The Easier Way: Steam
If your favorite games are on Steam, they’ll work with the DualShock 4 with a quick tweak.
Go to the Settings menu in Steam .
Select the Controller menu.
Check the box marked “PlayStation Configuration Support.”
Connect the DualShock 4 to your PC.
Steam’s DualShock 4 compatibility is pretty hit-or-miss, and this technique obviously won’t work with non-Steam games. As a result, you may have better luck simply using DS4Windows.
How To Connect Your Ps4 Controller Via Bluetooth
If you followed the Bluetooth installation steps above, you should be able to use your controller wirelessly. Luckily, you don’t have to pair your controller every time you want to use it. As long as you don’t unplug the adapter, it will save its last connection, so you can just tap your controller’s central PlayStation button to reconnect it.
The official Sony DualShock 4 USB wireless adapter is the simplest Bluetooth option. You may have to hunt for it or spend a little more than you would on a standard Bluetooth dongle, but it’s worth it for its out-of-the-box functionality.
The Problem Of Xinput
While Windows 10 supports the PS4 controller as a standard Bluetooth device, theres more to getting games to work with it than simply connecting it. The problem boils down to Xinput and Dinput.
Xinput is the controller standard used by all Xbox controllers. Any game that supports Xinput will work with any official Xbox controller and third-party controllers that support Xinput.
Other controllers have to rely on Dinput, which is the generic input standard used in DirectX. Dinput is deprecated, but still works just fine. The problem is that most games released since Microsoft integrated Xbox controller support into Windows only support Xinput. Alternatively, they may support Dinput, but have done so as an afterthought.
Any gamer who has tried to play Windows games using a Dinput controller will attest to the endless frustration this causes. As youve probably guessed, the PS4 controller does not support Xinput, so even after connecting it to a PC, its still difficult to use. However, theres a workaround in the form of DS4Windows.
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Why Connect Ps4 Controller To Pc
PlayStation Now is Sonys game streaming service. Subscribe and you can access hundreds of classic PlayStation games on PS3 and PS4. PS Now offers native support for the DS4 and the DualShock 3 , which means you can just plug it in as detailed above, load up the app and start playing.
The major advantage in using the official controller is that these PlayStation games have been built specifically to take advantage of the DualShock 4 features, and by using a keyboard or third-party peripheral you may not get the effect that you want in-game.
Native PS4 controller support is also available with some Steam games, though youll have to check your Steam settings to find out. Theres an option too to change the your PS4 configuration settings too so that you can program the buttons on the PS4 to your own specification.
Gone are the days of troubleshooting your PS4 controller to get it work on PC. Simply plug-and-play, or grab that wireless adaptor and go hands-free. Happy gaming!
Using Your Playstation 4 Controller
DS4Windows works by reading your DualShock 4 as though it were an Xbox 360 controller. By default, it offers a great one-size-fits-all button setup. So now that it’s installed, your DualShock 4 should behave like an Xbox 360 controller, meaning it will work with any game with Xinput supportwhich is to say, most every modern PC game that supports gamepads. That also means you won’t get the correct Square/Cross/Triangle/Circle button icons by default in most games. Some games will give you the option, though. Look for that in settings.
You do not need to remap anything, but if you want to change some buttons or adjust sensitivity without relying on in-game options, you can. Open the Profiles tab in DS4Windows. I do not recommend making a profile from scratch, but if you really want to, click New to start one up. Otherwise, select the DualShock 4 profile and click Edit.
This screen looks complicated, but it’s actually pretty simple. Let’s say you want to swap your bumpers and triggers. First, find L1/R1 and L2/R2 in the scroll wheel in the Controls section, or just click them on the virtual controller. You want to swap L1 with L2 and R1 with R2, so start by clicking L2.
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How Do You Sync A Ps4 Controller Without The Usb
Syncing your PS4 controller without the USB cable, you need to use your PS4 Dashboard.
- Go to Settings.
- Then go to Devices.
- And lastly, go to Bluetooth Devices.
- Now on your PS controller, press and hold the and PS Button for around 5 seconds.
- Now, on your PS4 dashboard, your PS4 controller will be showing under Bluetooth Devices.
- Select it, and you are good to go.
How To Emulate An Xbox Controller With A Ps4 Controller
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Xbox 360 controllersand Xbox One controllers, now that Microsoft has finally released the necessary driversare usually best for PC gaming. Many PC games are designed specifically to work with Xbox controllers. Many games also require xinput input, which Xbox controllers provide, but other types of controllers dont.
If youre using a a PS4 controller with an emulator to play older games, you could easily configure the emulator to accept the controllers button presses. If youre using it with a PC game, you may need to open the PC games control-settings and configure the game to respond to the controllers inputs.
But for games that expect an Xbox controller, you may have to emulate xinput. This will convert the PS4 controllers input to the equivalent Xbox button presses, and games will just work with the DualShock 4 just like they would with an Xbox controller. Theyll just think youre just using an Xbox controller.
Sony hasnt released any official drivers for the PlayStation 4 controller on a PC, so theres no official way to do this. There are tools for emulating xinput with a PS4, but theyre unofficial, third-party tools developed by the community.
