Here we will go through and focus on troubleshooting issues that can make DS4Windows not detect your REAL controller. If you are having issues connecting your controller via bluetooth use the DS4 BT troubleshooting guide.
Possible reasons for DS4Windows not detecting my Controller
You are using obsolete «old» versions of DS4Windows
If you just search “DS4Windows” on google, chances are that the first result is the obsolete version from jays2kings, which has not been updated since 2016 and should not be used anymore.
The currently maintained version you should be using is Ryochan7’s DS4Windows. If in trouble, check out the installation guide and the differences between the interfaces below.
Official Version
Obsolete «old» Version
Official Version
Obsolete «old» Version
DS4Windows is stopped
DS4 needs to actually be running for things to work. If it is stopped then you can press the Start button on the bottom-right to make things roll again.
Controller is not properly connected / does not appear on Windows’ Devices and Printers
You have connected your controller to the PC but it does not appear on Windows’ Devices and Printers? No, that should not be possible under normal circumstances. Your controller MUST appear there in some shape or form, even if it does not looks like a controller. See connection types below or follow our specific pages on how to connect PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo controllers.
- PS3 Controller
- PS4 Controller
- PS5 Controller
- Xbox Controller
- Nintendo Controller
Controller was connected to the PC via Bluetooth: Paired incorrectly or needs to be re-paired
There is a correct and a incorrect method of pairing a controller to the PC via Bluetooth. Both will result in the controller appearing to be connected, but on the incorrect method the controller won’t remain connected for more than a few seconds and Windows will sometimes show a Add a device notification.
Sometimes this happen when a user had previously connected the controller to the PC, removed the device and is trying to simply turn on the controller in the hopes that it will reconnect. If in doubt, fully remove the controller from Windows’ Device list and re-pair it via the proper way.
Correct Method
Incorrect Method
Correct Method
Incorrect Method
Controller has been accidentally disabled
There is a chance that DS4W has permanently disabled your controller in a previous attempt of gaining Exclusive Access when using the Hide DS4 controllers option.
Though this can happen via any connection method, on Bluetooth removing and re-pairing the controller will fix the issue.
On USB, the easiest way to verify this is by checking if the controller works properly in other USB ports, though another indication for DS4 or DualSense users is that the lightbar will keep flashing yellow, indicating that the controller is only at a charging state (likewise, it will flash yellow only once then turn off if fully charged).
To check if your controller is disabled:
- Open Windows’
Devices and Printersby pressing Win+R in your keyboard, typingcontrol printersthen selectingOk - Locate your controller on the list
- Right-click on it, select
Propertiesthen select theHardwaretab - Select the
HID-compliant game controllerand check its status at the bottom of the Window - If disabled, re-enable it by clicking at
PropertiesthenEnable device
If it was disabled then re-enabling should fix the issue.
Controller is enabled but hidden
If you found out that:
- Your controller is properly connected
- Your controller is NOT disabled in the previous sections
- Still does not appear on Windows’
Game Controllerslist - And is not detected by DS4Windows
Then it may be hidden. The following tools could be the culprit:
HidGuardian
HidGuardian is a driver that can prevent Windows from recognizing a connected controller as an actual game controller. It was used by DS4Windows to prevent the double-input issue, but support for it was removed in v3.0.8 for 2 reasons:
- Users didn’t know how to properly configure HidGuardian and ended up having issues that were complicated to troubleshoot and fix
- The release of HidGuardian’s successor, HidHide, which works the same but is more user-friendly
As such, the latest versions of DS4Windows won’t request HidGuardian for hidden controller’s access and if a controller is hidden by it then it won’t be detected anymore.
Users who still have HidGuardian installed must:
- Uninstall it for their controller to be detected again
- To verify if HidGuardian is installed and uninstall it if present, check the legacy drivers section of DS4Windows uninstallation guide
- Install HidHide as a replacement for the “controller hiding” function that is necessary to prevent the double input issue
- For more information about HidHide and the double input issue, check the Preventing the double controller / double input issue in games guide
HidHide
HidHide is an optional (but highly recommended) third-party driver that can hide controllers from the system and only allow chosen processes to detect them. Its use along DS4Windows is recommended in order to prevent the infamous double input issue.
You can check if you have HidHide installed by opening Windows’ Apps and Features and searching for it, though if it do is installed then it’s probably just not properly configured to grant DS4Windows access to hidden controllers. Check HidHide’s guide for more info on that.
