How to connect PS5 controller to PC using DS4Windows

To connect a PS5 controller to PC using DS4Windows, plug the DualSense in with a USB-C cable or pair it over Bluetooth, then run DS4Windows so games see an emulated Xbox 360 controller.

Check the project status first. The DS4Windows repository on GitHub (github.com/Ryochan7/DS4Windows) showed GitHub's Page not found error in October 2026, and the ViGEmBus driver it relies on was retired and archived by its author in November 2023.

This guide covers that status, the drivers, USB and Bluetooth pairing, HidHide, Steam, startup, updates and the fixes for a controller that will not connect or shows up twice.

Table of Contents

How to connect a PS5 controller to PC with DS4Windows

This is the short route for Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit), the two Windows versions Sony lists for the DualSense controller.

Get DS4Windows only from the developer's GitHub Releases page, and keep it in a permanent folder.
Install the ViGEmBus driver, which DS4Windows uses to create the virtual controller.
Connect the DualSense with a USB Type-C cable, or pair it over Bluetooth with Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
Run DS4Windows and wait for the controller to appear in its controller list.
Start your game, which now sees an Xbox 360 controller.

If the game reacts to every button twice, hide the physical controller with HidHide or let only one program read the pad. Both fixes are below.

DS4Windows, ViGEmBus and HidHide status in 2026

All three projects are free, open-source software from independent developers, not from Sony or Microsoft. Their status decides where you can get them and whether they still receive fixes.

Project	Official page	Current status
DS4Windows (Ryochan7)	github.com/Ryochan7/DS4Windows	The repository and its Releases page showed GitHub's Page not found error in October 2026, so no official download is currently available
ViGEmBus (nefarius)	github.com/nefarius/ViGEmBus	Retired by its author and archived on 2 November 2023; the repository is read-only, and ViGEmBus Setup 1.22.0 is the final release
HidHide (nefarius)	github.com/nefarius/HidHide	Available; HidHide Drivers v1.5.230 is the latest release, and the README says there is no capacity for major new work

The HidHide README warns that its only official sources are its GitHub repository and sites on nefarius.at, and that other sites offering it are scams. Apply the same caution to DS4Windows: a copy hosted on any other site is not the developer's release.

What DS4Windows does for a PS5 controller

Windows can already use a DualSense in games that support generic controllers, but many PC games only read Xbox-style input. DS4Windows reads the DualSense and feeds a virtual controller created by the ViGEmBus driver, which emulates an Xbox 360 or a DualShock 4 controller.

Valve's Steam Input documentation confirms the effect: when a remapping tool such as DS4Windows is running, Steam detects an emulated Xbox 360 controller instead of the PlayStation pad.

Without DS4Windows	With DS4Windows
Games that support generic controllers work; Xbox-only games may ignore the pad	Games see a standard Xbox 360 controller and use their normal Xbox prompts
The game, or Steam Input, handles button mapping	DS4Windows translates the DualSense into the virtual controller before the game sees it
Haptics and adaptive triggers work in games that support DualSense	An emulated Xbox 360 controller has no adaptive triggers or touchpad, so games cannot use those features
No extra drivers	Needs the ViGEmBus driver, and HidHide if games read the pad twice

Before you start: What you need

Requirement	Details
Windows version	Windows 11 or Windows 10 (64-bit). Sony lists these as the PC systems that support DualSense over USB and Bluetooth.
Processor type for HidHide	The current HidHide release supports 64-bit Windows 10 and 11 on Intel and AMD processors only. ViGEmBus 1.17 and later also supports ARM64.
USB cable	A cable with a USB Type-C connector that carries data, not a charge-only cable.
Bluetooth (optional)	Built-in Bluetooth or a USB Bluetooth adapter. Microsoft notes an adapter adds Bluetooth to a PC without it.
Administrator account	Needed to run the ViGEmBus and HidHide setups, which install kernel-mode drivers.
A copy of DS4Windows	From the developer's GitHub Releases page only. See the status table above before you look for one.
Charged controller	Microsoft notes that low battery stops some Bluetooth devices from pairing or staying connected.

