HidHide

In the world of PC gaming, especially when using tools like DS4Windows to emulate game controllers, users often face issues with multiple inputs being detected by games. This can lead to unpredictable game behavior and reduced gameplay quality. HidHide is a specialized tool designed to tackle these issues by allowing users to selectively hide their physical game controllers from certain applications. This guide will delve into what HidHide is, its features, its creators, and provide a detailed tutorial on installing and configuring HidHide on Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems.

What is HidHide

HidHide is a Windows utility that provides enhanced privacy and configuration management for input devices. It allows users to control which applications can detect and interact with specific HID (Human Interface Device) devices, such as game controllers. This capability is particularly useful for gamers who use emulation tools like DS4Windows, as it helps manage device visibility to prevent issues such as double input in games.

Features of HidHide

HidHide comes with several features designed to improve the user experience when managing input devices on Windows:

Device Hiding: The primary feature of HidHide is the ability to hide input devices from being detected by all but whitelisted applications. This is crucial for preventing games from receiving input from both the emulated controller (like an Xbox controller through DS4Windows) and the actual physical controller (such as a PlayStation controller).
Application Whitelisting: Users can specify which applications are allowed to see and interact with hidden devices. This selective visibility ensures that only your chosen applications can detect and use the input from the controlled devices.
Easy Management Interface: HidHide provides a user-friendly interface that allows for easy management of device visibility and application whitelisting, making it accessible even to users who are not particularly tech-savvy.
Compatibility with Various Controllers: While primarily used in the context of gaming controllers, HidHide supports a broad range of HID devices, allowing it to be used in various scenarios beyond gaming.

Creators of HidHide

HidHide was developed by Benjamin Höglinger-Stelzer (also known as nefarius) and the team at Nefarius Software Solutions e.U. The development was motivated by the need to provide a robust solution for managing device visibility issues commonly encountered in the gaming community, particularly among users of controller emulation software.

Download HidHide

Version	v1.5.212
File Size	7.69MB
Developer	Nefarius
Last Updated	15 February 2024
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Installation and Configuration of HidHide on Windows 10/11

Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing and configuring HidHide on a Windows PC:

Step 1: Download HidHide

Click on the download button to get Hidhide or download from Github.

Step 2: Install HidHide

Run the downloaded installer file.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. You may need to approve the installation of device drivers during this process.

Step 3: Configure HidHide

Open the HidHide Configuration Client, which was installed during the setup process.
Under the “Devices” tab, you’ll see a list of all HID devices connected to your computer. Check the box next to the devices you want to hide from non-whitelisted applications.

Step 4: Manage Application Whitelisting

Switch to the “Applications” tab in the HidHide Configuration Client.
Click on “Add” to browse and select executable files (.exe) of the applications that you want to allow to see the hidden devices. These are typically your games and any other applications that need to use the controller.

Step 5: Test and Adjust Settings

Open a game or application that you have not whitelisted and check if it detects the hidden controller. It should not.
Open a whitelisted application to confirm it can still access and use the controller as intended.

Conclusion

HidHide is an essential utility for anyone using game controller emulation software on Windows. By enabling precise control over which applications can detect and interact with your input devices, it ensures a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience. With its straightforward interface and powerful features, HidHide not only enhances gaming but also offers applications in various other fields where input device management is critical. Whether you are a casual gamer or a professional needing detailed input device control, HidHide provides the tools necessary to achieve your objectives efficiently and effectively.