Do You Turn Off PS4 Support on Steam with DS4Windows? Understanding Steam Input and DS4Windows
Many gamers use DS4Windows to connect their PlayStation 4 controllers to their PCs for gaming on Steam. But sometimes, you might experience conflicts or prefer to use Steam's built-in controller support. This guide clarifies how to manage PS4 controller support on Steam when using DS4Windows, addressing common questions and troubleshooting issues.
The Short Answer: You don't directly "turn off" PS4 support within DS4Windows itself to disable it on Steam. Instead, you manage the controller input within Steam's settings. DS4Windows primarily acts as a driver, translating PS4 controller inputs into a format Steam can understand. However, Steam offers its own robust controller configuration tools.
Understanding Steam Input:
Steam's Big Picture Mode and its controller configuration options are incredibly powerful. Steam Input allows you to map controller inputs in many ways:
- Direct Input: This mode attempts to use the controller's native driver. If Steam detects your PS4 controller with DS4Windows already running, it might use this method.
- Steam Input (Recommended): This is often the preferred mode. Steam handles the input translation, providing customizable profiles and advanced features such as gyro aiming and advanced button remapping for a far more seamless and flexible gaming experience across different games.
How to Manage PS4 Controller Input on Steam:
- Open Steam: Launch the Steam client on your PC.
- Access Controller Settings: Navigate to Steam > Settings > Controller.
- Enable Controller Support: Ensure that "PlayStation Configuration Support" or a similar option (depending on your Steam version) is enabled.
- Choose Input Method: This is crucial. Select "Steam Input Per-Game" or "Steam Input" (For full customizability) from the dropdown menu under the "Controller Type" section. Using Steam Input generally allows Steam to manage the input, regardless of what's happening with DS4Windows.
- Game-Specific Settings: Many games have their own dedicated controller profiles within Steam. If there are issues with a particular game, check for a game-specific controller configuration to fine-tune the setup.
- Disable DS4Windows (Temporarily): If you want to see if Steam's native PS4 support is working effectively, consider temporarily closing DS4Windows to test if Steam recognizes your controller without it. Remember to restart DS4Windows afterwards if you need to continue using its features.
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
- Controller Not Recognized: Ensure your PS4 controller is correctly connected and powered. Check device manager to make sure there are no conflicts.
- Unresponsive Buttons: Try recalibrating your controller or reinstalling DS4Windows.
- Inconsistent Input: Double-check both DS4Windows and Steam's controller settings. If using DS4Windows alongside Steam Input, conflicts may occur. Try using Steam Input without DS4Windows.
Conclusion:
While DS4Windows provides a crucial bridge for using PS4 controllers on PC, Steam offers powerful controller management tools. By utilizing Steam Input, you gain more flexibility and control over how your PS4 controller behaves in games, often eliminating the need to heavily rely on the intermediary functionality of DS4Windows. Remember that adjusting Steam's input settings is the primary method to manage your PS4 controller's interaction with Steam games, not directly disabling anything within DS4Windows itself. Experiment with both methods to find the best approach for your gaming setup.
