Are you having trouble with your DS4Windows drivers? Perhaps you're experiencing input lag, controller disconnects, or want to switch to a different controller setup. Whatever the reason, knowing how to completely uninstall DS4Windows drivers is crucial for troubleshooting and ensuring a smooth gaming experience. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough, ensuring a clean and effective removal process.
Understanding DS4Windows and its Components
Before diving into the uninstallation process, it's important to understand what DS4Windows is and what components need to be removed. DS4Windows is a popular application that allows you to use the PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 controller on your PC. It involves installing drivers, configuration files, and potentially other associated software. A complete uninstall requires removing all these components to avoid conflicts or residual issues.
Step-by-Step Uninstallation Guide
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to completely remove DS4Windows and its associated drivers from your system:
1. Close DS4Windows
The first and most important step is to close the DS4Windows application completely. Ensure it's not running in the background. Check your system tray (usually located in the bottom-right corner of your screen) for any DS4Windows icons and close them.
2. Uninstall via the Control Panel (Standard Method)
This is the typical method for uninstalling software on Windows:
- Open the Control Panel: Search for "Control Panel" in the Windows search bar and open it.
- Access Programs and Features: Look for "Programs and Features" (or "Uninstall a program" depending on your Windows version).
- Locate DS4Windows: Find "DS4Windows" in the list of installed programs.
- Uninstall: Right-click on "DS4Windows" and select "Uninstall." Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
3. Manually Delete Remaining Files and Folders (Advanced Method)
The standard uninstall process might not remove all associated files and folders. For a truly clean uninstall, manually delete the following:
- Main DS4Windows Folder: This is typically located in
C:\Program Files (x86)\DS4Windows(or a similar location). Delete this folder and its contents. You may need administrator privileges to do this. - Hidden DS4Windows Folders: DS4Windows might create hidden folders. To view hidden folders, open File Explorer, go to "View," and check the "Hidden items" box. Look for any remaining DS4Windows folders and delete them.
- Driver Files: DS4Windows installs drivers. These are usually located in the
C:\Windows\System32\driversfolder. Look for files related to DS4Windows (names often contain "DS4" or "SCPDriver"). Caution: Only delete files that you are certain are associated with DS4Windows. Deleting incorrect system files can cause serious problems. - Registry Entries (Advanced Users Only): DS4Windows may create registry entries. Editing the registry is risky and should only be done by experienced users. Incorrect modifications can severely damage your system. If you choose to proceed, back up your registry first. Search for DS4Windows-related entries and carefully remove them.
4. Restart Your Computer
After completing steps 2 and 3, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
Troubleshooting
If you still encounter issues after uninstalling, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Check Device Manager: Open Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar). Look under "Human Interface Devices" or "Other devices" for any entries related to DS4Windows. If you find any, right-click and uninstall them.
- Reinstall Drivers: If you plan to use the DS4 controller again, you'll need to reinstall the DS4Windows drivers. Make sure to download the latest version from a reputable source.
- System File Checker (SFC): Run the System File Checker (SFC) to scan for and repair any corrupted system files that might be interfering with your controller's functionality. Type
sfc /scannowin Command Prompt (run as administrator).
By following these steps, you can effectively uninstall DS4Windows drivers and resolve any potential conflicts. Remember to proceed cautiously, especially when manually deleting files or editing the registry. If you're uncomfortable with any of these advanced steps, it's always best to stick with the standard uninstall method via the Control Panel.