- If you are definitely sure DS4W has been properly whitelisted by HidHide and it still can’t detect the hidden devices try temporarily disabling it by opening the
HidHide Configuration Clientand unticking theEnable device hidingcheckbox in theDevicestab - If it still doesn’t work then try uninstalling HidHide via Windows’
Settings -> Apps and Featuresand rebooting - If even with HidHide uninstalled your controller does not appear on Windows’
Game Controllerslist then the problem lies elsewhere
Controller is a copy-cat/replica
For these type of controllers to be detected by DS4Windows, they need to:
- or present themselves as a complete copy of the original in a way that DS4Windows actually thinks they are the original and also behaves exactly like a original one
- or have specific support for them on DS4Windows’ code
- or try to force their detection by using the debug version of DS4Windows
You have disabled support for your type of controller in DS4Windows settings
- On DS4Windows’
Settingstab there is a option calledDevice optionsthat allows the user to disable controller support per type. Check there if everything is enabled - If changes are made then it is necessary to close the
Device optionsWindow andStop -> StartDS4Windows again for them to be effective
Top 5 Ways to Detect a controller on Windows
- If you want to troubleshoot issues with your real controller then it’s better if DS4Windows is stopped/not running for these checks, otherwise you might mistaken a virtual controller with the real one
- If the
Hide DS4 controllersoption is active or if you have controllers hidden with HidHide then they may not appear on theGamepad Testerwebsite or in Windows’Game Controllerslist - Connected DS3 controllers used with DsHidMini in
DS4Windows modewon’t appear on theGamepad Testerwebsite nor in Windows’Game Controllerslist. Confirm if they are detected onDsHidMini Control Utility (DSHMC.exe)
Using a Gamepad Tester
The Gamepad Tester should work in most modern browsers and will show detected controllers along with some additional info such as their vendor and hardware identification (VID/PID).
Windows’ Game Controllers List (joy.cpl) Command
Connected controllers should appear on Windows Game controllers list, also called joy.cpl. To open it:
- Press Win+R in your keyboard, type
joy.cplthen selectOk. Alternatively, you can… - Use the search function on Windows’ taskbar to find and open
Game Controllers
Going to Windows Devices and Printers
Windows’ Devices and Printers should offer a simple view of connected devices. You can use it to confirm a device has been detected by:
- USB: verifying if there are changes when (dis)connecting a controller
- Bluetooth: checking if the controller related entry is present and its status
To open the Devices and Printers menu:
- Press Win+R in your keyboard, type
control printersthen selectOk. Alternatively, you can… - Open it from Windows’ legacy
Control Panel
Opening Windows Bluetooth & Other Devices
This menu will show connected/paired Bluetooth controllers and other devicews, though it does not go much beyond that. Paired controllers can be removed here.
To reach it, open Windows’ Settings on the Start Menu and select it there.
Navigate Windows Device Manager
The Device Manager is the one source of truth to everything that makes part of your PC. If it has been detected then it will appear there, but because it is very techinical on how it presents devices to the users it may be a little hard for the average user to find their way around it. Regardless, to open it:
- Press Win+X in your keyboard (or right click the Start Menu) then select
Device Managerin the appearing menu
Table of Contents
DS4Windows – Common Reasons for Not Detecting the Controller
-
Disused Version of DS4Windows
Well! The chances are that you are using a disused or “no longer in use” version of DS4Windows. You are required to make sure that you are using the currently maintained version viz Ryochan7’s DS4Windows. The following images will help you spot the difference.
Current Version
Obsolete Version
-
DS4Windows is in Stopped State
If instead, of Stop, you are seeing a Start button in the bottom right corner of the app’s window; it means DS4Windows is in a “Stopped” state. Just hit the “Start” button and you are good to go.
-
Improperly Connected Controller
If the controller is not appearing in the Windows’ Devices & Printers list then it means something is wrong. Based on the type of controller you are using, please tap on the link below to check out how to connect different types of controllers with DS4Windows whether it is PS3, PS4, PS5, Nintendo, or Xbox controllers.
DS4Windows (Complete Setup Guide)
Method 1> Re-Enable Controller
One reason behind DS4Windows not detecting the controller could be that your controller itself is disabled. To verify this, you require launching the Device Manager on your Windows PC/Laptop. Below are the steps for your reference.
- Hit the Windows Logo + R key to launch the Run box.
- Type in devmgmt.msc and tap on Enter to launch Device Manager.
- In the list, tap on Human Interface Devices.
- Here you will spot HID-compliant game controller.
- Right-click and if the device was earlier disabled, you will see the Enable option. Tap on Enable.
- However, if you see the device was earlier enabled, then we recommend you disable and enable the device again.
- Now disconnect your controller and reboot your computer.
- Make sure Steam is not active.
- Launch DS4Windows again and go to Settings > Hide DS4 Controller.
