You can connect a PS4 controller to your PC via Steam, the Windows DS4 utility, or Bluetooth. To connect your PS4 joystick to a PC using Steam or the Windows DS4 utility, you will need a micro-USB cable. When you pair the PS4 controller on a PC via Bluetooth, the connection is wireless.
Hardcore PC gamers often swear by mouse and keyboard accuracy - it's so popular that even console gamers sometimes prefer keyboards to joysticks. However, there's no denying that resting your back with a controller in hand is much more relaxing than crouching on a mouse and keyboard.
Fortunately, just like you can connect your mouse and keyboard to a PS4, you can also connect your PS4 controller to a PC. Have you tried to connect the PS4 controller to your computer but Windows doesn't seem to recognize it correctly? Here are three different ways to connect the PS4 joystick to a Windows 10 PC.
How to connect the PS4 controller al PC with USB
If you want to connect the controller with a micro-USB cable (the same cable you use to charge the controller), you have two options.
Connect PS4 controller to PC via Steam
- If you're a PC gamer, chances are you have a Steam account. Fortunately, Steam makes it easy to connect new controllers.
- Open Steam and click on the "Large Picture Mode" icon at the top right - it looks like a square with two arrows pointing outwards.
- Open Big Picture Mode, which turns Steam into a full-screen application.
- Once in Big Picture mode, select the gear icon in the top right to access the Settings.
- You can click the power button icon next to the gear to close Big Picture and Steam mode.
- In the “Controller” tab, click on “Controller Settings”.
- Other Steam options, such as display and audio controls, can also be found here.
- Check the "PlayStation configuration support" box.
- Steam has the ability to connect controllers between gaming platforms.
- Connect the PS4 controller to the PC using the micro-USB cable. Make sure the backlight on the controller turns on to indicate there is a connection.
- Steam should automatically detect and configure the controller. Click on it when it appears at the bottom of the page.
- Click on the controller name when it appears.
Pair PS4 controller to computer via Windows DS4
If you want to use the wired controller with a non-Steam game, this is another option.
- In a web browser on your PC, go to DS4Windows.com. Click "Download Now".
- You will be redirected to Github. Find and click the DS4Windows.zip file, then download it to your computer.
- The most recent version of this software was released in 2016, but it still works.
- Find the downloaded .zip file on your computer and open it, then double click "DS4Updater" and click "Extract All".
- Files with the .zip extension must be extracted before running.
- Choose a location to extract the files to - it should be a location you can easily find.
- Once extracted, open the selected location and double click on “DS4Windows”. If you are asked to confirm that you want to run the program, click "Run".
- You will be asked where you want to save the program files. If you don't care about the location, choose "Appdata" - if you want to be able to move them, choose "Program folder" and select a location.
- Once you have chosen a place to save the files, click on “Step 1: Install the DS4 driver” and let the program install its files. If you are asked if you want to install the software, click "Install".
- Assuming you're on a Windows 10 computer, select the first option.
You can now use the PS4 controller on your PC with a micro-USB cable, although you may need to restart your computer first.
PS4 controller on PC via Bluetooth
If your PC supports Bluetooth - and if it has been made in the last decade, it likely is - you can pair and connect your controller wirelessly.
This method also works for the new PS5 DualSense controller, although that controller may not support all games.
- Open your PC's search menu (you can press Windows key + Q to open it immediately) and search for “Bluetooth”.
- When “Bluetooth and other devices settings” appears in the search results, click on it.
- Make sure your computer has Bluetooth enabled by setting the switch labeled "Bluetooth" to "On".
- Enable Bluetooth connections. (Where is Bluetooth in Windows 10 and how to use it)
- Press and hold the Playstation and Share buttons on the controller until the backlight starts flashing.
- Press and hold the PlayStation and Share buttons.
- On your PC, click "Add Bluetooth or other device" and select "Bluetooth".
- “Bluetooth” is the first default option - if that doesn't work, select “Everything Else”.
- You will see your PS4 controller listed as "Wireless Controller". Click to finalize the connection. If asked for a passcode, enter “0000”.
You may also see the controller under an alternate name, such as "Dualshock 4."
