Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open in Windows 10

DS4 Windows is a free portable program and virtual emulator that helps in using and connecting the PlayStation controller (Dual Shock 3, Dual Shock 4 and Dual Sense) to the PC. Encountering the ‘DS4 Windows Could Not Open‘ error in Windows 10 can be frustrating, especially if you rely on your DualShock 4 controller for gaming or other tasks. This issue can prevent the DS4 Windows software from functioning correctly and recognizing your controller. In this guide, we’ll delve into the common causes of this error and provide you with practical solutions to fix it. Whether you’re a gamer or simply need your DualShock 4 controller to work seamlessly on your PC, we’ll help you resolve the ‘DS4 Windows Could Not Open’ problem and get back to enjoying your gaming experience.

Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open in Windows 10

How to Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open in Windows 10

Various reasons can be the interference behind the inability of the DS4 Windows not open. From update issues to bugs, there are varied reasons that are listed below:

  • Bug interference in Windows update.
  • Outdated version of DS4 Windows on PC.
  • Issues with Bluetooth drivers.
  • Incompatibility between the system and DS4 Windows.

System Requirements

The first thing to do when you can’t open DS4 Windows on the system is to check if your PC is compatible with the program. To check this, you can make sure that essential requirements needed in a system to run DS4Windows are met. Below are necessary PC requirements:

  • Microsoft .NET 5.0 Runtime or above is a must.
  • Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable is required.
  • Compatible controllers that are needed include DualShock 4 and Ps5 supported Xbox controllers.
  • Virtual Gamepad Emulation Framework driver (ViGEmBusv.1.17.333.0) or higher is required.
  • A Micro USB cable or a compatible Bluetooth connection (Windows built-in or an adapter) is a must.
  • Ensure to disable the PlayStation Configuration Support option in Steam.

Method 1: Update DS4Windows

The next thing to make sure to avoid the DS4 Windows could not open issue is by making sure that your DS4 Windows is up to date. To update this free program, you can use the DS4Updater tool which comes along with the installation folder of DS4Windows.

1. Browse the location of DS4Windows and open the folder.

Open DS4Windows folder

2. Now, locate and double-click on DS4Updater to launch it.

Double click on DS4Updater. How to Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open

Once the updating process is complete, restart the system and launch DS4Windows to see if it is working fine.

Method 2: Update Bluetooth Drivers

The next method that can help you out with the issue of DS4Windows install failed is updating the Bluetooth drivers on your PC. Outdated Bluetooth drivers are a common cause of the program not working.

Note: Make sure that the Bluetooth adaptor is switched on.

1. Open the Run dialog box by hitting the Windows + R keys together.

Open the Run dialog box. How to Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open

2. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter key to open Device Manager window.

Type devmgmt.msc in the box

3. Now, double-click on Bluetooth.

Double click on Bluetooth device. How to Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open

4. Right-click on Bluetooth device under it and select Update driver.

update driver bluetooth driver

5. Now, opt for the Search automatically for drivers option.

Select Search automatically for drivers. Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open

Once the update is complete, check if the issue with the failed installation of DS4Windows has been resolved.

Also Read: Fix Bluetooth Driver Error in Windows 10

Method 3: Uninstall Latest Windows Updates

It is also possible that the new update in your system is causing a problem with DS4Windows use. So, if you have recently updated your Windows then uninstall the latest version to resolve the issue.

1. Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to open Windows Setting.

2. Select the Update & Security settings.

Click on Update and Security. Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open

3. Now, click on View update history.

click on View update history option

4.  Select Uninstall updates.

Select Uninstall updates. Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open

5. Now, right-click on latest update and click on Uninstall.

Click on Uninstall

Once the process of uninstalling the latest update is complete, restart your PC.

Method 4: Re-enable Controller Driver

If even uninstalling the latest Windows update didn’t help you in DS4 Windows could not open issue then try re-enabling the controller in the Device Manager window on your PC to help resolve the problem.

1. Press the Windows key, type device manager and click on Open.

open Device Manager. Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open

2. Now, double-click on Human Interface Devices.

Double click on Human Interface Devices

3. Right-click on the controller driver and select Disable device.

Note: We have shown HID-compliant touch screen driver as an example.

disable device

4. Then, right-click on the driver again and select Enable device.

enable device

Now, restart your PC to check if the DS4Windows not opening error is resolved.