USB vs Bluetooth: Which connection should you use?

Your situation	Use	Why
First-time setup or testing	USB	No pairing step, and the controller charges while you play
You want haptic feedback in a supporting PC game	USB	Sony states haptic feedback on PC requires a USB connection
You use a headset in the controller's headset jack	USB	Sony states the headset jack needs a wired connection on PC
You play from the couch or a long way from the PC	Bluetooth	No cable, and Windows reconnects it automatically when in range
Your PC has no Bluetooth	USB, or add a USB Bluetooth adapter	Bluetooth needs a radio in the PC

Step 1: Download DS4Windows safely

The maintained DS4Windows is Ryochan7's version, distributed only through its GitHub Releases page. In October 2026 that page returned GitHub's Page not found error, so there is no official download to link here.

Open github.com/Ryochan7/DS4Windows in your browser and select Releases.
If GitHub shows Page not found, stop: the official download is not available, and a copy from another site is not the developer's release.
If the Releases page loads, download from the release marked Latest and nowhere else.
Keep DS4Windows in a permanent folder you own, such as a Tools folder in your user profile, rather than in Downloads.
If you already use DS4Windows from that page, keep your existing copy and back up its folder before changing anything.

Step 2: Choose where DS4Windows saves settings

DS4Windows keeps its profiles and settings on disk, so the folder you choose decides whether they survive a clean-up or a reinstall. Pick the location once and back it up.

Your situation	Keep DS4Windows and its settings in	Why
One person uses the PC	A folder in your own user profile	Your account can write there, and Windows clean-up tools do not empty it
Several Windows users share the PC	Each user's own profile folder	Each account keeps separate settings
The program sits in Downloads or a temporary folder	Move it to a permanent folder first	Clearing Downloads would delete the program and its settings

Step 3: Install the required drivers

ViGEmBus is the driver that creates the emulated Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 controller, and DS4Windows is listed among its users. HidHide is a second, optional driver that hides the real DualSense from games so they see only the virtual pad.

Get each setup only from its Releases page: ViGEmBus releases and HidHide releases. ViGEmBus is retired, so its final release, ViGEmBus Setup 1.22.0, is the last one there will be.

On the ViGEmBus Releases page, open ViGEmBus Setup 1.22.0, the release marked Latest, and download its setup from the release's assets.
Run the ViGEmBus setup, click through it and approve the User Account Control prompt.
On the HidHide Releases page, open the release marked Latest and download its setup.
Run the HidHide setup, click through it and reboot when it prompts you to.
Open DS4Windows after the restart.

ViGEmBus 1.17 and later is built for Windows 10 and 11 only, and its author does not support Windows Server. Both drivers install once per PC.

Step 4: Connect the PS5 controller by USB

Sony supports a direct connection to Windows with a USB cable that has a Type-C connector.

Open DS4Windows and leave it running.
Plug the USB Type-C end into the controller and the other end into a USB port on the PC.
Check that the controller appears in the DS4Windows controller list.
Try a different cable or port if nothing appears; a charge-only cable carries no data.

DualSense controller diagram with Create button, PS button and light bar circled — Hold Create, then hold the PS button until the light bar blinks to put the controller in pairing mode. (Image: playstation.com)

Step 5: Connect the PS5 controller by Bluetooth

These steps combine Sony's pairing-mode instructions with Microsoft's Windows Bluetooth steps.

Disconnect any USB cable from the controller.
If the player indicator is lit, press and hold the PS button until it turns off.
While pressing and holding the Create button, press and hold the PS button until the light bar blinks.
On the PC, select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices and make sure Bluetooth is On.
Select Add device, then select the controller from the list.
Wait until the light bar blinks and then the player indicator lights up, which means pairing is complete.
Check that the controller appears in DS4Windows.