Please note if this option is already checked, then we recommend unchecking it and checking it back.
- Now, we urge you to try connecting the controller; it will come up.
Method 2> Connecting the Controller via a USB Cable
If you are using a USB Cable to connect the Controller, there could be either of the following reasons as to why the controller is not coming in the Windows’ Devices & Printers list.
- The cable has a fault.
- The cable does not support data transfer.
- The USB port on the PC/Laptop is faulty.
Method 3> Connecting Controller via Bluetooth
If you are using Bluetooth to connect your controller to the PC then, whether connected properly or not, it will be a part of the Windows’ Devices & Printers list. When using Bluetooth, there could be a variety of other issues that could be causing DS4Windows not to detect the controller. Let us have a look at them.
-
Use the Correct Method to Pair the Controller
If you connected the controller and just tapped on the “Add a Device” notification coming from the Control Center on the PC’s taskbar then you have not completed the pairing process. You have to manually make Windows detect the controller, which has pairing mode activated.
Please note, even when you try to pair the controller via the Add a Device notification of the Control Center, it will show up in the Bluetooth devices list but will not work. Hence, you have to remove the device first and then re-pair it with the correct method.
-
Check your BT Adapter
Instead of using an integrated BT adapter, we recommend using a dedicated USB BT Adapter for the purpose. We recommend at least a 4.0 BT adapter.
-
Windows Cannot Locate the Controller
You have to make sure that the Controller is in Pairing Mode before attempting to locate it with your Windows PC/Laptop.
-
Controller Connected but Unrecognizable by Windows
In this case, you have to make sure that you are pairing your Controller correctly to Windows as mentioned in Point ‘a’ above.
-
Controller Unable to Re-Connect after Sleep/Reboot/Shutdown
If this is the case, then the most common reason for this is incompatible BT Adapter. If you are using a USB BT Adapter, check below.
- Adapter incompatible with the USB port. Try connecting in other USB ports.
- BT Adapter model itself is not compatible.
- BT Adapter is faulty or requires a driver to work.
Also..
-
Unable to Connect More than 1 Controller and Latency Issues
The primary reason behind this is an inferior quality BT adapter and it cannot maintain the required data rate. If this is the cause, you will also experience latency/input delay. Check out more below on latency/input issues.
Also, don’t forget to check out –
DS4Windows Drivers (UPDATED, 2025)
Method 4 > Update your Bluetooth drivers.
If you haven’t updated the Bluetooth drivers on your Windows laptop for long, that could be one of the reasons DS4Windows cannot detect the controller. Follow the below steps to update the Bluetooth drivers.
- Launch Device Manager on your PC/Laptop.
- Hit the Windows Logo + R key to launch the Run box.
- Type in devmgmt.msc and tap on Enter to launch Device Manager.
- From the list of categories, you can easily spot the Bluetooth category.
- Open the category and right-click on the driver.
- Tap on Update Driver.
- On the window that comes up, click on Search automatically for drivers.
- Once the update is complete, reboot your PC, launch the DS4Windows app, and try reconnecting the controller now.
Its pretty easy to update the DS4Windows app. Simply head over to the location where you unzipped the app.
- Tap on DS4Updater.
- Once the tool launches, it will begin the update.
- After the process is complete, reboot your PC and now check connecting the controller.
Method 5 > DS4Windows – Uninstall & Re-Install?
This post will help you to re-install DS4Windows. Generally, to fix any bugs/issues, that are not resolvable by common troubleshooting steps, we recommend re-installing DS4Windows. It is obvious that for re-installing, you require uninstalling DS4Windows first. For your convenience, we have covered everything below.
1. Uninstall DS4Windows
- Please navigate to Control Panel > Programs & Features.
- In the list, look for Nefarious Virtual Gamepad Emulation Bus Driver.
- Just double-click and confirm the uninstallation.
- After the uninstallation is complete, go to the directory where you had initially unzipped the DS4Windows file.
- Select the directory and do a Delete to send to Recycle Bin or do a Shift + Delete to permanently delete.
- Next step, launch File Explorer and key in %Appdata% into the Address Bar. Hit Enter.
- A Roaming directory will open. Locate the DS4Windows folder here and delete it.
2. Re-Install DS4Windows
- First, you are required to re-download the DS4Windows file from Here. Make sure you download the latest release.
- After the ZIP file downloads, extract the contents into the location of your choice.
- Open the extracted contents and tap on the DS4Windows executable file.
- A confirmation box will come up asking where you wish to save profiles/settings. We recommend choosing Appdata here.
- If you happen to face a .NET Runtime error message, it means you have not installed .NET Runtime which happens to be a prerequisite of using DS4Windows. Make sure you install it before proceeding further.
