Privacy Policy

DS4Windows values your privacy and is committed to protecting personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how information is processed when you use the DS4Windows application, website, documentation, downloads, and related services.

By using these services, you acknowledge the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

DS4Windows is a free, open-source Windows application originally created by Jays2Kings and later maintained and enhanced by Ryochan7. It enables supported controllers, including the DualShock 4, to work with Windows games by translating controller input into virtual controller, keyboard, or mouse input.

Information We Collect

DS4Windows is designed to operate primarily on your Windows device. The application does not require a DS4Windows account to perform its core controller-mapping functions.

Personal Information

Limited personal information may be collected when you voluntarily interact with related services:

Contact Information: If you submit a support request, report an issue, or provide feedback, your name, email address, GitHub username, and message contents may be processed.

Account Information: When you interact through GitHub or another external platform, account information is processed by that platform according to its privacy policy.

DS4Windows does not request payment information, government identification, or other sensitive personal information for its core functionality.

Controller and Device Information

To perform its functions, DS4Windows may locally process:

  • Controller type and connection method;
  • Controller identifiers reported by Windows;
  • Button, trigger, analog-stick, touchpad, and motion-sensor input;
  • Battery level and connection status;
  • Bluetooth or USB connection information;
  • Input latency and polling information;
  • Controller calibration and configuration data; and
  • Windows and driver information required for compatibility.

This information is used in real time to detect controllers, apply mappings, manage profiles, and create supported virtual controller output.

Profiles and Configuration Data

DS4Windows stores settings and profile information locally on your computer. This may include:

  • Button mappings;
  • Macros and special actions;
  • Controller configurations;
  • Linked and automatic profiles;
  • Output-slot settings;
  • Lightbar, rumble, sensitivity, and dead-zone preferences;
  • Application settings; and
  • Game executable names or paths selected for automatic profiles.

Depending on the configuration selected during setup, these files may be stored in the DS4Windows program directory or the user’s Windows profile folder.

Diagnostics and Logs

DS4Windows may generate local logs or diagnostic information, including:

  • Application version;
  • Windows version;
  • Driver status;
  • Connected controller information;
  • Error messages;
  • Startup and shutdown events;
  • Connection or disconnection events; and
  • Troubleshooting information.

Diagnostic information remains on your device unless you voluntarily include it in a support request, issue report, or other submission.

Website and Download Data

When you access a DS4Windows-related website, documentation page, or download platform, standard technical information may be collected, including:

  • IP address;
  • Browser and device type;
  • Operating system;
  • Pages visited;
  • Referring website;
  • Access date and time; and
  • Download activity.

Cookies and similar technologies may also be used to provide website functionality, remember preferences, measure traffic, and maintain security.

How We Use Your Information

Information may be used for the following purposes:

Application Functionality: To detect controllers, process input, apply profiles, perform remapping, and provide virtual controller output.

Compatibility and Performance: To diagnose controller, Bluetooth, USB, driver, latency, and Windows compatibility issues.

Technical Support: To investigate issue reports, respond to questions, and provide troubleshooting assistance.

Software Updates: To check for available versions and retrieve release information when update functionality is used.

Website Improvement: To analyze traffic, maintain website performance, and improve documentation.

Security: To detect malicious activity, spam, abuse, unauthorized access, and security threats.

Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, legal obligations, and valid legal requests.

Network Features

Core profile and controller processing generally occurs locally. Certain features may require network communication.

Software Updates

DS4Windows or its updater may connect to GitHub or another configured download service to check for updates, obtain release information, or download application files. The external service may receive technical information such as your IP address, browser or application details, and request time.

UDP Server

Some versions of DS4Windows include an optional UDP server that can make controller data available to compatible applications.

The UDP server is disabled by default in documented configurations. If enabled, it may transmit controller-status information through the selected network interface. Using a local address restricts connections to the same computer, while other network addresses may permit access from devices on the connected network.

Users are responsible for configuring network access, firewall rules, and related security settings appropriately.

Third-Party Components and Services

DS4Windows may interact with third-party software and services, including:

  • GitHub for source code, releases, issue reporting, and downloads;
  • Windows Bluetooth and USB services;
  • Virtual controller and device-hiding drivers;
  • Microsoft Windows components and runtime libraries;
  • Games, launchers, and controller-enabled applications; and
  • Applications that connect through optional UDP functionality.

Information processed by these services is governed by their respective privacy policies and settings.

Authentication credentials for GitHub, gaming platforms, or other external services are not required for DS4Windows’ core controller-mapping functionality.

Data Sharing

Personal information may be disclosed:

  • To hosting, security, analytics, and technical service providers;
  • When you intentionally publish information through an issue tracker or discussion platform;
  • When required by applicable law or valid legal process;
  • To investigate fraud, abuse, or security incidents; or
  • When necessary to protect users, services, or legal rights.

Personal information is not sold for monetary compensation.

Data Storage, Retention, and Security

Local Storage

Controller profiles, mappings, macros, preferences, and related configuration files are primarily stored locally on your Windows computer.

You can back up, modify, or delete these files using Windows file-management tools or the available DS4Windows profile-folder options.

Retention

Locally stored application data remains on your device until you modify, reset, or delete it. Information voluntarily submitted for support may be retained for as long as reasonably necessary to respond, maintain records, resolve disputes, or meet legal obligations.

Security

Reasonable technical and organizational measures are used to protect information processed through related services. However, no software, internet transmission, or storage system can be guaranteed completely secure.

Users should download application files carefully, keep Windows and relevant drivers updated, and review network settings before enabling optional network features.

User Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Request access to personal information held about you;
  • Request correction of inaccurate information;
  • Request deletion of submitted information;
  • Restrict or object to certain processing;
  • Withdraw previously provided consent;
  • Request a portable copy of qualifying information; and
  • Submit a complaint to a data-protection authority.

These rights apply to information held through website, support, or related services. Locally stored DS4Windows profiles and settings remain under your control and can be managed directly on your computer.

Cookies may be controlled through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality but does not prevent locally installed DS4Windows software from operating.

Children’s Privacy

DS4Windows services are not directed to children under 13 or the minimum age required by applicable local law.

Personal information is not knowingly collected from children in violation of applicable law. If such information is identified, reasonable steps will be taken to delete it.

International Data Transfers

Websites, repositories, hosting providers, and support platforms may process information in countries other than your country of residence. Where required, legally recognized safeguards will be used for international transfers.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in software functionality, website practices, technology, or legal requirements.

Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Users are encouraged to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or privacy requests, contact:

Email: [email protected]
Contact page: /contact-us/

By using DS4Windows and related services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.