Also Read: Fix Active Directory Domain Controller Could Not Be Contacted

Method 5: Download Drivers Manually

Another method that can be of great help is downloading the drivers manually onto the system which helps a great deal in DS4Windows install failed issue. So, follow the steps below to manually download them:

1. Open your browser and download the InputMapper HID Guardian drivers.

Download InputMapper HID Guardian. Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open

2. Once the download is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation process.

Method 6: Allow DS4Windows Through Firewall

The firewall on your PC may be blocking DS4Windows from opening up. Firewall and network protection can block third-party applications; therefore, it is important that you pass the program through the firewall and to do so you can follow the steps given below:

1. Open Windows Settings and select Update & Security setting.

Click on Update and Security. Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open

2. Click on the Windows Security in the left pane.

click on Windows Security. Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open

3. Now, select Firewall & network protection.

click on firewall and network protection

4. Click on the Allow an app through firewall option.

Select Allow an app through firewall. Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open

5. Now, locate the DS4Windows application and ensure that both Private and Public boxed are checked.

6. Then, click on OK to save the changes made.

Allow Apps in Windows Defender Firewall

Now, you can check to see if the issue has been resolved on your PC, and if the DS4Windows program is running fine.

Also Read: How to Map Controller to Keyboard

Method 7: Reinstall DS4Windows Program

If you are still struggling with launching DS4 Windows and are asking yourself why won’t my DS4 Windows won’t open, then we have a perfect solution for you in the name of reinstalling DS4 Windows. The downloaded file of your DS4Windows program may be corrupt or broken. So, installing it again can help you in resolving the issue. But before you proceed with that, you first need to uninstall the program which you can do with the help of the following steps:

Note: Download .NET 5.0 Runtime beforehand to avoid .NET Runtime error.

1. Hit the Windows key, type Control Panel, and click on Open.

Open Control Panel

2. Set View by > Large icons, then click on Programs and Features.

Select Programs and Features option. Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open

3. Right-click on Nefarious Virtual Gamepad Emulation Bus Driver and choose Uninstall as illustrated below.

select unintall option. Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open

4. Now, browse to the location of DS4Windows to remove all the files from your PC.

5. Next, search %Appdata% in File Explorer and press Enter.

launch appdata folder

6. Now, in the Roaming directory delete DS4Windows folder.

Delete the DS4Windows folder. Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open

7. Once the program is uninstalled, open your browser and download DS4Windows.

download DS4Windows page

8. Now, extract the downloaded zip file of DS4Windows.

9. Open the folder and double-click on DS4Windows.

Double- lick on DS4Windows folder. Fix DS4 Windows Could Not Open

10. Next, select Appdata to save profiles and settings.

11. Now, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation process of DS4Windows.

12. Then, in the Settings tab, select the Hide DS4 Controller for double input connection issues.

Now check for the DS4 Windows unable to open an issue and see if it is resolved.

Also Read: Fix PS4 Controller Flashing White

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why is my DS4Windows not launching?

Ans. One of the common reasons behind DS4 Windows not opening and being unable to detect PS4 is if the controller is disabled.

Q2. Does DS4 Windows work on Windows 11?

Ans. Yes, DS4 Windows works on Windows 11. However, it is important to check the system requirements before running it on your Windows.

Q3. Where can I find DS4 Windows installed on my PC?

Ans. You can find the DS4 Windows installed folder in the AppData folder or the Program folder in your system.

Q4. Why is DS4 Windows on my system unable to recognize the controller?

Ans. If DS4 Windows on your PC is unable to recognize the controller then it is most probably due to the outdated version of the controller. Therefore, to make it recognizable by DS4, make sure that the software of your controller is updated with the latest version.

Q5. What will happen if I reset my PS4 controller?

Ans. In case you reset your PS4 controller, it will flush the memory of the controller and it will also resolve any issues involved with it.

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We hope that our guide on how to fix DS4 Windows could not open issue has helped you with multiple methods to fix it. Also, let us know which one of the methods guided you the most. If you have more queries or suggestions to give, then leave a comment down below.

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