Polling rate is how often a controller reports its state to your PC. Raising it shortens one step in the input chain, but not the whole chain. This guide explains what hidusbf does, which controllers it suits, what you give up to use it, and how to check and undo the change.
Polling rate and default speeds
The interval between reports is 1000 divided by the rate in Hz. So 125 Hz is 8 ms, 250 Hz is 4 ms, 500 Hz is 2 ms and 1000 Hz is 1 ms.
| Controller (wired, PC) | Reported default rate | Interval | Software overclock? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 DualSense | About 250 Hz | 4 ms | Commonly done with hidusbf |
| PS4 DualShock 4 | About 250 Hz | 4 ms | Commonly done with hidusbf |
| Xbox Series / One | About 125 Hz | 8 ms | No reliable method found |
| PS5 DualSense Edge | Gamepadla lists a cable test at 1000 Hz (settings not stated) | 1 ms | Check your own result first |
Sources differ on these figures. Gamepadla, an independent test database, lists a DualSense at 250 Hz, and most polling-rate guides agree, though a few list higher defaults. Measure your own controller before changing anything. Also keep the size of the change in perspective: Gamepadla’s measured input lag for a wired DualSense is roughly 6.5 to 13.6 ms in total, so polling is only one part of that figure.
Risks and trade-offs of using hidusbf
Memory Integrity
The project’s README says you must disable Memory Integrity to load the patching driver on recent Windows 10 x64 and Windows 11. It also offers NoPatch driver builds that are compatible with Memory Integrity, though overclocking may not work on some devices with them.
Anti-cheat
A user in the project’s GitHub issues says FACEIT’s anti-cheat requires Memory Integrity to be on, which conflicts with the patching driver. Another user reported an account penalty after changing the setting. These are individual reports, so check your game’s rules before installing.
Undoing it
The README warns that deleting the driver without first unlinking it from the device can stop that device working. Remove the filter from the device first, as described below.
The README and guides we reviewed describe driver, security and compatibility risks rather than hardware damage. The tool changes how Windows requests data from the device, but it installs a driver, so treat it as a system change.
Before you start
General checklist
- Use a wired DualSense or DualShock 4. Guides describe the overclock as wired only, and Xbox pads have no reliable software method.
- Measure your current rate. Use a browser Gamepad API tester or Gamepadla’s software polling test. Browser tools report the rate the browser receives, which may be lower than the hardware rate.
- Check your games’ anti-cheat rules. Decide whether you can leave Memory Integrity off, or use the NoPatch driver.
- Plug into a rear motherboard USB port. Polling-test guides recommend a direct motherboard connection for stable high rates.
- Create a Windows restore point. It gives you a fallback if the driver causes problems.
Which controller is this for?
- Wired DualSense or DualShock 4: the common use case for hidusbf.
- Xbox Series or One controller: sources report about 125 Hz and no reliable software overclock.
- Any controller over Bluetooth: not covered. Guides say the overclock works only over USB.
- Want 1000 Hz without software: some third-party wired pads advertise it, such as the GameSir Tegenaria Lite, listed at 1000 Hz for about $40 at Newegg.
How hidusbf is used (summary of the project documentation)
Steps from the README and community guides
- Download hidusbf from the official LordOfMice repository on GitHub and extract the archive.
- Open the DRIVER folder and run Setup.exe as administrator. If you want to keep Memory Integrity on, the README points to the NoPatch driver builds.
- Show all devices in the list and select your controller’s row.
- Tick Filter On Device, choose the rate (such as 1000) and click Install Service, then restart if prompted.
- Unplug and replug the controller. The Filter column should say Yes and the Rate column should show your chosen rate.
- Test the result with a polling-rate tool. A browser tester may show a lower figure than the hardware rate.
To undo it, open Setup.exe again, untick Filter On Device for your controller, and only then remove the service if you want it gone. The README says you can remove the service by right-clicking HIDUSBFU.INF and choosing Install in Explorer.
Cable, ports and extras
USB-C data cable
A DualSense or DualShock 4 needs a cable that carries data. The USB 2.0 specification allows cables up to 5 meters, and Cable Matters notes that shorter cables generally give better signal strength and less exposure to interference. We found no test showing that extra shielding changes controller polling stability, so a short, well-made cable is the sensible choice.
PCIe USB expansion card
A PCIe USB card adds extra ports from a separate controller. We found no published test showing it improves controller polling stability, so treat it as an optional step if your rear ports are crowded and you see disconnects. It needs a free PCIe slot and opening your PC case.
KontrolFreek Performance Grips
These grips are about comfort and handle grip, not polling. KontrolFreek describes a moisture-wicking design and a foam layer, and says they can be removed without damaging the controller. Choose the version made for your controller.
Frequently asked questions
Will overclocking polling rate damage my controller?
The documentation and guides we reviewed describe driver, security and compatibility risks, not hardware damage. The tool installs a Windows filter driver, so it is still a system change. There is no guarantee for every setup.
Can I overclock an Xbox controller to 1000 Hz?
The sources we reviewed say Xbox controllers report about 125 Hz over USB and that no reliable software method exists to raise it.
Does it work over Bluetooth?
No. The guides describe it as a wired USB method only.
My controller stopped working after I removed the driver. What now?
The README says to unlink the driver from the device in Setup before deleting it. For a mouse, it says you can delete the device in Device Manager and scan for new hardware to restore it, which is a reasonable first step for a controller too.
More controller guides
Sources
- LordOfMice: hidusbf on GitHub (README)
- hidusbf issue 351: Memory Integrity and FACEIT and issue 288: anti-cheat
- Battle Beaver Customs: controller overclocking guide
- Gamepadla: Sony DualSense and DualSense Edge
- DEV Community: controller polling rate tiers and Polling Rate Test guide
- Gamepad Tester: polling rate test notes
- Cable Matters: USB cable maximum length
- KontrolFreek: Performance Grips
- Newegg: GameSir Tegenaria Lite listing