any missing .NET components.

Administrator privileges may be required for driver installation
3

Enable Bluetooth on Your PC

Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your Windows PC. Open Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and turn on Bluetooth.

Windows 10/11: Settings > Bluetooth & devices
Ensure Bluetooth adapter is functioning properly
4

Put Controller in Pairing Mode

Hold the Share button and PS button simultaneously for 3-5 seconds until the light bar starts flashing white rapidly.

Share
+
PS
=
Pairing Mode
5

Pair in Windows Settings

In Windows Bluetooth settings, click "Add Bluetooth or other device", select Bluetooth, and choose "Wireless Controller" when it appears in the list.

Make sure DS4Windows is running before pairing for best results
6

Launch DS4Windows & Start Gaming

Run DS4Windows.exe and your controller should be detected automatically. The Controllers tab will show your connected device with battery status and connection quality.

Controller ready! Test it in the Input Test section or launch your favorite game
1

Download DS4Windows

Download the latest version from GitHub and extract to your preferred location. No installation necessary!

2

Connect Your Controller

Use a micro-USB cable to connect your DualShock 4 to your PC. The controller's light bar should light up immediately.

Use a quality USB cable for best performance. Some charging cables may not transfer data
3

Run DS4Windows

Launch DS4Windows.exe. Your controller will be detected instantly and automatically configured with the default profile.

That's it! Your controller is ready to use. USB setup is the quickest method

USB Connection Benefits

Zero input lag
No battery drainage
More stable connection
Higher polling rate

Button Remapping

Customize every button, trigger, and stick to your preference:

  • Right-click any button in the profile editor
  • Choose from controller buttons, keyboard keys, or mouse actions
  • Create button combinations and macros
  • Adjust trigger dead zones and sensitivity curves

Light Bar Customization

Personalize your controller's appearance:

  • Select from 16 million colors or use presets
  • Configure battery level color indicators
  • Set different colors for each profile
  • Adjust brightness (0-100%)

Profile Management

Create and manage profiles for different games:

  • Create unlimited game-specific profiles
  • Enable Auto Profile to switch based on active window
  • Export and share profiles with the community
  • Import pre-made profiles for popular games

Performance Tuning

Optimize for competitive gaming:

  • Adjust polling rate (125Hz - 1000Hz)
  • Fine-tune stick dead zones and anti-dead zones
  • Configure output curve for precise aiming
  • Enable/disable rumble to reduce input lag

Controller Not Detected

Solutions:

  • Run DS4Windows as Administrator
  • Ensure ViGEmBus driver is properly installed
  • Try a different USB cable or port
  • Update Windows and Bluetooth drivers

Bluetooth Connection Issues

Solutions:

  • Remove controller from Windows Bluetooth settings and re-pair
  • Make sure DS4Windows is running before pairing
  • Keep controller within 10 meters of PC
  • Disable USB power saving for Bluetooth adapter

Games Not Recognizing Controller

Solutions:

  • Enable "Hide DS4 Controller" in Settings
  • Make sure the game supports Xbox controllers
  • Close Steam or other controller software that may conflict
  • Try running the game as Administrator

Input Lag or Disconnections

Solutions:

  • Move closer to Bluetooth adapter
  • Remove interference sources (WiFi routers, other wireless devices)
  • Use USB connection for zero latency
  • Update controller firmware via PlayStation console

Battery Draining Fast

Solutions:

  • Lower light bar brightness in DS4Windows
  • Disable rumble when not needed
  • Turn off controller when not in use
  • Check battery health - replace if old

DS4Windows Won't Start

Solutions:

  • Install .NET Framework 4.8 or newer
  • Install Visual C++ Redistributable
  • Check antivirus isn't blocking DS4Windows
  • Extract to a folder with write permissions

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about DS4Windows

General Questions

Is DS4Windows completely free?

Yes! DS4Windows is 100% free and open-source software released under the MIT License. You can download, use, modify, and distribute it without any cost. There are no premium features, subscriptions, or hidden fees.

Is DS4Windows safe and legal to use?

Absolutely! DS4Windows is completely safe and legal. It's open-source software that simply translates controller input to Xbox controller format. It doesn't modify games, inject code, or give unfair advantages. There's zero risk of bans from anti-cheat systems.

Does it work with DualSense (PS5) controllers?

DS4Windows has basic support for DualSense controllers, allowing you to use them on Windows. However, for full DualSense-specific features like adaptive triggers and advanced haptics, we recommend using DualSenseX, which is specifically designed for PS5 controllers.

Do I need to keep DS4Windows running?

