DS4Windows
DS4Windows is a free, open-source Windows application that maps gamepad input and emulates controllers so compatible games can use PlayStation controllers on…
What DS4Windows is
DS4Windows is a free, open-source Windows application that maps gamepad input and emulates controllers so compatible games can use 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 some third-party PS4 controllers. Users can remap 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 with the Microsoft Bluetooth stack. ViGEmBus is required to create virtual controllers; HidHide and FakerInput are optional drivers. The application also includes experimental Moonlight/Sunshine support. It requires Windows 10 or newer, .NET 8.0 Desktop Runtime, Visual C++ Redistributable, and ViGEmBus. Steam's PlayStation and Xbox Configuration Support should be disabled when using DS4Windows.
Good
- Free and open-source.
- Supports several PlayStation and Switch controllers.
- Profiles can switch with the focused program.
- Maps inputs to keyboard and mouse.
Watch out
- Windows only; requires Windows 10 or newer.
- ViGEmBus is required for virtual controllers.
- Virtual DS4 controllers have rumble disabled.
- DualSense adaptive triggers have limited support.
Who it suits
DS4Windows suits Windows PC users who want to map supported controllers or present them as Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 input. It is also relevant to players who want per-program profiles or keyboard and mouse remapping.
Verdict
DS4Windows offers flexible remapping and controller emulation for supported Windows setups. Account for its required drivers and Steam configuration instruction, along with the stated limits on rumble and adaptive triggers.
Plans and prices
From DS4Windows's own pricing page, checked 30 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free application | Free | Windows 10 or newer · .NET 8.0 Desktop Runtime · Visual C++ Redistributable · ViGEmBus driver |
The facts
Each one read from DS4Windows's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Connectivity
- Supported connection methods include Micro USB, Sony Wireless Adapter and Bluetooth 4.0 using the Microsoft Bluetooth stack.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Controller emulation
- It can emulate Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 controllers so games recognize compatible input.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Controller limits
- Virtual DS4 controllers have rumble disabled, while DualSense adaptive triggers are supported only in limited forms.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- The official build includes experimental Moonlight/Sunshine support that can be enabled in Device Options.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Optional drivers
- HidHide can hide controllers to prevent double input, and FakerInput exposes virtual keyboard and mouse events system-wide.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Profiles
- The application supports profiles that can switch automatically when different programs are in focus.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- DS4Windows is an open-source gamepad input mapper and virtual emulator for connecting PlayStation controllers to Windows 10/11 PCs.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Replica compatibility
- Most replica controllers are ignored unless their vendor and product identifiers are already supported in DS4Windows code.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Required driver
- ViGEmBus is required to create virtual Xbox and DualShock 4 controllers.checked 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.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- The site provides installation, troubleshooting, supported-gamepad documentation and a contact form for direct support.checked 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.checked 30 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Input mapping
- Users can remap controller inputs to keyboard, mouse, joystick, touchpad, lightbar, rumble and motion-sensor controls.checked 30 Sep 2026
The company
- Steam requirement
- The site instructs users to disable Steam PlayStation Configuration Support and Xbox Configuration Support when using DS4Windows.checked 30 Sep 2026
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