For gamers using Windows 11, using a DualShock 4 (DS4) or Xbox 360 controller can really step up your game. But, not everything works right out of the box, and sometimes you need a bit of extra help. That’s where the ViGEmBus Driver comes into play. We’re going to talk about what the ViGEmBus Driver is, if it’s cool to use, and how you can get it onto your Windows 11.
Also see: Play PC Game with PS5, PS4 or Xbox Controller in Windows 11
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What’s ViGEmBus Driver?
The ViGEmBus Driver is a special program for Windows that lets you pretend your gaming controllers, like the Xbox 360 and DS4 (sorry, no PS5’s DualSense), are the real deal on your computer. It’s super handy for gamers who want to use a DS4 with their Windows 11 setup, making sure everything works smoothly between the controller and the computer.
Is ViGEm Bus Driver okay to use?
Yep, the ViGEm Bus Driver is generally seen as safe. It’s an open-source project, meaning anyone can check out how it’s made. Both gamers and tech folks have given it a thumbs up as a solid way to get DS4 support on Windows PCs. But, always grab your downloads from sites you trust to steer clear of bad stuff like viruses.
Useful tip: Use Wireless Controller as Mouse or Keyboard in Windows 11
Getting ViGEmBus Driver for Windows 11
To get the ViGEmBus Driver on your Windows 11 without any fuss, here’s what you do:
- Hit up the official ViGEm Bus Driver GitHub page.
- Look for the latest ViGEmBus Driver version and download it by clicking on the .exe file listed under the “Assets” section of the latest release.
- Find the downloaded file and double-click it to start setting things up.
- Just follow what the installer says. Pick where you want it installed and follow the steps until it’s done.
- After everything’s set up, rebooting your computer is a good move to make sure it all works right.
Related issue: Controller Not Working with Dolphin Emulator (Fix)
ViGEmBus Driver not playing nice?
Ran into trouble with the install? Here’s what might help:
- Double-check you got the latest ViGEmBus Driver from the official GitHub spot.
- Make sure your controller is one that the ViGEmBus Driver actually supports (right now, it’s just for Microsoft Xbox 360 or Sony DS4).
- See if your Windows version is cool with the ViGEmBus Driver.
- Maybe turn off your antivirus or firewall for a bit in case it’s stopping the install.
- Try updating the driver by running the
ViGEmBus_Updater.exefrom where you installed it (usuallyC:\Program Files\Nefarius Software Solutions\ViGEm Bus Driver).
- If it’s installed but acting weird, running the installer again and picking ‘Repair’ might fix it.
Don’t want ViGEmBus anymore?
If you decide to say goodbye to the ViGEmBus Driver from your Windows 11 PC, here’s how to uninstall it:
- Open “Apps and Features”: Press the Win key, type “Apps and Features” in the search, and click it when it shows up.
- Find ViGEmBus in the list: Scroll or search in “Apps & features” to find “ViGEmBus.”
- Get rid of it: Click on “ViGEmBus” then the “Uninstall” button. Confirm when asked.
- Confirm to uninstall: Hit “Uninstall” again to start the removal. It’ll get rid of the driver for you.
- Restarting your PC might be a good idea to clean everything up.
Or, just use the original installer you downloaded and choose “Remove” to kick it off your PC.
Just a heads up, ditching the ViGEmBus Driver might cause your DS4 controller to stop working with your Windows 11 PC until you get a new driver or software that works.
Just one more thing
Although ViGEmBus Driver does an excellent job in making various controllers work with Windows 11, it might not support every single game out there. Some games do have unique requirements and their own way in handling controller input. Thus, if you notice that your controller doesn’t work with a specific game, check the settings of the game to see if it has its own controller settings that you may need to tweak.
If you can’t get your controllers to work with ViGEmBus Driver, you might want to consider using Steam Big Picture instead. It works well for Steam or non-Steam games.