Yes, DS4Windows needs to run in the background to translate your controller input in real-time. However, it uses minimal system resources (typically under 50MB RAM) and can be minimized to the system tray. You can set it to start automatically with Windows for convenience.

Technical Questions

Can I use multiple controllers at once?

Yes! DS4Windows supports up to 4 DualShock 4 controllers simultaneously, perfect for local multiplayer games. Each controller can have its own profile, button mapping, and light bar color for easy identification.

Can I customize button mappings?

Absolutely! DS4Windows offers extensive customization options including complete button remapping, keyboard/mouse emulation, macro creation, sensitivity adjustment, dead zone configuration, and trigger customization. You can create unlimited profiles for different games.

Will it work with all games?

DS4Windows works with any Windows game that supports Xbox 360/Xbox One controllers. This includes virtually all modern PC games with gamepad support. For games without native controller support, you can map buttons to keyboard and mouse inputs.

Does it support the touchpad?

Yes! The DualShock 4 touchpad is fully supported. You can use it as a mouse, map touch gestures to buttons, configure swipe actions, or use it as additional buttons (click left/right, two-finger touch, etc.). The touchpad functionality is highly customizable in the profile settings.

Connectivity Questions

Bluetooth or USB - which is better?

Both have advantages! USB provides zero input lag, stable connection, and charges the controller. Bluetooth offers wireless freedom and is perfectly suitable for most games. For competitive gaming, USB is recommended. For casual gaming, Bluetooth works great.

What Bluetooth version do I need?

DualShock 4 requires Bluetooth 2.1 or newer. Most modern PCs have Bluetooth 4.0+, which works perfectly. If your PC doesn't have built-in Bluetooth, you can use a USB Bluetooth adapter (Bluetooth 4.0+ recommended for best performance).

How far can I be from my PC with Bluetooth?

Typically 6-10 meters (20-33 feet) depending on your Bluetooth adapter and environmental factors. Walls, wireless routers, and other electronic devices can reduce range. For best results, maintain line of sight and minimize interference sources.

Can I switch between Bluetooth and USB?

Yes! You can seamlessly switch between Bluetooth and USB connection at any time. Simply plug in the USB cable to switch to wired mode, or unplug to return to wireless. Your profiles and settings remain the same regardless of connection method.

Features Questions

How accurate is the battery indicator?

Very accurate! DS4Windows reads battery level directly from the controller and displays it in real-time. You'll see percentage or icon indicators, and can set up notifications for low battery warnings. Battery status is shown in the system tray and main interface.

Can I create macros?

Yes! You can create complex macros by recording button sequences, setting delays, and configuring repeat options. Macros can be triggered by any button or button combination. This is useful for executing complex moves or automating repetitive actions.

Does it support motion controls (gyro)?

Yes! DS4Windows fully supports the DualShock 4's gyroscope and accelerometer. You can use motion controls for camera movement, aiming, steering, or map them to mouse/keyboard inputs. Perfect for games that support gyro aiming or motion-based controls.

Can profiles auto-switch per game?

Absolutely! The Auto Profile feature automatically loads specific profiles when certain programs launch. Add your game's executable to a profile, and DS4Windows will switch to it automatically when you start the game, then revert when you close it.

Support Questions

Where can I get help if I have problems?

Multiple support channels are available: GitHub Issues for bug reports, Discord server for real-time community help, Reddit community for discussions, and comprehensive documentation wiki. The community is very active and helpful!

How often is DS4Windows updated?

DS4Windows is actively maintained with regular updates. Major updates come every few months with new features, while bug fixes and minor improvements are released more frequently. The project has been consistently maintained for years.

Can I contribute to the project?

Yes! DS4Windows is open-source and welcomes contributions. You can help by reporting bugs, suggesting features, improving documentation, translating to other languages, or contributing code on GitHub. All contributions are appreciated!

Does it work with Steam Big Picture?

Yes! DS4Windows works perfectly with Steam Big Picture and regular Steam. For best results, disable Steam's built-in PlayStation controller support to avoid conflicts. You can also use DS4Windows alongside Steam Input for advanced configurations.

Can't find your answer?

View Full Documentation

Expert Tips & Tricks

Unlock the full potential of DS4Windows with these professional tips and hidden features

Gaming Optimization

Ultra-Low Latency Mode

Enable exclusive mode and set polling rate to 1000Hz for competitive gaming. Reduces input lag to under 1ms.

Pro Tip: Use USB connection for best performance

Smart Light Bar

Set light bar to change color based on battery level: Green (100-50%), Yellow (50-20%), Red (20-0%).

