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SPECIFICTION
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DS4Windows

ds4-windows.com

Free plan Windows
Visit ds4-windows.com
Spec score 7.8 #13 of 27 in Game Controller Mapper Software

What it 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 various third-party PS4 controllers. Users can remap inputs to keyboard, mouse, joystick, touchpad, lightbar, rumble, and motion-sensor controls, and create profiles that switch when different programs are in focus. Connections 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 official build also has experimental Moonlight/Sunshine support. Requirements include 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. Virtual DS4 rumble is disabled, and DualSense adaptive-trigger support is limited.

Spec sheet

Purpose
DS4Windows is an open-source gamepad input mapper and virtual emulator for connecting PlayStation controllers to Windows 10/11 PCs.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ds4-windows.com
Integrations
The official build includes experimental Moonlight/Sunshine support that can be enabled in Device Options.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ds4-windows.com
Support
The site provides installation, troubleshooting, supported-gamepad documentation and a contact form for direct support.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ds4-windows.com
Connectivity
Supported connection methods include Micro USB, Sony Wireless Adapter and Bluetooth 4.0 using the Microsoft Bluetooth stack.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ds4-windows.com
Controller emulation
It can emulate Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 controllers so games recognize compatible input.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ds4-windows.com
Controller limits
Virtual DS4 controllers have rumble disabled, while DualSense adaptive triggers are supported only in limited forms.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ds4-windows.com
Input mapping
Users can remap controller inputs to keyboard, mouse, joystick, touchpad, lightbar, rumble and motion-sensor controls.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ds4-windows.com
Optional drivers
HidHide can hide controllers to prevent double input, and FakerInput exposes virtual keyboard and mouse events system-wide.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ds4-windows.com
Profiles
The application supports profiles that can switch automatically when different programs are in focus.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ds4-windows.com
Replica compatibility
Most replica controllers are ignored unless their vendor and product identifiers are already supported in DS4Windows code.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ds4-windows.com
Required driver
ViGEmBus is required to create virtual Xbox and DualShock 4 controllers.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ds4-windows.com
Security and privacy
The privacy policy says the website uses reasonable administrative, technical and physical safeguards but cannot guarantee data transmission security.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ds4-windows.com
Steam requirement
The site instructs users to disable Steam PlayStation Configuration Support and Xbox Configuration Support when using DS4Windows.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ds4-windows.com
Supported controllers
Supported devices include DualShock 3/4, DualSense, DualSense Edge, Nintendo Switch Pro, Switch Joy-Con and various third-party PS4 controllers.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ds4-windows.com

Plans and prices

Free application Free Windows 10 or newer · .NET 8.0 Desktop Runtime · Visual C++ Redistributable · ViGEmBus driver Read 30 Sep 2026 · ds4-windows.com

Every DS4Windows plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports DualSense and Nintendo Switch controllers.
  • Profiles can switch with the active program.
  • Maps inputs to keyboard and mouse controls.
  • Supports Micro USB, adapter, and Bluetooth connections.
  • Available free for Windows.

Limits

  • Requires ViGEmBus and additional runtime components.
  • Virtual DS4 controllers have no rumble.
  • DualSense adaptive triggers have limited support.
  • Steam controller configuration support must be disabled.

Who it suits

DS4Windows suits Windows PC users who want to map supported gamepads or make compatible games recognize them as Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 controllers. It is for users prepared to install the required runtime and driver.

Verdict

DS4Windows offers controller emulation, remapping, and automatic profiles at no cost on Windows. Before using it, account for the required drivers and Steam setting, along with the stated rumble and adaptive-trigger limits.

Where Specifiction places it

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