Gaming

How To Connect PS4 Controller To PC?

By David Martin

Guide To Connect PS4 To PC

PS4 controller is popular among PS4, elite, and PC gamers. It uses Duakshock 4 Controller Tech and the PS4 controller is also available in mini versions that are 40% smaller. The mini version is designed for younger games and is compatible with most PS4 games. PS4 controller lets you control compatible games and games wirelessly. Since the PS4 controller is compatible with most devices, it helps elevate the gaming experience.

Also, it is more comfortable and less bulky with plenty of features. Most users claim that the sticks, triggers, and buttons of the PS4 controller are better than the PS5. You can now connect the PS4 controller to the PC, TV, internet, and other devices. This article will explain more about how to connect a PS4 controller to a PC, the different methods to do it, and much more. So, keep reading. 

How to Connect PS4 Controller to PC?

Connect PC To Your PS4 Controller

Connecting the PS4 controller to the PC is easy and there are multiple ways to do so. You can connect through Bluetooth, USB, or Steam. Once connected, you can use a PS4 controller to control compatible games and applications on Android™ 10, iOS 13, iPadOS 13, maxOS Catalina, and  tvOS13. Here are the steps to connect the PS4 controller to the PC through Bluetooth:

  • If you pair the PS4 controller with the PC for the first time, turn on the pairing mode. 
  • Ensure the controller’s player indicator is turned off. 
  • In case, the player indicator is on, turn it off by pressing and holding the PS button until it turns off. 
  • Disconnect any USB cables. 
  • Press and hold the SHARE and PS buttons until the light bar flashes. 
  • The next step is to enable the Bluetooth on your device. Go to Settings>Devices and turn on the Bluetooth. 
  • Select ‘Add Bluetooth or other devices’ in the Bluetooth settings and select your controller from the list of devices. 
  • Once the pairing is complete, you will be able to see the light bar blinking, and then the player indicator will light up. 

Read More: How To Refund A Game On Steam?

To connect the PS4 controller using a USB cable, you can do the following:

  • Firstly, connect a compatible micro-USB cable to the controller and the PC’s USB port. 
  • You should be able to see the controller in the connected devices. 
  • Once the USB cable is connected, press the PS button on the wireless controller. 
  • Your PC should be able to recognize and configure the controller right away. 
  • To test whether the PS4 controller is connected, open a compatible game or controller test application and play. 
  • Then, you can remove the USB cable and use the controller wirelessly. 

You can also connect the PS4 controller to the PC through Steam and DS4Windows. To connect the PS4 controller through Steam, here are the following steps:

  • Do not worry if your favorite games are on Steam, as they will work with the PS4 controller. To connect it, go to the Settings menu in Steam (under Steam on the taskbar).
  • Select the Controller menu and click the ‘General Controller Settings’.
  • Then check the box named “PlayStation Configuration Support”.  
  • Ensure the DS4Windows is disabled because having two gamepad mappers running at the same time can cause problems. 
  • The last step is to connect the PS4 controller to your PC.
  • Remember that Steam’s PS4 compatibility is inconsistent and won’t work with non-Steam games. 

To connect PS4 controller to PC using DS4Windows, do the following;

  • The first step is to plug the small end of a mico-USB (charging cable) into the controller and the larger end into a USB port on the PC. 
  • Go to the DS4Windows site, select the ‘initial installation and step guide’ and click ‘Download the latest….’ and DS4Windows.zip file to download it. 
  • Go to downloads, find the file, and open it. 
  • Double click ‘DS4Updater’ and ‘Extract all’.
  • If you don’t have a Zip file extractor app on the PC, go to the store and install an app and you will be able to extract the Zip file from within the app. 
  • To save it, choose ‘Appdata’ if you don’t have a preference. 
  • You will be asked to install .NET Windows Desktop Runtime and upon clicking “Install” you will be directed to the download page where it will automatically download for you. 
  • After saving the file, you will see a message like “Do you want to allow this app from an unknown publisher to make changes to your device” to which, you should click ‘Yes’. 
  • Then, a pop-up box will appear with instructions on how to install the DS4 driver. Once it is installed, you will be able to use your PS4 controller. 

Remember that some features of the controller like a headphone jack, vibration, and touchpad cannot be connected through Bluetooth, and you will need a wired connection for these features. To test if the controller is connected and working, right-click the Windows logo, select the control panel, then Hardware and Sound, and then Devices and Printers. Lastly, right-click the wireless controller and select Game Controller Settings, then Properties. This will let you see if the buttons you pressed on the controller are registered properly. In case the controller is not connecting, try resetting it by pressing the button on the back of the controller. Also, try using a different USB cable if it is not connecting. 

Also Read: How To Use Soundboard On Discord?: Beginners Guide

Conclusion 

It is relatively easy to connect a PS4 controller to a PC and there are various methods to do so. The PS4 controller is considered more comfortable and less bulky. Also, users claim that the sticks, triggers, and buttons of the PS4 controller are better than the PS5. You can connect the PS4 controller to the PC through Bluetooth, USB, Steam, and DS4Windows. Once connected, you can use the controller to control compatible games and applications.

The most common way to connect the PS4 controller to a PC is via Bluetooth and USB cable. To connect via Bluetooth, turn on the pairing mode and ensure the controller’s player indicator is turned off. Also, disconnect any USB cables. Then, press and hold the SHARE and PS buttons until the light bar flashes and enable Bluetooth on your device. Select the ‘Add Bluetooth or other devices’ in the Bluetooth settings and choose your controller from the list of devices. This way, the controller is connected to the PC and once the pairing is complete, the light bar will blink, and then the player indicator will light up. 

To connect the controller through USB cables, connect a micro-USB cable to the controller and the PC’s USB port. Press the PS button on the wireless controller once the USB cable is connected. It is that simple. To test whether the controller is connected correctly, open a compatible game or controller test application and play. You can also remove the USB cable and use the controller wirelessly. Apart from Bluetooth and USB cables, you can also easily connect the PS4 controller to your PC through Steam, and DS4Windows. 

David Martin

David Martin is a seasoned gaming writer with over 5 years of experience in the gaming industry. With a deep passion for video games and a thorough understanding of gaming trends, David has written extensively on everything from game reviews, walkthroughs, and strategies to in-depth analyses of the latest gaming technologies. His work has been featured in several leading gaming publications earning him a reputation as an authoritative voice in the gaming community. David stays at the forefront of gaming innovations, regularly testing new games, consoles, and gaming peripherals. His expertise spans a wide variety of genres, including RPGs, action-adventure, esports, and indie games.

Leave a Comment