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
Know your way around Windows!
If you don’t know how to reach Windows’ Game controllers’ list (joy.cpl), Device Manager, Devices & Printers, «Bluetooth & Other Devices» settings etc. then have a look at this page
General information
This page is focused on troubleshooting issues that can make DS4Windows not detect your REAL controller. If you are having trouble with games recognizing your gamepad then it’s actually related to detection problems with the virtual controllers DS4Windows creates.
Situations that can make the controller undetectable by DS4Windows or Windows
You are using obsolete or 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.
Info
Obsolete
- Jays2Kings’ DS4Windows v1.4.52
- This version has not been updated since 2016 and should definitely not be used anymore
- Note the black DS4 icon, that there is not
Output Slotstab and the max number of controllers being 4
The version you should actually be using
- Ryochan7′ DS4Windows v3.X.X
- It’s the currently maintained version
- Note the blue and pink DS4 icon, the presence of the
Output Slotstab and the maximum number of controllers being 8
DS4Windows is stopped
Well, it needs to actually be running for things to work, don’t you agree? 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? What? How? No, that should not be possible under normal circunstances. Your controller MUST appear there in some shape or form, even if it does not looks like a controller.
When connected via…
USB
When connected via USB a new entry should appear, so keep an eye for it. Test on other USB ports to be sure. If literally nothing happens then maybe:
- You have a faulty cable
- Your cable can only be used for charging and does not support data transfer
- Your controller’s or PC port is broken
Bluetooth
When a controller has been paired to Windows via Bluetooth then its entry will exist there regardless if the controller is currently connected or not. Also…
- There is a correct and a incorrect method of pairing a controller to Windows. Both will result in the controller appearing to be connected, but on the wrong way the controller won’t remain connected for more than a few seconds and a
Add a devicenotification will keep on appearing - Check the dedicated Bluetooth connection issues page for more info
Controller was connected to the PC via Bluetooth but was paired using the wrong method 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.
Pairing a controller to Windows
Correct method
User manually makes Windows look out for a device that is in pairing mode
Incorrect method
User simply turns on the controller and tries to accept the Add a device notification
Controller has been accidentally disabled
Happens mostly to users of the Hide DS4 controllers option
Although this problem mainly affected older versions of DS4Windows (text written after version 1.5.15) for various reasons, other mapping programs can cause the same problem to occur
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
For more info on this, check the Adding support to third-party controllers page.
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
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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Все способы:
- Способ 1: Повторное подключение
- Способ 2: Обновление драйвера Bluetooth
- Способ 3: Удаление недавно установленного апдейта ОС
- Способ 4: Установка DS4 Windows
- Способ 5: Устранение неполадок с HID-контроллером
- Вопросы и ответы: 0
Способ 1: Повторное подключение
Если ранее геймпад DualShock 4 подключался к компьютеру с Windows 10 и работал корректно, мог произойти системный сбой, из-за которого устройство перестало определяться операционкой. Также такое иногда случается с драйвером самого подключаемого оборудования.
Для начала попробуйте удалить подключенное устройство, затем снова синхронизировать его с ПК, используя встроенные средства системы. Если это первое подключение, сразу переходите к Шагу 4 инструкции ниже.
- Нажмите на «Пуск» и вызовите штатные «Параметры».
- Перейдите в раздел «Устройства».
- Если потребуется, переключитесь на вкладку «Bluetooth и другие устройства» на панели слева, затем в центральной части окна среди подключенных устройств найдите геймпад, кликните по нему, выберите «Удалить устройство» и подтвердите действие.
- Потом кликните по «Добавление Bluetooth или другого устройства».
- Далее снова выберите «Bluetooth».
- На геймпаде одновременно зажмите кнопки «PS» и «Share», чтобы включить видимость устройства. Светодиодный индикатор начнет мигать, сообщая, что геймпад доступен для поиска.
- В окне с устройствами отобразится новое оборудование – достаточно выбрать его, после чего контроллер будет подключен к компьютеру.
