How to Connect a PS4 DualShock 4 Controller to a PC
The DualShock 4 is a fantastic controller, but it can only be used with a PlayStation 4 console because it was developed by Sony specifically for that platform. This indicates, at the very least on paper, that it is not designed to be utilised with personal computer games. It is not necessary to be concerned because personal computers (PCs) are extremely powerful and adaptable systems, and it is possible, with some effort, to make almost any peripheral device work with a PC. This article will walk you through connecting a DualShock 4 controller to your personal computer.
If you are interested in using the most advanced controller for the PlayStation, we have a guide that will show you how to connect your DualSense to your personal computer. The good news is that the procedure is virtually identical to that of the DualShock 4, which is something to be thankful for. The bad news is that the particularly special features of the DualSense, such as adaptive triggers and subtle haptic feedback, are very hit-or-miss on PC. The good news is that the DualSense is available for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.
In and of Itself, the Connection
Connecting a DualShock 4 to your gaming rig can be done in either of two different ways. You have the option of connecting via wire or wirelessly, but the process of setting up either of those connections is a little bit different from how it is done on a PlayStation 4 console.
The Strategy of Using Wires
Connect your controller to a computer using a cable that goes from a USB port to a micro-USB port.
Regarding the linking of the controller, this concludes the process. More on how to make it function in a little while.
The Bluetooth System as a Means
Pressing and holding the PlayStation button and the Share button simultaneously for three seconds will cause the DualShock 4’s light bar to begin double flashing. You can tell the DualShock 4 is turned off because the light bar will be off.
- You can get to the Bluetooth menu on your computer by clicking the system tray icon.
- To add a Bluetooth or other device, click the “Add” button.
- To connect, select “Bluetooth.”
- Make your selection from the available options using the DualShock 4 controller.
- Bluetooth Setup (Credit: PCMag)
Figuring Out How to Use the Gamepad
Because of the way the DualShock 4 communicates with your personal computer, simply connecting the controller is only the beginning of the process. The vast majority of today’s Windows games make use of Microsoft’s XInput, which is an interface that processes inputs received from Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers. Because the DualShock 4 does not send XInput commands, you will need a wrapper in order to translate its inputs into something that your computer will have an easier time processing. There are two excellent choices available: DS4Windows and the controller compatibility settings found within Steam.
DS4Windows is the All-Inclusive Solution.
A free programme called DS4Windows (Opens in a new window) can fool your computer into thinking that an Xbox 360 controller is connected to it rather than a DualShock 4, and it does this by simulating the Xbox 360 wireless receiver. To successfully get it to work, follow these steps.
- Download the DS4Windows archive, then open it in a new tab or window to extract the files.
- Launch the DS4Windows.exe programme located in the directory you just decompressed.
- In order for DS4Windows to work properly, you must select “Yes” when prompted to instal the.NET runtime and then proceed to follow the on-screen instructions.
- Click “Install ViGEmBus Driver.”
- To instal the driver, follow the on-screen instructions. This will instal a multipurpose gamepad driver on your system, which DS4Windows requires in order to make the DualShock 4 function properly.
- Simply click the “Install HidHide Driver” button.
To instal that driver properly, follow the on-screen instructions. This will instal a driver that gives you the option to hide the DualShock 4’s DirectInput gamepad connection from Windows. As a result, Windows will only accept inputs that have been converted from XInput through DS4Windows. This eliminates the “double gamepad” error that sometimes occurs.
- Click the “Finished” button.
- Join your DualShock 4 to your personal computer.
It should be possible to access the controller through the Controllers tab. Please wait a moment while I check to see if all of the necessary drivers have arrived. As soon as Windows displays a message informing you that it has successfully connected a new Xbox 360 controller, you are free to begin playing.
What Else Is Possible With the Help of DS4Windows?
The DualShock 4 emulates the behaviour of an Xbox 360 controller when it is first powered on, with the touchpad taking the place of a mouse. Having said that, DS4Windows provides a greater variety of options. To get started, head over to the Profiles tab and then just double-click the Default profile (or create your own new profile). This results in a silhouette of the DualShock 4 appearing within the menu, surrounded by the different options. In this section, you will find options to adjust the rumble settings, remap the physical controls, programme the touchpad and motion controls to behave in a variety of different ways, and adjust the dead zones and movement curves of the analogue sticks. You even have the ability to change the colour of the light bar.
DS4Windows \sDS4Windows
DS4Windows provides a wide variety of additional options for optimising the DualShock 4 experience on your personal computer. It is not necessary for you to open these settings because, once the software has been configured for the first time, the majority of games will behave in an appropriate manner.
The Use of Steam Is (Potentially) the Easier Method
If any of your favourite games are found on Steam, there is a good chance that the DualShock 4 can be made to work with them.
- Navigate to the Settings tab in the Steam menu (under Steam on the taskbar).
- Choose the Controller option from the menu.
- Simply select “General Controller Settings” from the menu.
- Mark the box that says “PlayStation Configuration Support” with your checkmark.
- Join the DualShock 4 to your personal computer.
Support for PlayStation on Steam
The compatibility of the DualShock 4 with Steam is erratic, and it goes without saying that this method won’t be applicable to games that are not available on Steam. As a consequence of this, you might find more success by merely utilising DS4Windows.
On the other hand, if you own a Steam Deck, the compatibility mode on that device might be the only choice available to you in the absence of significant software alterations (and installing Windows on the system). If you can dock the Steam Deck, connecting a DualShock 4 to it might be the best way to play Spider-Man Remastered on it. This is assuming, of course, that you can do so.
Begin By Selecting the Appropriate Controller.
Visit our guide on how to select the appropriate controller for your personal computer for further information. Check out our how-to guides for connecting your Nintendo Switch and Xbox controllers to your personal computer if you are a gamer who enjoys playing across multiple gaming platforms.