Many users find themselves in a frustrating situation: their DualShock 4 controller connects perfectly wirelessly via DS4Windows, but refuses to work when plugged in via USB. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting this common problem and getting your wired connection back up and running.
Identifying the Problem: Why Wired Connection Fails
Before diving into solutions, let's understand why a wired connection might fail while the wireless one works. The issue often stems from driver conflicts, incorrect DS4Windows settings, or even hardware problems. Let's investigate these possibilities.
1. Driver Conflicts: The Usual Suspect
The most frequent culprit is a conflict between the DS4Windows drivers and the default Windows drivers for the DualShock 4. Windows might try to manage the controller independently, interfering with DS4Windows' functionality.
2. DS4Windows Configuration: Double-Checking the Setup
Improper configuration within DS4Windows itself can also prevent wired connections. Specific settings, such as HID compliance or driver selection, could be incorrectly configured.
3. Hardware Issues: Less Likely, But Possible
While less common, a faulty USB port, a damaged USB cable, or even a problem with the controller's internal circuitry could be to blame. Let's rule these out systematically.
Solutions: Getting Your Wired Connection Back
Now let's tackle the problem head-on with these troubleshooting steps:
1. Reinstalling DS4Windows: A Fresh Start
Sometimes, a clean reinstall is the simplest solution. Uninstall DS4Windows completely, including any associated files. Then, download the latest version from the official source (Note: I cannot provide direct links to downloads due to the prompt's instructions). Ensure you install it with administrator privileges.
2. Checking DS4Windows Settings: Fine-tuning the Configuration
Open DS4Windows and navigate to the settings. Pay close attention to the following:
- Hide DS4 Controller: Ensure this option is unchecked. If checked, Windows might try to manage the controller independently, causing conflicts.
- Driver: Experiment with different driver options. You might need to try both "DS4 Driver" and "xInput Wrapper" to find the optimal setting for your wired connection.
- Disable Bluetooth: While you're troubleshooting the wired connection, temporarily disable Bluetooth to eliminate any potential interference.
3. Testing Different USB Ports and Cables: Ruling Out Hardware Problems
Try connecting your controller to different USB ports on your computer. Test with a different USB cable as well. This helps eliminate the possibility of a faulty port or a damaged cable.
4. Restarting Your Computer: A Simple Yet Effective Step
A simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches that might be interfering with your wired connection.
5. Updating Windows Drivers: Ensuring Compatibility
Ensure your computer has the latest drivers installed for your DualShock 4 controller. You can search for updates in the Device Manager (search for "Device Manager" in the Windows search bar).
Further Troubleshooting Steps: Deeper Dive
If the above steps fail, consider these more advanced troubleshooting options:
- Checking Device Manager: Look for any error messages associated with your DualShock 4 in the Device Manager.
- System Restore: If the problem recently started, a system restore to a previous point might resolve it.
- Clean Boot: Perform a clean boot to rule out any software conflicts from third-party applications.
By systematically working through these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of your wired connection issues and get your DualShock 4 controller working flawlessly, both wirelessly and wired. Remember to consult online forums and communities dedicated to DS4Windows for further assistance if needed. Many experienced users are happy to help troubleshoot specific problems.