- You will see a Welcome to DS4Windows page next. Just follow the instructions/steps on this page to complete the installation.
Once the installation is complete, make sure you checkmark the Hide DS4 Controller checkbox to make sure there are no double input issues.
Method 6 > Uninstall the Game Controller Driver
If the above method doesn’t work for you, we recommend uninstalling the game controller device to remove any bugs/issues. Below are the steps for your reference.
- Go to Control Panel > Devices & Printers.
- In the list of devices here, you can spot the PS4 Controller.
- Right-click on the same and click on Properties.
- Under the Hardware tab, double-click on the HID-compliant game controller.
- Next, go to the Driver tab, and tap on Uninstall device.
- Once the uninstall is successful, please remove your controller from the PC and reboot your PC. Re-plug the controller and check if DS4Windows can detect the controller now
How to Monitor Input Delay on DS4Windows?
You can easily check the current input delay or latency of your controller if it is going beyond the recommended 10ms in the Log tab of DS4Windows. If it is not going above 10ms, then you can simply hover your mouse’s cursor over your controller name in the Controller tab of DS4Windows to check the latency value.
Facing Input Delays with DS4Windows
You must know then when you are experiencing high input delay or latency, 90% of the cases do not rest with DS4Windows, as the issues are external. Check out the possible reasons below.
- Use an integrated Bluetooth adapter or a low-quality USB Bluetooth Adapter.
- High radio interference near the adapter.
- Attempting to connect more than the recommended number of devices with the adapter.
- Not installing/using the recommended driver for the BT Adapter.
How to Fix Latency Issues?
There are different ways through which you can attempt to fix the latency issues. Check them out below.
- Disable your WiFi to see if that resolves the latency issue. If that does then it means high radio interference was the reason behind the latency.
- Try using the High Performance power saving plan on your Windows PC/Laptop and if there is a Power Management tab under Device Properties for your BT Adapter, make sure to uncheck the option of Turn off this Device to Save Power.
- Utilize a dedicated good quality USB BT Adapter with BT 4.0 or above.
- Try testing your BT Adapter in other USB ports available on your Windows PC/Laptop.
- Use a USB Cable Extension to keep your BT Adapter away from the PC/Laptop as it can act as a source of interference too.
- Decrease the BT polling rate on profile settings. Set this value to 10ms or more. Check the image below.
- Disable the output data to the controller, as your adapter might not be that strong enough to do the task of sending and receiving data. However, this will disable Rumble and Light bar control as well.
Controller Randomly Disconnects/Stops-Working
- The above-discussed Latency issue could be the reason behind this.
- Your controller is faulty or its battery is dying. Have a look.
- Check the Log tab on DS4Windows for possible error messages to locate the issue.
Losing WiFi or Bluetooth Signal when the Controller is Connected
- This can happen in cases when you are using a BT Adapter that doubles up as a WiFi adapter as well. Please utilize a dedicated high-quality BT adapter.
- Make sure there is no high radio interference near the BT adapter.
- Latency might be the issue. Check the section above to see how to resolve Latency issues.
Controller Disabled Accidentally
There are chances that the controller is completely disabled on your Windows PC/Laptop. If you are using Bluetooth for the connection, then simply remove and re-pair the controller to fix the issue. However, in the case you are using a USB Connection, below are the steps to check the status of the controller.
- Go to Windows’ Devices & Printers.
- Locate your controller.
- Right-click and go to Properties > Hardware.
- Tap on HID-compliant Game Controller and see the status at the window’s bottom.
- If you see it’s disabled, you are required to go to Properties > Enable Device.
In the above, there can be a case in which your controller is properly enabled but is hidden. Check the image below.
The reason behind this could be any of the below tools.
Hid Guardian
Please note that if you are using Hid Guardian for the infamous double input issue on DS4Windows, we recommend using the HidHide tool, which is more user-friendly. There are chances that if you are using Hid Guardian you might have put yourself in an unknown issue as the tool itself is quite complex and troubling to navigate and work with. Hence, if you still have Hid Guardian installed, we recommend the below steps.
- Uninstall the Hid Guardian tool.
- Install HidHide to resolve the infamous Double Input issue.
For more information on HidHide and the double-input issue check out our guide below.
Fix HidHide and Double Input Issue
HidHide
If you are using HidHide for the infamous Double Input issue, and you are facing controller detection problems, chances are that you have not configured the application properly. We recommend checking our guide on the same.
Fix HidHide and Double Input Issue
Using a Copy-Cat/Replica Controller
If you are using a Copy-Cat/Replica controller, it can be the biggest reason behind DS4Windows not detecting your controller. These replica controllers have to present themselves as completely original to work with DS4Windows. This includes the manufacturer number and other info.
