Many gamers love the DualShock 4 controller for its comfort and features. But sometimes, you need to know how to properly disconnect it from your PC. This guide will walk you through several ways to effectively turn off your DS4 controller when using DS4Windows. Knowing how to do this properly ensures smooth gameplay and prevents potential issues.
Method 1: Disconnecting via the DS4Windows Interface
This is the most straightforward and recommended method.
-
Open DS4Windows: Launch the DS4Windows application. Make sure your DS4 controller is connected and recognized by the program.
-
Locate the "Disconnect" Button: The exact location might vary slightly depending on your DS4Windows version, but you'll find a button clearly labeled "Disconnect" or something similar in the main interface. It's usually near the controller profile settings.
-
Click to Disconnect: Click the "Disconnect" button. This will cleanly disconnect your DS4 controller from DS4Windows and your PC.
Important Note: This method ensures that DS4Windows properly releases all resources associated with your controller, preventing conflicts and ensuring a clean shutdown.
Method 2: Unplugging the Controller
This is a quick method but might not always be the cleanest.
- Disconnect the USB Cable: Simply unplug the USB cable connecting your DS4 controller to your computer.
Caution: While this works, it might not always fully shut down the controller's internal processes within DS4Windows. Occasionally, this can lead to residual processes running in the background, potentially causing minor issues. Method 1 is always preferable for a clean shutdown.
Method 3: Closing DS4Windows (Least Recommended)
Closing the DS4Windows application without explicitly disconnecting the controller is generally not recommended.
- Close DS4Windows: Close the DS4Windows program by clicking the 'X' button.
Why this is not ideal: While this stops the DS4Windows program, it doesn't necessarily disconnect the controller cleanly. This could leave lingering processes and may not correctly release all resources used by your DS4 controller, potentially causing problems in subsequent sessions.
Troubleshooting: Controller Still Acting Up?
If you've followed these steps and are still experiencing issues with your DS4 controller, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Restart your PC: A simple restart often resolves minor software glitches.
- Check Device Manager: In Windows Device Manager, look under "Human Interface Devices" for your DS4 controller. If you see any errors, try uninstalling and reinstalling the controller.
- Reinstall DS4Windows: A fresh installation of DS4Windows can resolve potential corruption issues within the program files.
- Update DS4Windows: Make sure you're running the latest version of DS4Windows. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements.
By following these methods, you'll be able to effectively turn off your DS4 controller and avoid potential problems with DS4Windows. Remember that the first method – disconnecting via the DS4Windows interface – is the cleanest and most recommended approach.
