- Home
- Controller Mapping Software
- DS4Windows
DS4Windows
What it is
DS4Windows is a free, open-source Windows application that maps gamepad input and emulates controllers, letting compatible games recognize PlayStation controllers on Windows 10 or 11 PCs. It can present input as an Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 controller. Supported devices include DualShock 3 and 4, DualSense and DualSense Edge, Nintendo Switch Pro controllers, Switch Joy-Con, and various third-party PS4 controllers. Users can map controls to keyboard, mouse, joystick, touchpad, lightbar, rumble, and motion-sensor inputs. Profiles can change automatically when a different program is in focus. Connection options include Micro USB, Sony Wireless Adapter, and Bluetooth 4.0 using the Microsoft Bluetooth stack. ViGEmBus is required to create virtual controllers; HidHide and FakerInput are optional drivers. The official build also has experimental Moonlight/Sunshine support. The application requires Windows 10 or newer, .NET 8.0 Desktop Runtime, Visual C++ Redistributable, and ViGEmBus. Steam PlayStation and Xbox Configuration Support should be disabled while using it.
For and against
For
- Emulates Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 controllers
- Supports several PlayStation and Nintendo controllers
- Profiles can switch with program focus
- Maps controls to keyboard and mouse
Against
- Requires ViGEmBus for virtual controllers
- Steam PlayStation and Xbox support should be disabled
- Virtual DS4 controller rumble is disabled
- DualSense adaptive trigger support is limited
The verdict
DS4Windows offers controller remapping and virtual controller output at no charge on Windows. Check its driver requirements and controller limitations before setting it up.
Who it suits
It suits Windows players who want to map supported gamepad input or use PlayStation controllers with compatible games. It also offers profiles for people who switch between programs.
Plans and prices
Free application
Windows 10 or newer · .NET 8.0 Desktop Runtime · Visual C++ Redistributable · ViGEmBus driver
Read 30 Sep 2026 · ds4-windows.com
On the record
- Connectivity
- Supported connection methods include Micro USB, Sony Wireless Adapter and Bluetooth 4.0 using the Microsoft Bluetooth stack.ds4-windows.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Controller emulation
- It can emulate Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 controllers so games recognize compatible input.ds4-windows.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Controller limits
- Virtual DS4 controllers have rumble disabled, while DualSense adaptive triggers are supported only in limited forms.ds4-windows.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Input mapping
- Users can remap controller inputs to keyboard, mouse, joystick, touchpad, lightbar, rumble and motion-sensor controls.ds4-windows.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- The official build includes experimental Moonlight/Sunshine support that can be enabled in Device Options.ds4-windows.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Optional drivers
- HidHide can hide controllers to prevent double input, and FakerInput exposes virtual keyboard and mouse events system-wide.ds4-windows.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Profiles
- The application supports profiles that can switch automatically when different programs are in focus.ds4-windows.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- DS4Windows is an open-source gamepad input mapper and virtual emulator for connecting PlayStation controllers to Windows 10/11 PCs.ds4-windows.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Replica compatibility
- Most replica controllers are ignored unless their vendor and product identifiers are already supported in DS4Windows code.ds4-windows.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Required driver
- ViGEmBus is required to create virtual Xbox and DualShock 4 controllers.ds4-windows.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security and privacy
- The privacy policy says the website uses reasonable administrative, technical and physical safeguards but cannot guarantee data transmission security.ds4-windows.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Steam requirement
- The site instructs users to disable Steam PlayStation Configuration Support and Xbox Configuration Support when using DS4Windows.ds4-windows.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- The site provides installation, troubleshooting, supported-gamepad documentation and a contact form for direct support.ds4-windows.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Supported controllers
- Supported devices include DualShock 3/4, DualSense, DualSense Edge, Nintendo Switch Pro, Switch Joy-Con and various third-party PS4 controllers.ds4-windows.com · read 30 Sep 2026
