Instructions for connecting PS4 DualShock 4 controller to PC

The DualShock 4 is a great gamepad, but it’s designed specifically for the PlayStation 4. In theory, this means it’s not designed for PC. But don’t worry, PCs are powerful and flexible systems so you can connect almost any peripheral to them without much difficulty.

To play Steam games with the DualShock 4, all you need is a third-party controller software called DS4Windows, and if you want to go wireless, use a USB Bluetooth or onboard Bluetooth to connect.

DS4Windows

The vast majority of games currently on Windows use Microsoft’s XInput, the interface for handling Xbox 360 and Xbox One One controllers. The DualShock 4 doesn’t send XInput commands, so a third party is needed to transfer the information into something your computer can handle. DS4Windows is free software to make your computer think it’s an Xbox 360 controller and not a DualShock 4. Follow these steps to make sure your DS4 controller works.

1. Download the software from the DS4Windows Website and extract the file on your computer.
2. Run DS4Windows.
3. Follow the instructions from the screen that appears to make sure the controller driver is installed for the DualShock 4.
4. Close DS4Windows and attach the DualShock 4 to the computer.
5. Wait for “Wireless Controller” to be installed and appear in your list of devices.
6. Open DS4Windows again. The DualShock 4 will appear in the Controllers tab with a USB icon just below the Status bar, and Windows tells you that it’s configured as an Xbox 360 controller. It’s your DualShock 4 controller, disguised as an Xbox 360.
7. Let’s start playing!

Bluetooth Pairing

To connect the DualShock 4 via Bluetooth, you need to turn off the controller and put it into Pairing mode. If it’s not currently connected to your PS4, hold down the PlayStation button for a few seconds and select Sound/Devices, then Turn Off DualShock 4. If the light bar doesn’t light, that’s fine.

Once the DualShock 4 has turned off, hold down the PlayStation and Share buttons for about 3 seconds until the light bar starts to flash twice. That is a sign that Bluetooth connection mode is enabled. Right-click the Bluetooth icon on your device’s system bar and select “Add a Bluetooth Device.” Then select “Wireless Controller” and wait for it to connect.

Once connected, go back to DS4Windows to make sure your controller shows up with the Bluetooth icon under Status. Your controller has now been successfully connected wirelessly and can be played normally.

Is there any other way?

By default, the DualShock 4 will act as an Xbox 360 controller with the touchpad acting as a mouse, but DS4Windows has other options. Click the Profiles tab and double-click the Default profile or create your own. Information about DualShock 4 will appear with many configurations. You can remap the buttons, fix the touchpad and motion control differently, change the vibration profile, and fix dead zones in the analog stick and movement direction. You can also change the color of the light bar.

DS4Windows also has many features so you can customize your DualShock 4 controller to your liking. You should not go too deep into the configuration because the vast majority of games work fine when you install this software for the first time.

Weakness: No Sound

Obviously DS4Windows allows you to use your DualShock 4 controller, but it doesn’t support the headphone jack. This means you can’t use a headset plugged in with a controller like you would on a PS4. This is one of the disadvantages of using DualShock 4 with PC.