In the world of gaming, there are countless devices and peripherals designed to enhance the experience. For gamers on Windows 11, using a DualShock 4 (DS4) or Xbox 360 controller can be a great way to get an edge in gameplay. However, not all devices are plug-and-play, and sometimes extra software is needed to ensure compatibility. That’s where the ViGEmBus Driver comes in. In this article, we will discuss what ViGEmBus Driver is, whether it’s safe to use, and how to download and install it for Windows 11.
Also see: Play PC Game with PS5, PS4 or Xbox Controller in Windows 11
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What is ViGEmBus Driver?
The ViGEmBus Driver is a Windows kernel-mode driver that enables the emulation of well-known gaming devices such as the Xbox 360 and DualShock 4 (DS4) controllers (note that it does not support PS5’s DualSense). It allows users to connect these controllers to their Windows computer and use them as if they were native devices. This driver is particularly useful for gamers who want to use a DS4 controller with their Windows 11 system, as it bridges the gap between the controller and the operating system.
Is ViGEm Bus Driver safe?
In general, the ViGEm Bus Driver is considered safe to use. It is an open-source project, which means that its source code is available for anyone to review and scrutinize. Many gamers and developers alike have vetted the driver and found it to be a trustworthy solution for enabling DS4 support on Windows computers. However, as with any software, it’s essential to download the driver from a reliable source to avoid potential malware or virus.
Useful tip: Use Wireless Controller as Mouse or Keyboard in Windows 11
How to download ViGEmBus Driver for Windows 11
To ensure a safe download and installation process for ViGEmBus Driver on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Visit the official ViGEm Bus Driver GitHub repository.
- Download the latest version of the ViGEmBus Driver by clicking on the .exe installer file (e.g.
ViGEmBus_1.21.442_x64_x86_arm64.exe) under the “Assets” section of the latest release.
- Locate the executable file you’ve downloaded and double-click it to run the installer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. The installer will guide you through the installation process. Select your desired location to install the driver and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
- After the installation is complete, it’s a good idea to restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect properly.
Related issue: Controller Not Working with Dolphin Emulator (Fix)
ViGEmBus Driver not installing
If you encounter issues during the installation process, such as the ViGEmBus Driver not installing, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure you have downloaded the latest version of the ViGEmBus Driver from the official GitHub repository.
- Check if your controller is supported by the ViGEmBus Driver (currently supports only Microsoft Xbox 360 or Sony DS4 controllers).
- Check if your version of Windows OS is supported by the ViGEmBus Driver.
- Temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall software that might be blocking the installation process.
- Run the
ViGEmBus_Updater.exefile from the ViGEm Bus Driver installation location (usually inC:\Program Files\Nefarius Software Solutions\ViGEm Bus Driver) to attempt to update the driver.
- If the program was installed but corrupted, you can try running the installer again and selecting ‘Repair’ to attempt to fix it.
How to uninstall ViGEmBus from your computer
If you want to remove the ViGEmBus Driver from your Windows 11 PC, follow these detailed steps:
- Access Apps and Features: Press the Win key on your keyboard to open the Start menu. Type “Apps and Features” in the search bar and select the “Apps and Features” system settings option that appears in the search results.
- Find ViGEmBus in the list: In the “Apps & features” settings window, scroll through the list of installed programs to find “ViGEmBus.” Alternatively, you can use the search bar at the top of the window to quickly locate the software by typing “ViGEmBus.”
- Uninstall the software: Click on the “ViGEmBus” entry in the list, and then click on the “Uninstall” button that appears below the entry. A confirmation prompt will appear.
- Confirm the uninstallation: Click “Uninstall” again in the confirmation prompt to initiate the removal process. The system will remove the ViGEmBus Driver from your computer.
- Restart your computer (optional): While not always necessary, it’s a good idea to restart your computer after uninstalling software to ensure all changes are properly applied and any associated files are removed from the system.
Alternatively, you can also uninstall the ViGEmBus Driver using the executable installer that you initially downloaded from GitHub. Simply run the installer and select “Remove” to remove ViGEm Bus Driver from your computer.
Please note that uninstalling the ViGEmBus Driver may cause your DS4 controller to stop working properly with your Windows 11 PC until you install a compatible driver or software.
Wrap-up
The ViGEmBus Driver is a valuable tool for gamers using a DS4 controller on a Windows 11 PC. It enables seamless compatibility between the DS4 controller and various games by emulating an Xbox controller. The software is safe to use, provided that you download it from the official GitHub repository. If you encounter any issues with the ViGEmBus driver installation, try running the installer to repair the installation, or alternatively, perform a complete uninstallation followed by a fresh reinstall.
