How to use a DualShock-4 PS4 controller on PC
One of the nice features of the DualShock 4 controller is that you can use it on a PC after doing some tweaks and configuration modifications.
So, have you considered using your PlayStation 4 controller with your Windows PC? Perhaps you believe that because your controller was developed for Sony’s PlayStation 4 console, it won’t work on a Windows computer.
However, the truth is that you can. Not only that but also getting it up and running is a breeze. This does not necessitate any advanced computing skills, which is also a bonus. Simply follow the steps below and you’ll be able to play your Windows games with your PS4 controller.
To begin, we’ll show you how to connect your PS4 controller to Steam. If you want to use your DualShock 4 to play titles that aren’t on Steam, DS4Windows is the application for you.
What You’ll Require
There are things you must have available with you in order to use the PS4 controller on a PC.
Hardware
- An original Dualshock 4 PS4 controller
- A micro-USB cord
- Bluetooth adaptor for Dualshock 4 via USB (Optional)
Software
- Steam Software.
- Microsoft.NET Framework 4.5 or greater.
- Xbox 360 controller driver (only for Windows 7)
- and DS4Windows
In Steam, You Can Use A PlayStation 4 Controller.
- Launch Steam.
- Select Settings from the top left dropdown menu.
- Go to the Controller tab.
- Go to the General Controller Settings page.
- Connect your device to your account.
- Modify your choices
- Check joysticks for accuracy
- Select PlayStation Configuration Support from the drop-down menu.
- In the game, or from the Settings Controller tab, remap the controller.
Getting your PS4 controller to function in Steam is nearly effortless, thanks to official Steam support. If you don’t pair or connect in your controller before starting Steam or any Steam games, your controller could not be recognized.
If you’re having trouble connecting to Steam, try closing and restarting it. Otherwise, instead of a USB 3.0 port, try a USB 2.0 port. DualShock 4s are strange in that way.
To get everything functioning properly, go to Steam’s settings menu (under the top-left dropdown) once you’ve connected. Open General Controller Settings under the Controller tab; your controller should be shown under Detected Controllers. You may link it to your account from here, and it will remember your preferences on every PC you log into.
To rename or adjust the rumbling and illumination settings, go to Preferences. If necessary, you may also click Calibrate to fine-tune the joysticks and gyro. One crucial tip: if you want to be able to do extra controller configuration per-game, tick the box next to PlayStation Configuration Support.
You may also setup your controller for Big Picture and Desktop use in the Controller tab of the Settings menu, as well as set up Guide Button Chord Configuration.
Installing DS4Windows For Non-Steam Games
As for non-Steam games, you can download and install DS4Windows in order to use the PS4 controller on PC. Here’s how to do that.
- Get the Microsoft.NET Framework 2. Get the Xbox 360 controller driver for Windows 7.
- Connect the controller or Bluetooth dongle. 4. Download and unpack DS4Windows.
- Launch DS4Windows.
- In the Controllers tab, double-check the connection.
- Hide the DS4 controller in the Settings tab.
- Edit/create a profile and remap Use Xinput Ports to one.
You don’t need to install anything extra if you’re only playing Steam games.
Here are the details of this procedure:
- First, get the most recent version of the Microsoft.NET Framework. If you’re still using Windows 7, you’ll need to install the Xbox 360 controller driver. Windows 8 and 10 come with this driver preinstalled.
- Before you do anything else, connect your PS4 controller to your PC using a micro-USB cable, or link it with a USB wireless adapter or through the Bluetooth menu.
- Next, download and extract the latest DS4Windows.zip file, then open it. If you already have the most recent version, you can skip the DS4Updater.
- Under the Controllers tab, you’ll see a list of all the controllers you’ve connected. If this is not the case, close DS4Windows, reconnect your controller, and then reopen it. We won’t require your controller’s ID number, so don’t worry about it.
- Then, in DS4Windows, go to the Settings tab and make some changes. Check the box next to Hide DS4 Controller. This will prevent DS4Windows from interfering with the default controller settings of any game. Make sure Use Xinput Ports is set to one for the same reason.
