How to Install ViGEmBus Driver for BetterJoy: Complete Setup Guide

What is ViGEmBus and Why is it Mandatory?

Windows PC games natively support the XInput protocol used by Microsoft Xbox controllers. Nintendo Switch controllers, however, communicate via specialized Bluetooth HID protocols. Without ViGEmBus, Windows can see the Joy-Con buttons but games won't map them correctly. ViGEmBus acts as a virtual bridge, creating an emulated Xbox 360 controller in your device tree whenever BetterJoy detects a Switch gamepad.

Step-by-Step Installation Instructions

1. Download the complete BetterJoy v7.1 zip package.
2. Extract the archive into a permanent folder (e.g., C:\Program Files\BetterJoy).
3. Open the Drivers directory.
4. Right-click ViGEmBusSetup_x64.exe and select Run as administrator.
5. Follow the setup wizard, agree to the licensing terms, and click Install.
6. When prompted by Windows User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to permit driver installation.
7. Restart your computer to ensure the system service registers properly.

How to Verify ViGEmBus is Working

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Scroll down to System devices.
3. Look for Virtual Gamepad Emulation Bus.
4. If it is listed without any yellow exclamation mark or error code, the driver is operational.

Troubleshooting Common ViGEmBus Installation Errors

Error 0x80070643 (Fatal Error During Installation)

This error typically indicates an existing damaged ViGEmBus registry key. Download the Microsoft Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter or use the dedicated ViGEm clean uninstall tool to remove remnants before reinstalling.

Windows Code 39 or Code 52 (Driver Signature Error)

Ensure Windows Update is fully up to date. ViGEmBus requires current Windows driver signature verification certificates.