Disabled your Controller Accidentally in DS4Windows
There are chances that you have disabled your type of controller accidentally in DS4Windows. In DS4Windows, go to Settings > Device Options. Here, you are required to check whether everything has ‘Enabled’ next to them.
If you do make changes here, please make sure you close the Device Options and Start-Stop DS4Windows to make the changes effective.
Also, check out –
8 Best DS4Windows Alternatives (Software 2025)
Final Words
These are some of the major causes as to why DS4Windows is not detecting your controller. Let us know in the comments below if you can resolve your connection issue after going through this post. However, if you are still facing the same issue, let us know of that as well and we will be happy to assist you. Happy Gaming!.
Thank You.
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If you’re struggling to connect your PS4 controller to your PC – you’re probably wondering how to fix DS4Windows not detecting your controller.
PS4 controllers aren’t designed for native compatibility with PCs, so third-party software is needed to pair and configure the controller. DS4Windows is a tool that maps your gamepad inputs to a virtual gamepad, so your PC can recognize the controller.
The latest version of DS4Windows allows support for ‘DS5.’ DS5 is otherwise known as DualSense, which has recently seen the release of the DualSense Edge. We’ve already had a look at if the DualSense Edge is compatible with PC, and so we anticipate the DualSense Edge working alongside DS4Windows.
However, this can be difficult if your PC isn’t detecting the controller at all.
DS4Windows fix for controller not detected
If you’ve plugged in your controller to your PC using the USB cable, and your computer won’t recognize it, there’s a few things you can do.
You’re running an old version of DS4Windows
- Check the color of the icon (it should be pink, not black)
- If your icon is black, you should update to the latest version
- This can be done by following this link to DS4Windows
DS4Windows is not running
- If DS4Windows has not been started by user, it will say ‘Start’ in bottom right corner
- Click ‘Start’ and the DS4Windows drivers will load
- Your controller should then be detected
Read More: DualSense Edge vs DualSense – which controller should you get?
DS4 Controller is hidden
- As pictured above, it’s possible that you may have hid the controller
- Un-check the relevant box and your controller should appear
Controller is not detected by PC
It’s possible that your controller is not being detected as a gane controller, and is instead detected as a keyboard or other peripheral. You can check this by doing the following:
- Open ‘Control Panel’
- Click ‘View devices and printers’
Your controller may appear here under a different name or icon. If this is the case, your PC may not be able to detect the controller for a number of different reasons:
- Your USB port is faulty or broke, on the controller or PC
- Your USB cable doesn’t support data transfer, only power
- Your cable is faulty
If you are able to try with another controller or cable, it’s possible that it’s detected then.
Still not fixed?
If you’re still having trouble with your PS4 controller not working with your PC – it’s possible that it’s faulty. You should confirm that it functions fully with a PS4 or PS5 before you get rid of it, as it’s possible that your PC’s firmware is incompatible. If that’s the case, it could simply be a case of downloading the latest drivers, which you find here.
If that still doesn’t work, it could be time to upgrade. We’ve had a look at the best controllers for Modern Warfare 2, the best cheap PS5 controller deals and the cheapest Xbox controller deals, many of which will be compatible with PC.
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One of the first problems that a gamer can face after installing the DS4Windows app is related to the controller not connecting.
This guide is, therefore, dedicated to ‘DS4Windows Not Detecting Controller’ as it will resolve this problem to help the gamers enjoy playing games without any hassle.
Let’s begin, without any further ado:
Reasons Why DS4Windows Cannot Detect Physical Controllers
Some of the reasons along with their solutions include:
You are using an OLD Version of DS4Windows
In many cases, you wouldn’t even know but you may be using an old and outdated version of the application.
Bear in mind that the obsolete DS4Win software created by jays2kings has not been updated since 2016. If you are using it, the program will simply not detect your controller no matter how hard you try.
We only recommend using the latest DS4win application that’s been developed by the Ryochan7 community recently. Make sure you are using updated version of Ryochan7’s DS4Windows. If have issues then checkout out our brief guide on the installation of the app.
Using the official and upgraded version of the app can help you resolve the non-detection of the controller easily.
- Official App Version
- Old DS4Windows Version
DS4Windows App is Stopped Due to Error
Sometimes, the app can stop on its own or maybe your antivirus may stop it from running.
It may also prevent the connectivity of physical controllers to the app.
To avoid this problem, simply click on Start after opening the application as follows:
Windows Devices cannot Detect Controller
When your controller cannot appear in any form or icon on Windows Devices and Printers interface, it means it’s the problem of the controller and not the application.
