Many gamers prefer a wired connection for their DualShock 4 controllers, prioritizing stability and eliminating the potential for lag or disconnections. While DS4Windows offers excellent wireless functionality, forcing it to use a wired connection exclusively can improve your gaming experience. This guide will walk you through the process, explaining various methods and troubleshooting potential issues.
Understanding the Benefits of Wired Mode
Using your DS4 controller wired offers several advantages:
- Reduced Latency: Wired connections offer significantly lower latency than Bluetooth, resulting in more responsive gameplay, especially crucial in fast-paced games.
- Improved Stability: A wired connection eliminates the risk of Bluetooth interference or disconnections, ensuring a consistently stable connection.
- No Battery Concerns: You'll never have to worry about your controller running out of battery mid-game when using a wired connection.
Method 1: Prioritizing Wired Connection in DS4Windows
DS4Windows doesn't have a dedicated "Wired Only" mode. However, we can effectively achieve the same result by manipulating its settings. This method prioritizes the wired connection over Bluetooth.
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Ensure your DS4 is connected via USB: Plug your DualShock 4 controller into your PC using a USB cable.
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Open DS4Windows: Launch the DS4Windows application.
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Check for Controller Detection: Verify that DS4Windows correctly detects your wired controller.
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(Important) Disable Bluetooth: This step is crucial. If Bluetooth is enabled and your controller is also connected via USB, DS4Windows might still default to Bluetooth. Go to your Windows settings and disable Bluetooth.
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Test Your Controller: Launch a game and test the controller's functionality. It should work flawlessly via the wired connection.
Method 2: Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If your controller isn't working as expected even after following the steps above, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Restart DS4Windows and your PC: A simple restart often resolves minor software glitches.
- Check your USB Cable: Make sure you're using a good quality USB cable. A faulty cable can cause connection problems.
- Try a Different USB Port: Test your controller with different USB ports on your computer. Some ports might provide better power delivery.
- Update DS4Windows: Ensure you're using the latest version of DS4Windows. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements.
- Reinstall DS4Windows: As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall DS4Windows.
Optimizing Your DS4Windows Settings for Wired Use
While you're optimizing your setup, consider these additional DS4Windows settings:
- Disable Wireless Features: Within DS4Windows, review the settings related to wireless connection and ensure they're not interfering with wired usage.
- Adjust Input Settings: DS4Windows allows fine-tuning of input settings. Experiment with different settings to optimize gameplay to your preferences.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can effectively make your DS4 controller prioritize a wired connection in DS4Windows, improving your gaming experience with enhanced stability and responsiveness. Remember to disable Bluetooth for optimal results. If you continue to experience issues, refer to the troubleshooting section. Happy gaming!
