Uninstall DS4Windows without losing profiles

Removing a portable application, deleting saved profiles and uninstalling shared drivers are separate decisions.

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Before removing the app

  1. Close games and exit DS4Windows, including its tray instance.
  2. Copy its active settings and Profiles folder to a dated backup.
  3. Turn off any app startup task or shortcut you configured.
  4. Review HidHide rules before the application path disappears.

Remove the portable files

For a portable Ryochan7 or Nexus ZIP installation, remove the extracted app folder after saving your data. AppData settings can remain elsewhere. If you installed an edition through a Windows installer, use its normal Installed apps entry instead.

Review device hiding

If you will use a physical controller directly or with another tool, disable the relevant hiding rule or allow the new application. Hiding can persist without DS4Windows running. Reconnect the controller after changing the rule.

Drivers are shared dependencies

ViGEmBus, HidHide, FakerInput and backend components can be used by other software. Uninstall only those no longer required, using Windows Installed apps or documented project tools. Restart when requested.

Switching editions

You do not need to erase every driver to try another edition. Install into a separate folder, start one remapper at a time and test with a copy of a profile. Keep the backup until the replacement works.

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