Если ранее вы не подключали DualShock 4 к компьютеру, учитывайте, что для корректного функционирования геймпада потребуется специальное программное обеспечение и даже, возможно, его настройка, что более подробно мы разобрали в данной статье ниже (Способ 5).
Способ 2: Обновление драйвера Bluetooth
Еще одна распространенная причина, из-за которой Windows 10 может не видеть геймпад DS4, связана с неполадками в работе самого модуля беспроводной связи Bluetooth (ведь подключение устройства происходит чаще всего именно таким образом). В этом случае нередко помогает обновление драйвера для модуля, причем делается это с помощью предустановленных средств «десятки»:
- Запустите штатный «Диспетчер устройств». Для этого можно кликнуть правой кнопкой мыши по «Пуску», затем выбрать соответствующий пункт.
- Разверните меню «Bluetooth» в отобразившемся окне менеджера. Найдите в списке используемый модуль и щелкните по нему правой кнопкой мыши, затем из контекстного меню выберите пункт «Обновить драйвер».
- В появившемся окне воспользуйтесь вариантом «Автоматический поиск драйверов».
Система начнет поиск наиболее подходящих драйверов, после чего они будут инсталлированы, если таковые имеются.
Можете также попытаться переустановить драйвер: через контекстное меню устройства, вызываемое правой кнопкой мыши, выберите пункт «Удалить устройство» и подтвердите действие. После этого останется перезагрузить компьютер – с новым запуском ПК система автоматически установит базовый драйвер. Этот вариант может помочь, если в работе программного обеспечения произошел сбой, из-за чего оборудование перестало корректно функционировать.
В Windows 10 есть еще один способ обновления программного обеспечения для системных компонентов и используемых устройств, в том числе модуля Bluetooth. В этом случае потребуется воспользоваться «Центром обновления Windows»:
- Через штатные «Параметры» перейдите в раздел «Обновление и безопасность».
- Кликните по «Проверить наличие обновлений» в центральной части окна. Если апдейты уже готовы к загрузке или установке, нажмите на соответствующую кнопку.
Начнется поиск доступных апдейтов. Если они будут найдены, система предложит скачать и установить их. После загрузки обратите внимание на раздел «Необязательные обновления», где и может располагаться новая версия программного обеспечения для модуля Bluetooth.
Когда проблема Bluetooth заключается не в программных ошибках или сбоях, а носит аппаратный характер, может потребоваться замена компонента или использование внешнего модуля, подключаемого через разъем USB.
Способ 3: Удаление недавно установленного апдейта ОС
Конфликты программного обеспечения для геймпада и операционной системы могут появляться после инсталляции обновления Windows. Вероятно, это ошибка разработчиков либо какой-то сбой, но в любом случае для исправления ситуации придется удалить недавно установленное обновление ОС. Есть несколько способов выполнения поставленной задачи, причем для этого достаточно встроенных средств операционки (классическая «Панель управления» или «Командная строка»). О способах детальнее мы писали в отдельном материале.
Подробнее: Удаление обновлений в Windows 10
Чтобы контроллер DualShock 4 корректно работал в системе и определялся в играх, чаще всего требуется использовать эмулятор геймпада Xbox либо специальное программное обеспечение для его настройки. Одним из таких решений является DS4 Windows, которое распространяется бесплатно и позволяет синхронизировать компьютер и DS4, а также выставить правильные параметры работы.
Скачать DS4 Windows с официального сайта
- Щелкните по ссылке выше, чтобы перейти на официальный сайт производителя, затем для загрузки инсталляционного файла нажмите кнопку «Скачать DS4Windows» и дождитесь окончания скачивания.
- Отобразится окно, где будет предложено начать установку. Кликните по верхней кнопке – «Step 1: Install the DS4 Driver» (второй шаг предназначен для ранних операционных систем, начиная от Windows 7 и ниже).
