DS4Windows Not Working [Causes & Fixes]
How to fix DS4Windows not working can be a lifesaver to get out of the frustrating situation when you’re ready to game, but things just won’t work as expected. The common issues could be any of the following:
We have listed all the possible issues here and linked them to their related parts for detailed fixes or solutions.
Common Issues Related to DS4Windows and Their Solutions
The issues with DS4Windows vary depending on your computer and your understanding of this software. The good news is that most of these problems have simple solutions! Just scroll down to your specific problem and click to land on the related post for detailed fixes.
DS4Windows Doesn’t Open / Crashes / Start or Fails to Save Settings
Is your tool not launching? Or does it crash soon after it launches? Or does it open normally but not start when you press the Start button, showing an error message in the log? Or has your tool suddenly stopped working?
Just check out our dedicated article on fixing the DS4Windows Doesn’t Open or Fail to Start issue.
DS4Windows Not Detecting Controllers
Are you struggling to get the DS4 Windows to detect your controller? You have connected a PS controller to your computer via USB or Bluetooth, and it’s not detecting the controller. Click on the link corresponding to your connection method to get the solution.
DS4Windows Is Not Creating Virtual Controllers
You can’t play your PC games with a PS controller until DS4Win creates the virtual Xbox controller by hiding the real controller. Read how to solve this issue.
Open the DS4Win tool on your computer and go to the Controllers tab.
Select your profile and click on the Edit option.
In the Profile Editor, you will see the Other option.
If you see that Disable Virtual Controller is turned on, turn it off.
Save the changes, click Stop, then click Start again to test if it works.
Follow the same steps if you see a message in the log that says Associate (X360/DS4) Controller (…) Does Not Appear.
Games Not Recognizing The Virtual Controllers
This happens when DS4Win fails to hide the real controller, and the game does not recognize the virtual controller. You will see an X icon on the top bar of the DS4Windows screen. You can’t play the game until you fix this issue.
Controller Detected But Not Behaving Correctly While Playing Games
Well, both DS4Windows and the game recognize the controller, but it’s not behaving exactly according to commands. This may be because you’re using a misconfigured profile, the double input issue is raising its head, or your physical controller is faulty. Click on the link below to learn the reasons in detail and how to fix them.
Keyboard and Mouse Remapping Related Issues
Keyboard and mouse remapping means using the controller buttons and sticks to perform keyboard and mouse actions for playing games that are designed for a keyboard and mouse. To solve issues regarding remapping, click on the link below:
DS4Windows Double Input / Double Controller Issue
This issue happens when you give a command and your system executes it twice because it is receiving input from two controllers. This occurs when DS4Windows fails to hide the real controller, and the game detects both the real and the virtual controllers. This is known as the double input or double controller issue.
You’ll see an X icon on the top bar of your screen when this happens.
The HidHide driver is recommended to hide the real controller. The possible reasons for this issue could be that you haven’t installed the HidHide driver, or you have installed it but haven’t configured the settings correctly for the driver to function properly.
Fix 1: HidHide is Installed, But the Real Controller is Not Hidden
If you have installed HidHide but your system is still executing one command twice, follow the steps below to verify that you have correctly installed and configured the driver. You can follow the same steps for any controller, not just PlayStation controllers.
Open DS4Windows and stop it from running in the background.
Close the DS4Windows window completely by clicking the Stop button and make sure it is not running in the taskbar.
Open the HidHide Configuration Client, select your real controller, and hide it.
Make sure the Device Hiding option is enabled.
Save your changes and close the HidHide client.
Add DS4Windows to the application list in HidHide.
Reopen DS4Windows on your PC and check if the real controller is properly hidden. A key icon will appear instead of the X icon to confirm that it is hidden.
Fix 2: Hidden The Controller, But The Double Input Issue Is Not Solved
You are watching a key icon on the top bar of your screen showing that the real controller is successfully hidden, but your system is executing one command twice.
Here’s how to fix the issue:
Close DS4Windows and open the HidHide Configuration Client.
Check if the Enable Device Hiding option is turned on. If it isn’t, make sure to enable it.
Disconnect your controller from the PC and reconnect it using a different method (switch between USB and Bluetooth).
You can confirm that the real controller is hidden by visiting the Gamepad Tester and checking if your physical controller is no longer visible.
If the controller is still not hidden, start the process again from the beginning.
Headphone/Mic Issues When Controller is Connected
For a dedicated troubleshooting guide on headphone and mic issues, click the link below.
We have highlighted the main issues that most DS4Windows users face while using this tool to play PC games with PS controllers. If you are facing any issue other than those discussed, contact us for guidance.
