DS4Windows: How to Use PS4 and PS5 Controller on Windows 10 and 11

DS4Windows is a free app that lets you use PS4 and PS5 controllers on Windows as an Xbox controller. Most PC games only support Xbox — DS4Windows bridges that gap.

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Requirements

• DualShock 4 (PS4) or DualSense (PS5) controller
• USB cable or Bluetooth adapter
• Windows 10/11 64-bit

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Step 1 — Install DS4Windows

1. Download from GitHub: Ryochan7/DS4Windows
2. Extract to any folder (portable app)
3. Run DS4Windows.exe
4. Install ViGEmBus driver when prompted → "Install"

Warning: download only from official GitHub. Fake sites distribute malware.

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Step 2 — Connect Controller

Via USB

Plug in controller → DS4Windows auto-detects it → green indicator = working.

Via Bluetooth

PS4 DualShock 4: Hold PS + Share (~3 sec) → find "Wireless Controller" in Bluetooth settings

PS5 DualSense: Hold PS + Create (~3 sec) → find "DualSense Wireless Controller"

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Step 3 — Profile Setup

DS4Windows → Profiles → Edit (Default)

• "Emulate Xbox 360 Controller" — for most PC games
• "Use DS4 directly" — for games with native PS support

Touchpad as Mouse

Edit Profile → Other → Use touchpad as mouse → enable

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Steam Configuration

Steam has built-in PS controller support:

Steam → Settings → Controller → General Controller Settings → PlayStation Configuration Support

Conflict with DS4Windows: both active = double input. Solution: disable PS support in Steam OR close DS4Windows when playing Steam games.

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Troubleshooting

Controller not detected

Reinstall ViGEmBus: DS4Windows → Settings → Controller → Install ViGEmBus

Double input in games

Steam → Settings → Controller → Desktop Configuration → disable PS support

Bluetooth keeps disconnecting

• Check battery level (below 10% = unstable)
• Update Bluetooth adapter driver

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Summary

Step	Action
1	Download DS4Windows from GitHub
2	Install ViGEmBus on first launch
3	Connect via USB or Bluetooth
4	Select "Emulate Xbox 360" profile
5	Steam: disable double PS support