[Docs/FAQ/Workaround] Blacklist Windows sound device

[Rast1234]

Hey, it's not an issue with the app itself. Idk if this even belongs to DS4Windows docs but at least here it may be useful for somebody like me.

Issue: when DS4/DualSense controller is connected to charge over USB, Windows automatically switches sound devices to playback and record via controller. Even if disabled in "Sound control panel", each USB port instantiates a new device when connected so it's annoying to reconfigure stuff over and over with multiple ports, controllers and frequent charging cycles.

Workaround: Entirely blacklist sound sub-device of controller in group policy. This will prevent sound devices from appearing no matter what. Run gpedit.msc > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Installation > Device Installation Restrictions > find Prevent installation of devices that match any of these device IDs (careful with other similar named policies there!) > Edit > enable it, tick the checkbox to apply to already installed devices, click Show and add the affecting device ID there. Save, reboot.

Where to get device ID: Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers > find Wireless Controller or similar > Properties > Details > in the list, find Hardware IDs > get any of the IDs.

For example, DualSense's sound subdevice ID is USB\VID_054C&PID_0CE6&MI_00

Don't bother looking in "Audio inputs and outputs" - there are only virtual sound devices (endpoints?).

Drawbacks:

• Windows will raise a pop-up yelling that device setup is blocked by administrator. Still better than screwed up sound playback and recording!
• On certain Windows versions there may be no gpedit.msc but this mechanism still works through registry.

[KataLoved]

Thank you so much for this! It really annoyed me when connecting the DS4 to the PC, my audio devices changed, but now I can safely connect the gamepad and not think about having to change the output devices!