Sony notes that a DualSense must be paired again each time you change to a different device.

Step 6: Create or select a DS4Windows profile

A DS4Windows profile holds the controller settings you apply to the pad. The key choice is the output type: an emulated Xbox 360 controller, which Valve documents as what Steam sees from DS4Windows, suits most PC games.

Your game	Output to aim for	Why
Most PC games, including games from the Xbox app and Epic Games Launcher	Xbox 360 controller	Almost every PC game reads Xbox controller input
A game or emulator that reads PlayStation controllers	DualShock 4 controller, which ViGEmBus can also emulate	The game then shows PlayStation button prompts
A Steam game	None: let Steam Input read the DualSense instead	Avoids two programs translating one pad (see Step 9)

Step 7: Test the controller in Windows

The proof is that a program sees exactly one controller of the type you chose and responds to every input once.

Confirm the DS4Windows controller list shows the DualSense.
Open Steam, select Steam > Settings > Controller, and check the detected controllers.
Look for an Xbox 360 controller there; Valve documents that Steam sees the emulated pad when DS4Windows is running.
Launch a game that supports controllers and press each face button, both sticks and both triggers.
If every input registers once, the setup works. If inputs register twice, continue to Step 8.

Step 8: Configure HidHide correctly

Double input happens when a game reads both the real DualSense and the virtual controller. HidHide fixes it by hiding chosen devices from every application except the ones on its allowed list. Its configuration utility does not need administrator rights.

Search the Start menu for HidHide and open its configuration utility.
On the Applications tab, press + and add the DS4Windows program file.
On the Devices tab, tick the DualSense controller to hide it. If it is missing, clear the Gaming devices only filter.
Tick Enable device hiding, then close the configuration utility.
Reconnect the controller and confirm DS4Windows still shows it.
Repeat Step 7 to confirm the game now sees one controller.

If DS4Windows loses the controller after hiding, DS4Windows is missing from the Applications list. Clearing Enable device hiding gives every application access to every device again.

Step 9: Set up Steam correctly

Steam can drive a DualSense on its own through Steam Input. Valve notes that while a remapping tool such as DS4Windows runs, Steam does not use the PlayStation pad directly and reads the emulated Xbox 360 controller instead. Pick one layer per game.

Your choice	What to do	Result
Option A: Use DS4Windows with Steam	Leave DS4Windows running and hide the DualSense with HidHide	Steam sees one Xbox 360 controller
Option B: Use Steam Input instead for Steam games	Close DS4Windows, then in Steam > Settings > Controller turn on the PlayStation configuration support setting	Steam maps the DualSense directly and can show PlayStation prompts
Mixed library	Use Steam Input for Steam games and start DS4Windows only for non-Steam games	No double layer in either case

Recommended DS4Windows settings for PS5 controller

Setting	Recommendation	Reason
Output controller	Xbox 360	Maximum compatibility; almost every PC game reads Xbox input
HidHide device hiding	On, with DS4Windows on the Applications list	Stops games from reading the pad twice
Steam Input for the same game	Off while DS4Windows runs	One input layer per game
Connection	USB for long sessions	No pairing drops, and the pad charges while you play

How to make DS4Windows start with Windows

If DS4Windows is not in the Windows startup list, use Microsoft's documented method for any app: a shortcut in the Startup folder.

Open the folder that holds DS4Windows.
Right-click the DS4Windows program file and create a shortcut.
Right-click Start, select Run, type shell:startup and press Enter.
Move the shortcut into the Startup folder that opens.
Select Start > Settings > Apps > Startup and check the toggle for DS4Windows is On.
Sign out and back in to confirm DS4Windows opens automatically.

To stop it starting, set the toggle to Off or delete the shortcut from the Startup folder.

Common DS4Windows PS5 controller problems and fixes

DS4Windows does not detect the PS5 controller

A charge-only cable, a missing ViGEmBus driver, or HidHide hiding the pad from DS4Windows itself.

