The DualShock 4 is a fantastic controller, but it's exclusive to the Sony PlayStation 4. That implies it's not supposed to be used with PC games, at least on paper. Don't worry, because PCs are such powerful and adaptable devices, almost any peripheral can be made to function with them with a little effort. This guide will show you how to connect a DualShock 4 controller to your computer.
The Connection Itself
A DualShock 4 may be connected to your gaming rig in two ways. You can connect through wired or wireless connections, but the process is a little different than it is on a PlayStation 4 system.
The Wired Method
- With a USB-to-micro-USB connection, connect your controller to a USB port.
- That's all there is to it when it comes to attaching the controller. In a moment, I'll go over how to make it work.
The Bluetooth Method
- Press and hold the PlayStation and Share buttons for three seconds until the light bar starts double flashing, with the DualShock 4 switched off (you'll notice this by the disabled light bar).
- The Bluetooth menu on your PC may be accessed from the system tray.
- Select "Add Bluetooth or other devices" from the drop-down menu.
- Select "Bluetooth" from the drop-down menu.
- From the selection that appears, choose the DualShock 4 controller.
Getting the Gamepad to Work
Due to the way the DualShock 4 connects with your PC, connecting the controller is simply the first step. Microsoft's XInput, which handles Xbox 360 and Xbox One controller inputs, is used in the majority of modern Windows games. Because the DualShock 4 doesn't provide XInput commands, you'll need a wrapper to convert its inputs into something your PC can handle. DS4Windows and Steam's controller compatibility settings are also viable choices.
The Comprehensive Way: DS4Windows
DS4Windows is a freeware application that fools your computer into believing it's connected to an Xbox 360 controller rather than a DualShock 4. To make it work, follow these instructions.
- DS4Windows should be downloaded and unzipped into a directory.
- In the location, you just unzipped, and run DS4Windows.exe.
- Select "Install ViGEmBus Driver" from the drop-down menu.
- Follow the instructions in the driver installation program. This adds a multifunctional gamepad driver to your system, which is used by DS4Windows to get the DualShock 4 to work.
- Click "Finished."
- Connect your DualShock 4 controller to your computer.
- Under the Controllers tab, the controller should appear. Take a moment to double-check that all of the required drivers have arrived. You're ready to play after Windows displays a notice stating that a new Xbox 360 controller has been connected.
What Else Can You Do With DS4Windows?
The DualShock 4 functions as an Xbox 360 controller by default, with the touchpad acting as a mouse. DS4Windows, on the other hand, provides additional alternatives. Begin by going to the Profiles tab and double-clicking the Default profile (or create your own new profile). An outline of the DualShock 4 appears surrounded by various settings as a result of this. You can alter the analog sticks' dead zones and movement curves, remap the physical controls, program the touchpad and motion controls to operate in different ways, adjust rumbling settings, and remap the physical controls. You may even alter the color of the light bar.
DS4Windows provides a plethora of additional choices for making your DualShock 4 feel excellent on your PC. Most games will operate properly once you set up the program the first time, so you shouldn't have to enter these settings.
Steam Is the (Potentially) Easier Way
If your favorite games are on Steam, a small change will make them operate with the DualShock 4.
- Go to the Settings menu in Steam (under Steam on the taskbar).
- Select the Controller menu.
- Click "General Controller Settings."
- Check the box marked "PlayStation Configuration Support."
- Connect the DualShock 4 to your PC.
The compatibility of DualShock 4 games on Steam is hit-or-miss, and this method will clearly not work with non-Steam titles. As a result, you might be able to get by just utilizing DS4Windows.
Begin with the proper controller
Visit our article on how to select the best controller for your PC for more information. Check out our tutorials for connecting your PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox controllers to your PC if you're a multi-console gamer.
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