Joy-Cons on PC: pair, join and configure

Joy-Cons normally connect to a Windows PC individually over Bluetooth.

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Connect and identify the controller

Hold the small sync button on each Joy-Con until its player LEDs cycle, then pair it in Windows. Enable Joy-Con support in the DS4Windows build. Start with one Joy-Con if pairing two devices makes diagnosis confusing.

Screenshot showing DS4Windows classic settings device options settings and controls
DS4Windows classic settings device options. Classic interface; Nexus menus may differ.

Configure the input and profile

Choose joined-pair or independent-controller behaviour in the options supported by your build. For a joined setup, verify that both halves feed one virtual controller. For separate play, test each controller’s profile and output slot independently.

Model-specific limits

Joy-Con shoulder inputs are digital and its layout is limited when used alone. Gyro configuration and orientation depend on which half is active. If a controller drifts, inspect the raw axes and calibrate or apply a modest deadzone before adding motion mappings.

A repeatable test

  1. Close competing remappers and select a baseline profile.
  2. Check that buttons and sticks respond in DS4Windows before opening a game.
  3. Confirm the intended virtual controller in Windows.
  4. Test the game, then change one setting at a time.
  5. Repeat on USB and Bluetooth separately when both are supported; they can have different HidHide entries.

If it is not working

If Windows cannot see the device, solve cable, pairing or model-specific driver setup first. If only DS4Windows misses it, check device support and hiding rules. If DS4Windows reads it but a game ignores it, check virtual output and Steam Input before changing the physical connection.

Sources: Nexus release documentation · Project and screenshot credits. Updated 11 November 2026.