Getting Started with DS5Windows/DualSenseX
If you want to use a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller on a Windows PC, DS5Windows/DualSenseX can help you configure the controller and, when needed, use a virtual controller for games that do not work properly with the DualSense.
This guide covers the basic setup. It explains what you need, how the controller connects, and what to check before playing a game.
What Is DS5 Windows
DS5Windows is a name commonly used when people search for software to use a DualSense controller on Windows. On this site, we use DS5Windows/DualSenseX to refer to the DualSense-focused software commonly known as DSX.
The project has changed over time.
The older GitHub release, DualSenseX v1.4.9, is no longer supported or updated. Development later moved to the current DSX version distributed through Steam.
So, if you are setting up DSX today, check the current source before downloading an old release.
Before You Begin
You will need:
- A PlayStation 5 DualSense controller.
- A Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 PC.
- A USB Type-C cable or a Bluetooth connection.
- DSX, if you need its configuration or emulation features.
- ViGEmBus only when your setup uses a virtual Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 controller through that system.
- HidHide when you need to hide the physical controller to prevent duplicate input.
Not every setup needs all of these components. The exact requirements can also change as DSX is updated, so older setup guides should not be treated as current requirements.
Windows Compatibility
The current DSX Steam listing requires a 64-bit system and lists Windows 10 as the minimum operating system and Windows 11 as the recommended operating system.
The DualSense itself can connect to Windows 10 64-bit and Windows 11 using USB or Bluetooth. Some controller features depend on the game and connection method.
Before starting, it is also a good idea to install available Windows updates. This can help rule out problems caused by an outdated system.
Download DS5 Windows
The old GitHub version of DualSenseX is no longer the actively supported release.
The current DSX project is distributed through Steam, while the older GitHub v1.4.9 release remains useful mainly when researching older DSX setups.
For the current download, see our DSX/DS5Windows Download page.
For the official current release, use the DSX listing from Paliverse on Steam.
Install the Required Components
You may see different drivers and helper tools mentioned in older DSX guides. You do not need to install every driver just because you are using a DualSense.
ViGEmBus
ViGEmBus is associated with virtual controller emulation.
For example, older DSX setups could use it to create a virtual Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 controller when a game did not work correctly with the physical DualSense.
It is not something you should treat as a universal requirement for every current DSX setup. If you only want to use a game that already supports the DualSense directly, you may not need virtual controller emulation at all.
For more information about drivers and supporting software, see our DS5Windows Drivers guide.
HidHide
HidHide has a different purpose.
When both the physical DualSense and a virtual controller are visible to a game, the game can sometimes receive the same input twice. This is commonly called double input.
HidHide can hide the physical controller from selected applications while the virtual controller remains available.
You mainly need it when your setup uses controller emulation and you are dealing with duplicate input. You do not need HidHide simply because you own a DualSense controller.
Connecting Your DualSense Controller
The DualSense can connect to Windows in two common ways:
- USB
- Bluetooth
For a first setup, USB is usually the simpler place to start because you do not have to deal with Bluetooth pairing at the same time.
Connect the controller, let Windows recognize it, and then open DSX. If DSX detects the controller, you can move on to the basic configuration.
For complete USB and Bluetooth instructions, see our How to Connect PS5 Controller on PC guide.
Check the Controller in DSX
Once the controller appears in DSX, check that the basic input is working.
Depending on the DSX version and your controller, you may be able to:
- Test buttons and sticks.
- Check the triggers.
- View battery information.
- Change available lighting settings.
- Create controller profiles.
- Adjust available trigger and vibration settings.
- Select a virtual controller mode when needed.
The options you see can vary between DSX versions and different controller connections.
You do not need to change every setting before playing your first game.
Choose Whether You Need Emulation
This is an important part of the setup. If your game already recognizes the DualSense correctly, you can usually start by using the controller directly.
If a game does not recognize the DualSense, a virtual controller may help. Depending on the DSX version and setup, this can include Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 emulation.
Do not turn on emulation just because it is available.
Using an extra virtual controller layer when you do not need it can make troubleshooting harder and can sometimes lead to duplicate input.
Setting Up a Profile
DSX supports controller profiles. A profile can be useful when you need different settings for different games.
For example, one game may work with the DualSense directly, while another may need an Xbox-style virtual controller.
You do not need to create a profile for every game. Start with the basic settings and create another profile only when you have a reason to use different settings.
DualSense Features
The DualSense has features that go beyond basic buttons and sticks.
Depending on the game, connection method, and DSX version, you may be able to use or configure features such as:
- Adaptive triggers
- Haptic feedback
- Controller lighting
- Vibration
- Battery information
- Controller testing
- Audio-related features
These features are not guaranteed in every game.
For example, PlayStation notes that adaptive triggers work when supported by the game, while haptic feedback on PC can depend on the connection method.
DSX can provide settings for these features, but the game still has to support the feature for it to work as expected.
Test DS5Windows/DSX With Your Game
Once the controller is connected and your basic settings are ready, start the game.
If the game supports the DualSense directly, test it without emulation first.
If the game does not recognize the controller, try the appropriate virtual controller mode.
If the game starts receiving input twice, check whether both the physical and virtual controllers are visible. HidHide may be useful in that situation.
For game-specific problems, use our Troubleshooting Guide instead of changing several settings at once.
Steam and Other Game Platforms
DSX can be used with games from different platforms, but controller handling can differ between games.
Steam also has its own controller settings. Other controller-mapping software can add another layer between the controller and the game.
If a game already detects your DualSense correctly, there is usually no reason to add another controller layer.
If you are having problems, check which software is currently handling the controller before changing settings.
What If the Controller Is Not Working?
Do not immediately reinstall everything.
Start with a few simple checks:
- Does Windows detect the DualSense?
- Does DSX detect the controller?
- Is the controller connected through USB or Bluetooth?
- Are you using a virtual controller?
- Is another controller program also running?
- Are you getting duplicate input?
- Does the problem happen in one game or every game?
These answers can help show where the problem is.
For specific connection, driver, double-input, or game problems, see our Troubleshooting Guide.
Final Checklist
Before starting a game, check:
- Windows recognizes your DualSense.
- DSX recognizes the controller.
- Your connection is working properly.
- You are using the correct controller mode.
- ViGEmBus is installed only if your emulation setup needs it.
- HidHide is configured if you need to prevent duplicate input.
- Your profile has the settings you want.
- The game is not receiving input from two controller sources.
If everything looks correct, start the game and test the controller.
You Are Ready to Play
You do not need to change every DSX setting before playing.
Start with a simple setup: Connect the DualSense → check it in DSX → use direct input if the game supports it → use emulation only when needed.
If something goes wrong, check the specific guide instead of changing several parts of the setup at once.