- Если ранее подключение к системе (Способ 1) было выполнено корректно, появится дополнительное окно программы с информацией о состоянии устройства: способ подключения, заряд аккумулятора, ID оборудования, пользовательский профиль (в DS4 Windows можно создать сразу несколько профилей с определенными настройками и переключаться между ними). По сути, уже можно пользоваться геймпадом.
Обратите внимание, что в «Диспетчере устройств» появится новый раздел с оборудованием – «Периферийные устройства Xbox 360» — это работа программы DS4 Windows, которая эмулирует геймпад DualShock 4, выдавая его за контроллер от фирменной консоли Microsoft (с ней в Windows реализована простая интеграция).
Если с запуском программы возникают проблемы или она работает некорректно, попробуйте открыть ее с расширенными правами. Найдите ярлык или исполняемый файл DS4 Windows, затем кликните по нему правой кнопкой мыши и выберите «Запуск от имени администратора».
Если такой запуск сработал, чтобы не вызывать контекстное меню при каждом открытии, перейдите в свойства программы, затем на вкладке «Совместимость» отметьте опцию «Запускать эту программу от имени администратора» и сохраните настройки.
Стоит отметить, что для корректного функционирования софт лучше периодически обновлять. Причем совсем не обязательно каждый раз скачивать новую версию с официального сайта разработчика и устанавливать ее. Для этого в корневой папке программы есть специальная утилита – «DS4Updater».
- Кликните по ярлыку DS4 Windows правой кнопкой мыши, затем из меню выберите пункт перехода к расположению файла.
- В списке данных софта найдите EXE-файл с названием «DS4Updater» и двойным кликом левой кнопкой мыши запустите его.
После этого автоматически начнется проверка наличия более актуальной версии. При наличии она загрузится и установится в фоновом режиме.
Кстати, обновление программы DS4 Windows (если ранее вы ею пользовались) зачастую позволяет решить различные проблемы с синхронизацией геймпада с системой и другие ошибки при попытке подключить и использовать контроллер.
Способ 5: Устранение неполадок с HID-контроллером
В Windows 10 предусматривается специальный HID-контроллер, отвечающий за функционирование игровых устройств. Некоторые пользователи столкнулись с проблемой распознавания контроллеров, отличных от майкрософтовских Xbox 360/Xbox One, после одного из глобальных обновлений (зачастую версии 1607). Если дело в этом, то для подключения DualShock 4 требуется выполнить ряд дополнительных манипуляций с использованием программы DS4 Windows или аналогичного софта:
- Запустите штатный «Диспетчер устройств» (Способ 2, Шаг 1), затем разверните раздел «Устройства HID (Human Interface Devices)», кликните по устройству с названием «HID-совместимый игровой контроллер» («HID-compliant game controller») правой кнопкой мыши и выберите пункт «Отключить устройство» (если оно и так отключено, то включите его).
- Следующее, что нужно сделать, – это перезагрузить компьютер. Требуется именно перезагрузка, поэтому нажмите на «Пуск», затем на значок в виде питания и на перезагрузку.
- После запуска «десятки» запустите программу DS4 Windows, перейдите на вкладку с настройками («Settings»), отметьте галочкой пункт «Hide DS4 Controller».
- Выполните повторное подключение геймпада (как это описано в Способе 1). Чтобы проверить, прошла ли процедура успешно, переключитесь на вкладку «Controllers», где можно посмотреть, если ли в перечне устройств DualShock 4.
К сожалению, если причина связана с глобальным обновлением для «десятки», тогда данную процедуру придется проделывать каждый раз при подключении контроллера. Вероятно, разработчик операционной системы исправит ситуацию, выпустив новый апдейт, поэтому остается только дождаться его.
Если простое отключение HID-контроллера в «Диспетчере устройств» не помогло, тогда можно удалить его из списка оборудования. Для этого из контекстного меню, вызываемого нажатием правой кнопкой мыши, выберите соответствующий пункт, затем подтвердите действие. Далее потребуется перезагрузка системы и повторное подключение геймпада.
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