We recommend the free Input Mapper program. This tool will also helpfully show the battery level of your controller, which is something you wont normally be able to see in Windows.
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Best Alternate Gaming Tools
Input Mapper and ScpToolkit are alternative synchronization options to utilize the handheld joysticks as a mouse or trackpad. Both of the applications are safe and free. Additionally, all of the aforementioned software titles function with the Sony DualShock 4 console controllers.
The user interface of Input Mapper resembles DS4 Windows they both have the same functionalities, although, Input Mappers UI is more aesthetically pleasing than the dated DS4 Windows version. ScpToolkit has a completely different appearance. Input Mapper and DS4 Windows have more user-friendly frameworks compared to ScpToolkit.
How To Connect Ps4 Controller To Steam
Before you start using your PS4 controller with Steam, there are some preliminary actions you should take, including making sure you have the latest version of the Steam client. Follow these steps:
Make sure any nearby PlayStation 4 consoles are unplugged. Otherwise, the controller might try to sync with the console instead of your computer.
Launch Steam on your PC.
Select Steam in the top-left corner of the window to open a dropdown menu, then select Check for Steam Client Updates.
When Steam relaunches, plug your PS4 controller into a USB port on your PC.
In the Steam client window, select View > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings.
You should see your controller under Detected Controllers. Select the box beside PS4 Configuration Support. From this screen, you can give your controller a name, change the light’s color atop the controller, and toggle the rumble feature on or off.
If Steam isn’t detecting your controller, double-check the USB cable connection. Unplugging the controller and plugging it back in sometimes fixes the problem.
Select Submit to save your changes.
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How To Wireless Connect A Ps4 Controller To Steam
If you hold down the PS and buttons simultaneously on your controller, your PC might automatically detect it via Bluetooth. If it doesn’t, you might need a PS4 DualShock 4 wireless dongle to play wirelessly. Official ones can be purchased from Sony, or you can find one made by another manufacturer.
To wirelessly pair the PS4 controller with Steam:
Launch Steam.
Plug the PS4 Bluetooth dongle into your computer’s USB port.
Simultaneously hold the PS and buttons on the controller until the light on top starts flashing.
When the controller appears in the device list, press the X button on the controller to activate it.
Press the button on the end of the dongle. It should also start flashing.
How To Connect Ps4 Controller To Pc
Simon Sayers / May 26, 2021
How to Connect PS4 Controller To PC Connecting a PS4 controller to a PC used to be a long and arduous task once upon a time, but now hooking up a DualShock 4 to your gaming set-up has never been simpler, and now that PlayStation Now is about to host some of the best PS4 exclusives its time you should work out how to do it. Follow this guide to discover how to connect PS4 controller to PC.
Rather than having to download drivers nowadays, the software for connecting your PS4 peripheral to your PC will automatically be detected. Use the micro-USB cable that comes with the PS4 and simply plug it into your PC USB port. Wait 30 seconds or so for the drivers to install and your PS4 controller is connected, and youre ready to play games.
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Causes Of Ps4 Controller Not Working On Pc
You may be having trouble connecting your PS4 controller to your Windows PC. One of the following factors likely is to blame.
Interference with Bluetooth signals
Signal interference is one of wireless technologys flaws. Youre using a PS4 controller thats wireless. Ensure there are no additional Bluetooth devices in the vicinity that could interfere with the signal.
The USB cord or port is defective
Youre utilizing a wired connection. Its conceivable that this is the cause of your PS4 controller not working on your computer. A faulty USB cable or a broken USB port could be the source of the problem.
The PS4 controller is turned off or has a low battery
Your computer is unable to locate or recognize that you are attempting to connect your PS4 controller wirelessly. Make sure the controller isnt turned off. Its turned on, but its not visible in the Windows Bluetooth settings. It may be caused by due to a low battery level.
There are problems with the drivers on your computer
When using a PS4 controller, sure gamers may have trouble connecting. Its because of an out-of-date or incompatible driver. Right-click each item under Human Interface Devices in the Device Manager.
How To Pair Your Playstation 4 Controller With A Wired Connection
Connecting the DS4 to your PC with a USB-A to Micro-USB cable is by far the easiest way to start gaming with the PS4’s pointer. Just plug it into your PC and let the drivers install themselves.
Hitting the PS button in the middle of the controller at this point won’t do anything unless you have Steam installed and running. If so, you’ll notice that Big Picture mode launches when you hit the button. At this point, you can make some tweaks inside Steam.
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Connect Via Ds4 Windows Utility
If you want to use the wired controller with a non-Steam game, this is another option.
1. In a web browser on your PC, go to DS4Windows.com. Click “Download Now.”
2. You’ll be redirected to Github. Find and click the DS4Windows.zip file, and then download it onto your computer.
3. Find the downloaded .zip file on your computer and open it, and then double-click “DS4Updater” and click “Extract All.”
4. Pick a location for the files to be extracted to it should be a location that you can find easily.
5. Once extracted, open the location you picked and double-click “DS4Windows.” If you’re asked to confirm that you want to run the program, click “Run.”