For DS4Windows to connect your controller and convert it into a virtual mapper, it must be visible for detection.
Make sure that you have connected the controller to the right port. If it still does not get detected, see whether there’s any fault in your controller or not.
For more info, follow our guides to connect specific types of controllers to Windows as follows:
- PS5 DualSense X Controller
- PS4 DualShock Controller
- PS3 controller
- Nintendo Controller
- Xbox Controller
- Connecting Controller via USB
- Connecting Controller via Bluetooth
When connected through a USB port, you will see a notification on Windows operating system showing that you have connected a USB device. If nothing happens, it means:
- Your controller has stopped working.
- The cable is faulty.
- The USB port is broken or not working.
- Controller’s cable can only be used for charging the controller.
It could get a bit tricky while connecting the controller via Bluetooth. For starters, simply connect your controller via Bluetooth, and it will get paired without any hassle.
- For some reason it may not get connected when;
- The Bluetooth device on Windows will continuously pop up with Add a Device option even though you have paired the device.
- Not only that, but the controller will disconnect frequently if you do not connect it the right way with Bluetooth.
Let us answer it below:
Controller Connected via Bluetooth: Correct and Incorrect Method
When DS4Windows cannot detect the controller that you’ve connected through Bluetooth, it’s mainly because you have not connected it the correct way.
- Correct Pairing Method
- Incorrect Pairing Method
Gamers should connect their controller manually with Bluetooth after clicking on the ‘Add Bluetooth Device’ option in settings like that:
The user simply turns on Bluetooth and it can connect to the controller automatically. However, it can get disconnected frequently.
Accidentally Disabled Controller Not Detectable in DS4Windows
You may not know it, but there’s a solid chance that DS4W has disabled your physical controller in an attempt to get Exclusive Access.
That mostly happens when you are trying to get access to your controller via the ‘Hide DS4 Controllers Option.’
To resolve this, simply remove the device from pairing and re-pair it with Bluetooth. It will usually resolve the problem for you.
For gamers who connect controllers through USB, a simple way to check if the controller works properly or not is to try connecting it to another USB port.
Another way to know is to check the lightbar on your DS4 DualShock or DS5 DualSense controller. The lightbar will keep flashing yellow and that means it’s getting charged.
On the contrary, it will flash yellow once and then turn off if it’s completely charged.
Follow these steps to check whether your controller has been disabled by DS4Windows or not:
- Open the Windows Devices and Printers on your system. Simply press the Win+R on your keyboard and the setting area will open.
- Type control printers in the search box and press Enter.
- Try locating the controller you have connected to the PC.
- After locating it, right-click on it and select Properties. In the new tab, select and open Hardware tab.
- Simply select the HID-compliant game controller and see its status at the bottom. If it’s disabled, you will see the Code 22 error.
- Click the Properties option again and in a new window, enable the device, click on save changes and you are good to go.
Controller is Connected to the PC but Hidden
After checking:
- Your controller is connected
- It’s working properly and
- It’s still not connected to DS4W, then
The controller has been hidden from DS4Windows due to the following reasons:
HidGuardian Drivers
The driver was used by DS4Windows previously to prevent the double-input issue. However, it was removed in the v3.0.8 of the app due to following reasons:
- Users were unaware of utilizing or properly configuring the driver. The end result was a complication in connecting the controller to the PC and letting the DS4Win recognize it.
- HidHide, an upgraded and improved version of HidGuardian has a user-friendly design and an easy UI. So, the Ryochan7 preferred it over the HidGuardian.
Gamers who still have the HidGuardian driver installed should;
- Uninstall it to resolve the DS4Windows not detecting the controller problem once and for all.
- To see whether it’s installed or not, simply check the Legacy Drivers Section of DS4Windows Uninstallation.
- To avoid the double-input problem, simply install HidHide, which can help prevent the detection of the physical controller and will only present the virtual controller to games and platforms like Steam.
Follow our guide on Preventing Double Controller Issue to learn more about preventing and resolving this problem.
HidHide
DS4Windows recommends installing HidHide driver as it’s an improved version of its predecessor.
It can help you prevent the double-input issue easily.
To check whether you have this driver installed, simply open Windows Apps and Features and search the term HidHide. If it’s installed and your controller isn’t getting detected by DS4, it means it has not been properly configured.
Learn more about configuring HidHide drivers here!
- If you have cross-checked the driver and found out that it has been properly configured, then simply disable and enable it again to check whether the controller gets detected or not.
- For that, open HidHide and then select Configuration Client. Here, untick the Enable device hiding in the Devices tab and see whether this can resolve your problem or not.