Swap to a USB Type-C cable you know carries data, and try a different USB port.
Check Settings > Apps > Installed apps for ViGEmBus, and run its setup if it is missing.
Add DS4Windows to the HidHide Applications list.
Restart DS4Windows, then reconnect the controller.

Why won't my PS5 controller connect to my PC over Bluetooth?

The controller is not in pairing mode, is out of range, has a stale pairing, or is low on battery.

Disconnect any USB cable, then hold Create and PS until the light bar blinks.
Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices, select More options (…) on the old controller entry and select Remove device.
Select Add device and pair the controller again.
Charge the controller and move it closer to the PC.
Turn Bluetooth off, wait 10 seconds and turn it back on.

The game shows two controllers

The game reads both the real DualSense and the virtual Xbox 360 pad.

Install HidHide and hide the DualSense, as in Step 8.
For Steam games, close DS4Windows and let Steam Input handle the pad, as in Step 9.
Restart the game after changing either setting.

Buttons are pressing twice

Two input layers, such as DS4Windows plus Steam Input, translate the same press.

Pick one layer for the game: DS4Windows or Steam Input.
Confirm Enable device hiding is ticked in HidHide.
Check that the DualSense is ticked on the HidHide Devices tab.

Bluetooth keeps disconnecting

Distance, low battery, an outdated Bluetooth driver or outdated controller software.

Move the controller and PC closer together.
Charge the controller fully.
Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates to get current Bluetooth drivers.
Update the controller software with Sony's PlayStation Accessories app on the PC.
Switch to USB for long sessions if drops continue.

The controller still will not connect after all of the above

A controller-side fault that a reset can clear.

Disconnect the USB cable from the controller.
Use a pin to press and hold the reset button in the small hole on the back, next to the Sony logo, for at least 5 seconds.
Pair the controller with the PC again.

Using DS4Windows with non-Steam games and emulators

Games from other launchers and emulators do not get Steam Input, which is where DS4Windows earns its place.

Start DS4Windows before the launcher or emulator.
Use Xbox 360 output for games from the Xbox app, Epic Games Launcher or other stores.
In the emulator's input settings, select the Xbox 360 controller instead of the DualSense.
Map the emulator's buttons to the virtual pad and save the configuration.
Use DualShock 4 output only for an emulator that reads PlayStation controllers.

Should you use DS4Windows or native DualSense support?

Factor	Native DualSense (USB or Bluetooth)	DS4Windows
Extra software	None	DS4Windows plus ViGEmBus, optionally HidHide
Project status	Supported by Sony on Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows 11	DS4Windows repository offline in October 2026; ViGEmBus retired since 2023
Game support	Games that support generic or DualSense controllers	Any game that supports Xbox controllers
Haptics and adaptive triggers	Yes, in supporting games; haptics need USB on PC	No, with Xbox 360 output
Headset jack	Available on PC over a wired connection	Not part of an emulated Xbox 360 controller
Steam games	Steam Input handles the DualSense directly	Works, but needs Steam set as in Step 9

How to switch between profiles

Switching profiles happens inside DS4Windows; the Windows side only needs the controller connected and one input layer active.

Open DS4Windows and go to the controller list.
Pick the profile you want for the connected controller.
Restart the game if it does not pick up the new output type.
Repeat the Step 7 test so the game still sees exactly one controller.

How to update or reinstall DS4Windows drivers

ViGEmBus will not get new versions because the project is retired; its author notes that an in-place upgrade to 1.22.0 may need the setup run twice. HidHide's current setup uninstalls the old version, asks for a reboot, then continues the install.

Close DS4Windows and disconnect the controller.
To update HidHide, download the latest setup from its Releases page, run it, reboot when prompted, let it continue the install, and reboot again.
To reinstall ViGEmBus, run ViGEmBus Setup 1.22.0 from its Releases page; run it a second time if the first run does not complete the upgrade.
To remove a driver, select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps (Apps & features on Windows 10), find ViGEmBus or HidHide, and select Uninstall.
Restart Windows, then reconnect the controller and repeat the Step 7 test.

