DS4Windows is a popular program that allows you to use your PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 controller on your Windows 10 PC. While generally reliable, you might find yourself needing to uninstall it for various reasons – perhaps you're upgrading to a new controller, troubleshooting issues, or simply cleaning up your system. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of how to completely remove DS4Windows from your Windows 10 machine.
Understanding the Uninstallation Process
Unlike some applications with a simple uninstall option in the Control Panel, DS4Windows requires a slightly more involved process to ensure complete removal. This is because it installs several components, including drivers, which need to be specifically addressed. Failing to completely remove all these components can lead to conflicts with other applications or even prevent your other controllers from working correctly.
Step-by-Step Uninstallation Guide
Here's the definitive method to uninstall DS4Windows from your Windows 10 computer:
Step 1: Close DS4Windows
Before beginning the uninstall process, ensure DS4Windows is completely closed. Right-click on the DS4Windows icon in your system tray (the area near the clock) and select "Exit".
Step 2: Uninstall from the Control Panel
This is the standard first step in removing any application from Windows 10.
- Open the Control Panel. You can do this by searching for "Control Panel" in the Windows search bar.
- Select Programs and Features (or "Uninstall a program").
- Locate DS4Windows in the list of installed programs.
- Right-click on DS4Windows and select Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation.
Step 3: Remove the Drivers (Crucial Step!)
This is where many users miss a key step, leading to residual issues. DS4Windows installs drivers that need to be manually removed.
- Open the Device Manager. You can search for it in the Windows search bar.
- Expand the Human Interface Devices category.
- You should see entries related to DS4Windows (likely "Wireless Controller"). Important: There might be multiple entries.
- Right-click on each DS4Windows-related entry and select Uninstall device.
- Check the box that says "Delete the driver software for this device" (if available). This ensures a clean removal.
- Repeat steps 3-5 for all DS4Windows entries.
Step 4: Delete Remaining Files (Optional but Recommended)
While the previous steps are usually sufficient, for a completely clean uninstall, manually deleting any remaining files is a good practice. DS4Windows typically installs in the %APPDATA% directory.
- Open File Explorer.
- Type
%APPDATA%in the address bar and press Enter. - Locate the
DS4Windowsfolder and delete it. - Empty your Recycle Bin to permanently remove the files.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter problems after following these steps, consider:
- Restarting your computer: A simple restart can often resolve lingering issues.
- Checking the Device Manager again: Make sure no DS4Windows related entries remain.
- Using a third-party uninstaller: Applications like CCleaner or Revo Uninstaller can help remove stubborn files and registry entries associated with DS4Windows. (Use these tools with caution and always back up your system before using powerful cleaning software.)
By following these steps, you can effectively and completely remove DS4Windows from your Windows 10 system, paving the way for a clean installation or the use of other controllers. Remember to always back up important data before making significant system changes.