You may also set DS4Windows to run at startup or remain active in the background from the Settings tab. You can also update DS4Windows straight from this tab by going to the bottom left and clicking Check for Update Now. You’ll see Controller/Driver Setup above there. If you have any problems, perform this setup and follow the on-screen instructions to install any missing drivers.
DS4Windows reads your DualShock 4 controller as if it were an Xbox 360 controller. As a result, most games will not display the right Square/X/Triangle/Circle button icons by default. Some games will give you the choice to switch, but it will now work with any game that supports Xinput—which is pretty much every recent PC game that supports gamepads.
You don’t have to remap anything, but you can use the Profiles tab in DS4Windows to alter specific buttons or tweak sensitivity outside of the game interface. If you’re feeling brave, click New to create a new profile, albeit remember that this is easier said than done. Select the DualShock 4 profile and click Edit if necessary.
Let’s imagine you want to change the bumpers and triggers on your car. To begin, locate L1/R1 and L2/R2 in the Controls area of the scroll wheel, or simply click them on the virtual controller. To replace L1 with L2 and R1 with R2, begin by clicking L2.
Then simply select the button you want L2 to behave like—in this case, L1. As a result, your left trigger will now function as a left bumper. To finish the change and avoid redundancy, repeat the process with the other triggers and bumpers. This button configuration can be saved as a different profile, and you can switch between profiles in the Controllers tab.
Connect The PS4 Controller To Your Computer Using A USB Cable.
You can now link your PS4 DualShock 4 controller to your computer. You have two options for doing so: using a USB cord or using Bluetooth.
A basic micro-USB cable – the same one that comes with many modern smartphones – is all you need to connect the PS4 DualShock controller to your PC via USB cable.
Windows should identify the cable after it’s plugged into both the DualShock controller and your PC, and you’ll be able to play PC games with the PS4 controller.
How To Pair Your PS4 Controller With Your Phone Via Bluetooth
- Press and hold the Share and PS buttons on the controller until they flash.
- Press and hold the dongle button until it flashes.
- Alternatively, you can add your controller to your PC’s Bluetooth menu.
- Automatic pairing should be possible.
- Don’t unplug the adapter; the last connection will be saved.
To connect your PS4 controller to your phone through Bluetooth, press and hold the small Share button and the center circular button at the same time until the controller’s backlight flashes, then press and hold the adapter’s end until it flashes. They will automatically pair after a few seconds if both are flashing.
If your PC has built-in Bluetooth, simply go to the Bluetooth menu and choose your controller from the Add Bluetooth devices list once it has begun flashing.
You don’t have to pair your controller every time you use it, thankfully. If you don’t unplug the adapter, it will remember its last connection, so you can simply hit the central PlayStation button on your controller to reconnect it.
The easiest Bluetooth solution is the official Sony DualShock 4 USB wireless adaptor. You’ll have to look for it and pay a bit more than you would for a conventional Bluetooth dongle, but the out-of-the-box capability is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you use a Dualshock 4 controller on PC?
Yes you surely can, but you need to do some tweaks first. Learn how to connect the PS4 controller to a PC properly. Once connected, you may use your Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller to control compatible games and apps. A DUALSHOCK®4 USB wireless adaptor or a suitable micro USB cable can be used to connect a DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller to a Windows PC.
Why won't my PS4 controller connect to my PC?
If your PS4 controller is connected to your Windows PC through Bluetooth but isn't being recognized, you could also try re-enabling Bluetooth: Disable Bluetooth on the computer (either the Windows Action Center or the Windows Settings menu) -> wait a few seconds -> re-enable it -> try to link
How do I use my PS4 controller on Steam on PC?
- Connect your DualShock 4 controller.
- Check your PC has Bluetooth.
- Press the Start button, then Settings.
- Press Devices.
- Switch on Bluetooth, then Add Bluetooth device.
- Select Bluetooth.
- Pair PS4 controller.
- Select Wireless Controller.