Never run out of battery during gaming

Profile Auto-Switch

Create game-specific profiles that automatically load when you launch your favorite games.

Seamless gaming experience

Advanced Configuration

Macro Recording

Record complex button combinations and assign them to single buttons for faster execution.

Perfect for fighting games and MMOs

Gyro Mouse Control

Use the controller's gyroscope for precise mouse control in FPS games. Adjust sensitivity for perfect aim.

Console-like precision on PC

Audio Integration

Connect headphones to the controller's 3.5mm jack for game audio and voice chat.

Wireless audio experience

Troubleshooting

Bluetooth Optimization

Update Bluetooth drivers and disable power management to prevent connection drops.

Stable wireless connection

Antivirus Whitelist

Add DS4Windows to your antivirus whitelist to prevent false positive detections.

Smooth operation without interruptions

Profile Backup

Regularly backup your profiles folder to avoid losing custom configurations.

Never lose your settings

Quick Tips

1 Hold PS + Share for 3 seconds to reset controller
2 Use DS4Windows with Steam for best compatibility
3 Enable "Hide DS4 Controller" to avoid conflicts
4 Update ViGEmBus driver for latest features

DS4Windows Blog

Stay updated with the latest tips, tutorials, and news about DS4Windows

Light Bar Customization
Customization
March 12, 2024 5 min read

Advanced Light Bar Customization Techniques

Master the art of light bar customization with RGB effects, battery indicators, and game-specific lighting profiles for immersive gaming experiences.

RGB Customization Advanced
Read More
Profile Management
Profiles
March 10, 2024 6 min read

Creating and Managing Game-Specific Profiles

Discover how to create custom profiles for different games, set up automatic profile switching, and optimize controller settings for each gaming genre.

Profiles Games Automation
Read More
Performance Optimization
Performance
March 8, 2024 7 min read

Optimizing DS4Windows for Competitive Gaming

Learn professional techniques to minimize input lag, optimize polling rates, and configure DS4Windows for the best competitive gaming performance.

Performance Competitive Optimization
Read More
Bluetooth Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
March 5, 2024 4 min read

Fixing Common Bluetooth Connection Issues

Troubleshoot and resolve the most common Bluetooth connectivity problems with your DualShock 4 controller on Windows systems.

Bluetooth Troubleshooting Connection
Read More
Macro Creation
Advanced
March 3, 2024 9 min read

Creating Complex Macros and Button Combinations

Master the art of macro creation for complex button sequences, perfect for fighting games, MMOs, and productivity applications.

Macros Advanced Automation
Read More
Steam Integration
Integration
March 1, 2024 5 min read

DS4Windows vs Steam Controller Support

Compare DS4Windows with Steam's built-in controller support, learn when to use each, and how to configure them for optimal compatibility.

Steam Comparison Integration
Read More
Gyro Controls
Features
February 28, 2024 6 min read

Using Gyroscope for Mouse Control in FPS Games

Learn how to configure and use the DualShock 4's gyroscope for precise mouse control in first-person shooter games for console-like precision.

Gyroscope FPS Mouse Control
Read More
Audio Setup
Audio
February 25, 2024 4 min read

Setting Up Wireless Audio with DS4 Controller

Configure your DualShock 4 controller for wireless audio, including game sound and voice chat through the controller's 3.5mm jack.

Audio Wireless Setup
Read More
Battery Management
Tips
February 22, 2024 3 min read

Battery Life Optimization Tips

Discover proven methods to extend your DualShock 4 battery life, including power management settings and charging best practices.

Battery Optimization Tips
Read More

Connect with Fellow Gamers

Get support, share configurations, and stay updated with the latest news

GitHub Repository

Access source code, report bugs, request features, and contribute to development. View changelogs and download all versions.

6.8K Stars
150+ Contributors
Visit GitHub

Discord Server

Join our active Discord community for real-time help, discussions, and news. Chat with developers and experienced users.

15K+ Members
24/7 Active
Join Discord

Reddit Community

Connect with thousands of users, share profiles, get tips, and discuss gaming. Active community with helpful members.

25K+ Members
Very Active
Visit Subreddit

Documentation Wiki

Comprehensive guides, tutorials, troubleshooting, and detailed feature explanations. Everything you need to master DS4Windows.

100+ Articles
Multi-Language
Read Documentation

Community Contributions

10M+
Total Downloads
5K+
Code Commits
2K+
Issues Resolved
20+
Languages Supported
DS4Windows

Ready to Enhance Your Gaming Experience?

Join millions of gamers worldwide using DS4Windows for the ultimate controller experience on Windows

100% Free & Open Source
No Installation Required
Active Development
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