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Anniversary Update blocks Exclusive Mode in DualShock 4 and other game controllers

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Overall,Windows 10PC users are satisfied with the many new features introduced by the Anniversary Update. However, if you ask a gamer — especially one who uses Sony’sDualShock 4 controller— you won’t get the same answer.

The Windows 10 Anniversary Update broke the drivers of manygame controllers, disabling Exclusive Mode. Windows 10 version 1607 breaks InputMapper’s ability to connect to thecontrollerexclusively which is required by certain games.

Gamers complain the Anniversary Update breaks Dualshock 4 drivers

As of update 1607, kernel32.dll CreateFile() using only the flags GENERIC_READ and GENERIC_WRITE and 0 for dwShareMode no longer allow exclusive (non shared) access to devices needed in some circumstances.An example of a device that is not allowing exclusive access any more is the SonyDualshock4Game controller.

The root-cause for this issue is an undetermined Windows process that connects to all HID devices. This connection should only apply to certain GUID or device classes such as keyboards and mice, not to all devices.

Fortunately, there is a workaround available that requires users to disable and then re-enable the HID device in the device manager. Once this action is completed, other programs will then be able to access it exclusively.

How to fix Exclusive Mode issues on game controllers

The fact that the Anniversary Update breaksgame controllersmade many gamers angry, with many joking that this is how Microsoft eliminates competition. However, we tend to think this is only a mistake as Microsoft has broken its own controllers before as well.

However, the steps listed above constitute only a workaround. For the time being, there is no permanent fix for this issue.

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Madalina Dinita

Networking & Security Specialist

Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.

She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.

Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.

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Madalina Dinita

Networking & Security Specialist

Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.