- If the above-mentioned solution still does not solve your problem, simply uninstall HidHide from Windows Apps and Features. After uninstalling, reboot your PC for changes to apply.
- Even if the uninstallation does not work, it means that everything is okay with DS4Windows, HidHide, and all other configurations.
The problem is in your controller. Let’s check it out:
You are Using a Copy-Cat/Replica of DS4 Controller
If you are using a copy-cat or a replica of the original DualShock controller then,
Make sure that the controller is present itself as an original controller in a way that DS4Win application thinks it’s the original controller and behaves accordingly.
- Force the detection of these controllers using the Debug DS4Windows version.
- Get specific support to connect replica controllers using the DS4Win code.
- Disabled Support for Your Controller in DS4Windows Settings
- Sometimes a user can disable the support for controller in DS4Windows dashboard. When that’s the case, simply go to Device Options in the app and see if all the options there are enabled or not.
After making the changes, stop the application and start it again for the changes to be effective again.
5 Different Ways to Detect Controller on Windows Operating System
Want your controller to get detected on Windows? Better do the following things:
- Do not run DS4Windows when you are trying to detect the real controller on Windows.
- Make sure that the Hide DS4 Controllers option is disabled. If you are using HidHide for that purpose, better uninstall it or else the Gamepad tester will not detect your controller.
- If you are using a DS3 controller with DsHidMini on DS4Windows, it will not appear on Gamepad tester or Windows Game Controllers list.
- You can confirm their detection on DsHidMini Control Utility in the software though.
Here are the 5 top ways through which you can detect the real controller on your PC:
Gamepad Tester
Gamepad tester works with almost all controllers and it can also show some additional info about your controller including the VID and PID data.
Using (joy.cpl) Command on Windows Game Controllers List
- To check whether the controllers are detected or not in an easy way, press Win+R and enter the joy.cpl command.
- A new window will popup showing you the controllers that have been connected to the PC.
Detecting Controllers via Windows Devices and Printers
You can use the Windows Devices and Printers settings to confirm the detection of controllers in the following ways:
For USB connection:
- Verifying if there are any changes when connecting or disconnecting a controller.
For Bluetooth Connection:
- For Bluetooth, check whether the controller-related entry is available along with its status.
- Press Win+R and type control printers. Press enter and that’d be all.
- You can also open the Windows Devices and Printers dashboard through Windows Legacy Control Panel.
Detect Controller via Bluetooth and Other Devices
Open Windows Settings and on the left side, open the Bluetooth and Other Devices option.
It will show whether the controller you have paired with Bluetooth is detected by the PC or not:
Detect Your DS4 Controller through Device Manager
- Open Windows Device Manager by pressing either Win+X or by right-clicking the Start menu and choosing the Device manager option.
- In Device Manager, expand the Human Interface Devices and you will find the controller in the expanded devices easily.
Even the most passionate PC gamer purists are keen to play a game with a controller every once in a while, as some are simply designed to be more enjoyable that way.
When choosing a controller, there’s no doubt that DualShock by Sony is the top pick for many.
One of the most popular ways to get a DualShock controller to work on Windows is by using a piece of software called DS4Windows, but unfortunately, this software can sometimes act unexpectedly and fail to detect your controller.
In that case, you’ll need to apply some of the fixes listed in the sections below.
Let’s take a look at what you should know.
Note: For this guide, we will be using Ryochan7’s fork of the DS4Windows software. This version is regularly updated and recommended by the community as the safer and more stable option compared to the original, which seems to have been neglected by its developer.
It is essentially the same tool, just refined.
This is the new GitHub repository for the tool, so check it out if you are a developer, contributor, or simply want to be in touch with the latest changes to its code happening behind the scenes.
The Problem Explained
As mentioned previously, DS4Windows is an open-source tool for Windows that allows you to use a DualShock controller on your PC, which is otherwise impossible.
Without the help of DS4Windows, console owners can only use an Xbox controller on their Windows PC.
This makes sense as Xbox and Windows are both owned and developed by Microsoft. In contrast, Sony is a rival company and their PlayStation console, which the DualShock controller was designed for, is a direct competitor.
Luckily, DS4Windows is able to deceive your computer into assuming that you’re connecting an Xbox controller instead of a DualShock, and that’s essentially how the “magic” occurs.
This can have a few downsides, though, such as viewing the in-game user overlay as if you’re playing on an Xbox controller, but it’s still far better than not being able to play with a DualShock controller at all.
The DS4Windows software is relatively easy to use and has all the helpful features a user needs to enjoy smooth gameplay. However, it sometimes fails to detect the controller, which can be frustrating and is a problem that requires urgent solving.