How to disconnect or turn off the PS5 controller

Press and hold the PS button until the player indicator turns off.
On a wired setup, unplug the USB cable.
To unpair it from Windows, select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices, select More options (…) on the controller and select Remove device.
To use it on a PS5 again, connect it to the console with a USB cable and press the PS button.
Close DS4Windows when you no longer need the virtual controller.

Best DS4Windows setup for most PS5 controller players

Use Steam Input for Steam games and native DualSense support where a game offers it; keep DS4Windows with Xbox 360 output and HidHide for the games that only read Xbox controllers. Sony supports the DualSense on Windows directly, while DS4Windows depends on a retired driver and has no official download page available in October 2026. Using it only where it is needed keeps one input layer per game, so nothing registers twice.

DS4Windows PS5 controller quick checklist

Check	Done when
DS4Windows from the developer's GitHub Releases page	Kept in a permanent folder, no copies from other sites
Settings location chosen	A folder in your user profile, backed up
ViGEmBus installed	Games see an Xbox 360 controller
Controller connected	Shown in DS4Windows over USB or Bluetooth
Profile picked	Xbox 360 output for most games
HidHide configured	DS4Windows on the Applications list, DualSense hidden, device hiding enabled
Steam set	One input layer per game
Startup shortcut	DS4Windows opens after sign-in

PS5 controller on PC with DS4Windows FAQ

Can I connect a PS5 controller to a PC?

Yes. Sony supports the DualSense on Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit) over USB Type-C or Bluetooth. It works natively in games that support generic controllers, and DS4Windows adds Xbox 360 emulation for games that only read Xbox input.

Can I connect a PS5 controller to a laptop?

Yes. A Windows laptop connects the same way as a desktop: plug in a USB Type-C data cable or pair over the laptop's Bluetooth. Most Windows devices have Bluetooth built in, and a USB adapter adds it to one that does not.

How do I connect a PS5 controller to a PC over Bluetooth?

Disconnect the cable, then hold the Create button and press and hold the PS button until the light bar blinks. On the PC, open Settings, select Bluetooth & devices, then Add device, and pick the controller from the list.

How do I connect a PS5 controller to a PC wired?

Connect the controller to a PC USB port with a USB Type-C cable that carries data. A wired link is also required on PC for haptic feedback and the headset jack.

How do I connect a PS5 controller to Windows 11?

Pair it in Settings, Bluetooth & devices, Add device, or plug it in by USB. Windows 11 supports the DualSense natively; DS4Windows is only needed if a game accepts Xbox controllers alone.

How do I connect a PS5 controller to Steam?

Connect the controller to the PC, close DS4Windows, then open Steam, Settings, Controller and turn on the PlayStation configuration support setting. While DS4Windows runs, Steam reads its emulated Xbox 360 controller instead.

Do I need DS4Windows for a PS5 controller on PC?

No, not always. Steam games and games with DualSense or generic controller support work without it. DS4Windows is useful for games outside Steam that only read Xbox controllers, but its official download page was offline in October 2026.

Why won't my PS5 controller connect to my PC?

The usual causes are a charge-only USB cable, a controller not in pairing mode, a stale Bluetooth pairing or low battery. Use a data cable, remove and re-pair the controller in Bluetooth settings, charge it, and reset it with the button on the back if needed.

How do I connect my PS5 controller back to my PS5?

Connect the controller to the PS5 console with a USB cable and press the PS button. After that you can unplug the cable and use it wirelessly. Sony notes the controller must be paired again each time you change devices.

Can a PS5 controller connect to an iPhone or iPad too?

Yes. Sony supports the DualSense on iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 or later over Bluetooth. Pair it using the same Create and PS button method, and pair it again with the PC when you come back to Windows.