6. You’ll be asked where you want to save the program’s files. If you don’t care where they go, pick “Appdata” if you want to be able to move them around, pick “Program Folder” and select a location.
7. Once you’ve picked a spot to save the files, click “Step 1: Install the DS4 Driver” and let the program install its files. If you’re asked whether you’d like to install the software, click “Install.”
You can now use the PS4 controller on your PC with a micro-USB cable, although you may need to restart your computer first.
Why Is My Ps4 Controller Not Connecting
A very common and convenient solution to this problem is using a different USB cable. Try to connect your PS4 controller with another USB cable. Or you also can try resetting your PS4 controller to solve this issue. Behind the l2 button on the back of the PS4 controller, you will find the reset button. Press the button, and the issue will be resolved.
In case, after trying these two methods, your controller is not connecting, you may need help from Sony on how to sync PS4 controller.
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Oops Ps4 Controller Won’t Connect To Pc
The PS4 device comes with a DualShock 4 controller, which is similar to the classic PlayStation controller it consists of a directional pad, two sticks, four triggers, and triangle, cross, circle, and square buttons. Whats more, theres a directional pad on the front and a PlayStation Move-like “light bar” at the top.
But, the connection of DS4 controller to PC is not as easy as Xbox controller. Many people said that their PS4 controller won’t connect to PC and they need useful solutions to fixing it.
In generally, you have 3 ways to connect your PS4 controller to computer:
- Pair PS4 controller with PC through a wired connection.
- Pair PS4 controller with PC through a wireless connection.
- Pair PS4 controller with PC through Bluetooth.
PS4 controller won’t connect to PC Bluetooth or PS4 controller won’t connect to PC wired/wireless means you can’t play your favorite games by using the controller this can drive the gamers crazy. So I summarize the following three ways that can help users get out of trouble when PC won’t recognize PS4 controller.
Ps4 Controller Won’t Pair Or Connect
Normally, when you press the PS Button on your controller, it should turn on and connect to your system. However, when it’s not connecting, you’ll instead see the light bar on your controller flash for a bit, then turn off.
This usually happens if you’ve used your DualShock 4 with another device. For instance, if you pair your PS4 controller with your PC or a friend’s console, it will remember that device going forward.
You’ll need to re-pair your DualShock 4 with your own PS4 in these cases. To do this, connect your controller to your PS4 using a micro-USB cable. Make sure you’re using a high-quality cable that you know works properly.
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Press the PS Button on your controller for a moment, and the light should flash briefly before turning blue. This signifies that your controller has paired and connected successfully.
If you have your DualShock 4 paired with another nearby device, like your phone or a PlayStation 5, doing this will likely turn on and connect the controller to that device. You should thus turn off and unplug whatever device your DualShock 4 is connected to first.
After you re-pair your controller, you can disconnect the USB cable and use your controller wirelessly as normal. Your PS4 will remember it until you pair the controller with another device in the future.
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How To Fix Your Ps4 Controller Syncing Issues
Simon Sayers / January 19, 2021
How To Fix Your PS4 Controller Syncing Issues. DualShock 4 pairing and connecting issues PS4. Your PS4 controller wont sync with your console and youre trying to work out why it wont connect. Youve come to the right place as we look at solutions to fix your PS4 controller syncing issues.
How To Connect A Ps4 Dualshock 4 Controller To A Pc
The PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4 controller is a fantastic gamepad, and with some tinkering you can get it to work with your PC.
The DualShock 4 is a great controller, but it’s designed specifically for the Sony PlayStation 4. That means, at least on paper, that it’s not meant to be used with PC games. Fear not, since PCs are such powerful and flexible systems, you can get nearly any peripheral to work on them with a little effort. Here’s how to connect a DualShock 4 controller to your PC.
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How To Use A Ps4 Controller With Steam
If youre a console player as well as a PC gamer, you may have used the PS4s controller on your PC from time to time. The DualShock 4 is a lovely bit of kit, with neat little triggers and lightweight design. You dont have to have a PS4 to use one, though you can use them with Steam, too.
For more guides, tips and tricks, head over to our Steam FAQ.
To use a PS4 controller with Steam, simply use a USB cable to connect the DualShock 4 to your PC. It really is that easy. Thanks to an update to Steam in October 2016, the client now supports the PS4 controller, and games will display the correct face button icons . Big Picture Mode can be controlled with the PS4 controller too.
You can also use the PS4 controller wirelessly if your PC has Bluetooth connectivity. To pair your devices together, press and hold the PS Button and Share button together for three seconds. The lightbar on the controller will start flashing. Then open the Bluetooth settings menu in Windows. If you use Windows 10, this can be found by clicking the notifications button on the bottom right corner of your screen, then clicking Bluetooth, and finally selecting Wireless Controller. Users of older Windows versions can find Bluetooth settings in Control Panel.
And thats how you get a PS4 controller working with Steam. Nothing to it! Now enjoy using the controller with the best D-pad of this console generation to play your PC games.