Luckily, the fixes and workarounds listed in the sections below will help you solve this quickly and easily.
Note: Before reading further, download the DS4Windows tool from the official website. As mentioned above, we will be using Ryochan7’s fork, which can be found here.
Fix 1: Update The DS4Windows Tool
One of the most common causes for your DS4Windows Tool not detecting your DualShock controller is that it is outdated.
The easiest solution to this problem is often simply updating the software to the latest version, and since it’s such a quick and easy fix, we recommend trying it first before any other.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open the directory where you have all DS4Windows files downloaded.
- Double-click DS4Updater, an executable file that will automatically begin the updating process when executed.
- The app will scan its repository and replace older files with newer, updated versions. Note that the app might not find any updates if you recently downloaded the latest version of DS4Windows.
- When the process is complete, a message will appear saying, “DS4Windows is up to date”.
- Close the updater window and restart the tool.
DS4Windows should now detect your controller. This should fix the problem right away, but if it doesn’t, there are still other methods to try.
Fix 2: Confirm Your Controller Isn’t Disabled In The Windows Device Manager Panel
This scenario could be more common than you think, and many users spent dozens of hours searching for the cause of the problem only to discover that their device was disabled in the Windows Device Manager panel.
Here’s how to ensure that doesn’t happen to you:
- Start the DS4Windows software and plug the controller into your PC.
- Right-click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your taskbar and choose Device Manager from the list of options.
- Click the arrow icon to expand the Human Interface Devices section, then search for “HID-compliant game controller” in the list of devices.
- Once you find it, right-click and choose Enable Device.
- Close the Device Manager panel and open the DS4Windows app. The DualShock 4 controller should now appear under the “Controllers” tab.
If your device was previously disabled, this should permanently fix the problem with it not being detected by the DS4Windows software.
Windows 10 updates are notorious for disabling devices in the Device Manager panel, so if you recently downloaded one, you may be a victim of this bug.
Fix 3: Scan For Hardware Changes In The Device Manager Panel
Another easy fix for DS4Windows not detecting your controller is scanning for hardware changes in your Device Manager panel.
Doing this takes only a few seconds & has helped many users recover control, so we suggest trying it.
Here’s what you need to do:
- As in the previous section, open Device Manager on your PC by right-clicking the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of your taskbar, then choose Device Manager from the list of options.
- Right-click the main, parent object, which should have the same name as your PC. In our case, it is “Desktop-85HDL35,” but it may be different for you. Choose Scan for hardware changes, which was the only option on the menu for us.
The process usually only takes a few seconds, but this can vary depending on your PC’s performance. It shouldn’t take longer than half a minute.
Once your system finishes scanning for hardware changes, the controller should appear in the list of devices connected to your PC.
Fix 4: Uninstall The Controller And Reconnect It
Uninstalling the controller and reconnecting it to your PC is known to fix the problem, so here’s how to do it and what you need to know when doing so:
- Make sure your DS4Windows tool is closed and your controller is unplugged.
- Right-click the Windows icon located in the bottom-left corner of your taskbar and choose Search.
- Type “Control Panel” into the search box and choose the first result. This will open the Control Panel you need for this method.
- In the top-right corner, where it says “View by:”, choose Category. Then, click on Hardware and Sound, and then Devices and Printers.
- In the Devices and Printers panel, find the controller and right-click on it. Choose Properties from the dropdown menu.
- Click Hardware to open the tab you need, then click on the Properties button located at the bottom, below the list.
- In the HID-compliant game controller properties window, click Change Settings at the bottom.
- Open the “Driver” tab and then click on Uninstall Device. Confirm the action.
- Click OK in the controller properties window to close it.
- Load up DS4Windows and plug your DualShock 4 controller back into your PC.
Wait a few moments until the hardware alteration initiates and is verified, then your controller should appear in the tool.
This was a permanent fix for the problem for many users, and it should also work for you.
Fix 5: Reboot Your PC
After attempting any of the changes listed in this guide, we recommend rebooting your PC. Even without performing any of the fixes listed above, rebooting your PC can sometimes mysteriously cause your controller to appear in both the Device Manager panel and your DS4Windows tool.
It’s an evergreen solution for many problems, so why not give it a try?
Conclusion
You now know how to fix the “DS4Windows not detecting controller” issue on your PC. If you are still having trouble even after trying all these methods, the issue might be hardware-related.
Try replacing the regulator or the wire linking it to your computer and see if the issue persists. This can frequently be the cause when you’re using an aged regulator or a potentially impaired wire. Also, ensure it’s the appropriate kind of wire.
Some users also recommend reverting to an older Windows version to fix this issue, as they believe Windows updates can be the root of this problem.