Fix: DS4Windows Not Working on Windows 11

It seems that using a PS4 DualShock controller or a PS5 DualSense controller on the Windows PC may not work properly or even can’t connect in some scenarios. Well, both the PS4 and PS5 controllers are designed & optimized for the console only. Now, if you’re also one of the victims to encounter the DS4Windows Not Working issue on Windows 11 then you can follow this troubleshooting guide to resolve it.

When it comes to the PlayStation controller working on Windows, the DS4Windows tool is one of the ultimate choices among PC gamers with controllers. DS4Windows is an open-source gamepad input mapper and virtual emulator tool for Windows OS that’s specifically designed to use & connect your PlayStation controller on the PC. Here PlayStation controller indicates DualShock 3/4 and DualSense 5.

Additionally, the Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC users can get the best gaming experience with multiple features, gamepad customizations, and lesser input latency on a PS3/PS4/PS5 controller whatsoever. If you connect your PlayStation controller on Windows via USB or Bluetooth the chances are high enough that either it won’t get detected or might not gonna work properly.

Fix: DS4Windows Not Working on Windows 11

There is nothing to worry about it because we’ve mentioned a couple of possible workarounds below that should gonna help you out. So, without wasting any more time, let’s jump into it.

1. Run the DS4Updater

Once you’ve installed the DS4Windows tool on your Windows 11 computer, make sure to run the DS4Updater (exe) file from the installation folder. Head over to the directory and double-click on the file to run it. If prompted by UAC, click on Yes to allow the admin access. It’ll install the latest DS4Windows app on your PC.

2. Run as Administrator

If in case, you haven’t allowed administrative access on your PC for the DS4Windows tool then it may not launch properly. To fix it:

• Right-click on the DS4Windows exe shortcut file on your PC.
• Now, select Properties > Click on the Compatibility tab.

• Make sure to click on the Run this program as an administrator checkbox to checkmark it.
• Click on Apply and select OK to save changes.
• Now, the tool should run fine.

However, if the problem persists then make sure to follow the next method.

3. Reinstall the DS4Windows Tool

It’s always a better idea to simply uninstall and reinstall the DS4Windows tool on your Windows 11 PC to refresh the system. Sometimes a corrupted installation file can cause some issues whatsoever. To do so:

• Click on the Start menu > Search for Control Panel and open it.
• Now, click on Uninstall a program > Click on DS4Windows from the list of installed programs.
• Then select Uninstall and wait for the process to be completed.
• Reboot the PC to apply changes > Head over to the official Github link to download the DS4Windows compressed (zip/7z) file.
• Extract the file into a folder and double-click on the application exe file to install it.
• Finally, reboot the PC to apply changes, and connect the PS4/PS5 controller to the PC.

4. Update Windows

Sometimes an outdated Windows OS build can trigger multiple issues like program launching or system performance whatsoever. Make sure to check for Windows updates and install the update to fix the issue. To do this:

• Press Windows + I keys to open up the Windows Settings menu.
• Next, click on Windows Update from the left pane > Click on Check for updates.

• If there is an update available, it’ll automatically start downloading and installing on the system.
  • If not, you can manually select Download and install.
• Wait for some time until the update gets completed.
• Finally, reboot your PC to apply changes immediately.

5. Update PC Drivers

Plenty of affected PC users recommend updating the PC drivers which are necessary to run the system or program on Windows. An outdated driver can cause some issues whatsoever. To do so:

• Press Windows + X keys to open the Quick Link Menu.
• Now, click on Device Manager from the list > Double-click on the particular driver that you want to update.
• Right-click on the dedicated device driver that you’re using.
• Next, select Update driver > Choose to Search automatically for drivers.
• If there is an update available, the system will automatically download & install it.
• Once done, restart the computer to fix the issue.

6. Enable Controller

However, if the problem still bothers you then try re-enabling the controller device from the Device Manager by following the steps below. Sometimes disabling and enabling back again can fix a temporary glitch.

• Press Windows + X keys to open the Quick Link Menu.
• Now, click on Device Manager from the list > Double-click on Human Interface Devices to expand it.
• Then right-click on HID-compliant game controller > Select Enable device. (For Bluetooth users, select Bluetooth-HID-device)
  • If it’s already enabled then click on Disable device and enable it again. Otherwise, simply click on Enable device to turn it on.
• Make sure to disconnect your controller from the PC and restart the system to apply changes.
• Next, open the DS4Windows tool > Go to the Settings tab to check the Hide DS4 controller. [You can also uncheck and check it again]
• Finally, connect the controller again and check if it’s showing or not.

If the Hide DS4 controller option is already checked, then uncheck and check it again.

7. Uninstall Game Controller Driver

If none of the methods worked for you then make sure to uninstall the game controller driver on the PC by following the steps below. To do that:

• Press Windows + X keys to open the Quick Link Menu.
• Now, click on Device Manager from the list > Double-click on Human Interface Devices to expand it.
• Then right-click on HID-compliant game controller > Select Uninstall device.
• If prompted, click on Uninstall again > Wait for the device driver to be uninstalled.
• Once done, reboot the PC to apply changes, and the Windows system will automatically check for the missing drivers then install the game controller driver automatically.
  • If the driver hasn’t been installed automatically then you should manually download and install the latest version of the game controller driver on the PC.

That’s it, guys. We assume this guide was helpful to you. For further queries, you can comment below.