Are you a gamer trying to make the most out of your DualShock 4 controller on a Windows PC? Then you’ve likely come across DS4Windows, a popular utility that emulates Xbox 360 controller input for compatibility with PC games. While DS4Windows is incredibly effective, users occasionally encounter a frustrating error: “DS4Windows could not open exclusively.” If you’ve bumped into this glitch, don’t worry—fixing it is easier than you think.

What Does “Could Not Open Exclusively” Mean?

The error typically appears when DS4Windows is unable to take exclusive control of your DualShock 4 controller. This can happen if another application or Windows itself has already attached to the controller input. The “exclusive mode” allows DS4Windows to fully manage the input device, preventing duplicate entries or misbehaving analog sticks.

Common Causes of the Error

Before diving into the fix, let’s first understand what might be causing this issue:

  • Windows’ default drivers taking control of the controller on startup.
  • Running DS4Windows without administrator privileges.
  • Other controller software like Steam or InputMapper interfering.
  • Bluetooth connections initiating multiple device instances.

Try This Fix: Step-by-Step Guide

Fortunately, resolving this error doesn’t require deep technical knowledge. Here’s a simple step-by-step fix you can try:

1. Close All Other Applications

Start by closing any other application that could be accessing your controller. This includes:

  • Steam (especially if Steam Input is enabled)
  • Uplay, Origin, or any other gaming platforms
  • Other controller utilities running in the background

2. Run DS4Windows as Administrator

Right-click on the DS4Windows icon, and click on “Run as administrator.” This gives the app elevated privileges and increases the chance of successfully obtaining exclusive control from Windows.

3. Enable “Hide DS4 Controller” Option

Inside the DS4Windows interface:

  1. Go to the Settings tab.
  2. Check the box labeled “Hide DS4 Controller.”

This setting helps DS4Windows to mask the original input from the controller so that only the emulated Xbox 360 controller is detected by games.

4. Unplug and Replug the Controller

After tweaking the settings, disconnect the DualShock 4 controller and reconnect it. This allows DS4Windows to freshly acquire the device in exclusive mode.

5. Disable Windows Game Bar and Xbox DVR

Sometimes, Windows itself interferes with controller drivers due to background services like Xbox Game Bar. Navigate to:

  • Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar
  • Turn off the toggle that enables Game Bar.

Also, consider turning off all Xbox DVR-related settings.

Additional Tips

If you’re still having trouble, try these advanced tips:

  • Switch USB ports: Use a different USB port, preferably a USB 2.0 port if available.
  • Update device drivers: Make sure your system’s USB and Bluetooth drivers are up to date.
  • Reinstall DS4Windows: Delete the current version and reinstall from the official DS4Windows GitHub.

A Word on Bluetooth Connections

Connecting a controller via Bluetooth is convenient, but it increases the chances of running into this error. USB connections are more stable and have a higher success rate in acquiring exclusive mode. If you prefer wireless, consider using the Sony Wireless USB Adapter for more reliable performance.

Conclusion

The “DS4Windows Could Not Open Exclusively” error can definitely throw a wrench into your gaming setup, but with the right steps, it’s entirely fixable. Remember to give DS4Windows the highest level of access by running it right and disabling competing services. Whether you’re racing, brawling, or adventuring, your DualShock 4 should now perform flawlessly on your PC.

Happy gaming!