Updated On 01 Apr, 24

How to Use the PS4 DualShock 4 Controller on a PC?

Have you ever tried to operate a PS4 controller on PC? Not to worry as we have covered you with this very useful guide on how to use PS4 controller on PC? Well, you must already know that Sony's DualShock 4 controller for the PlayStation 4 can be used to play games on a PC. 

Fortunately, it's pretty easy to connect DualShock 4 to a PC. Though setting up a PlayStation 4 controller for use on a PC might sound a dark magic. 

But actually the systems are compatible enough and the process of setting them is not difficult at all. So, if you are in the dark and don't know how to use PS4 controller on PC, you can learn everything right here.

In this gaming scenario, this PS4 DualShock 4 controller is a great choice for a gamepad. In fact, its layout includes all the buttons that almost every controller-based PC game requires. Additionally, you can also use its trackpad as a mouse input if it's needed. 

However, there is only one downside that the controller's audio jack isn't currently compatible. Subsequently, you have to plug your headphones directly into your computer if you want to use them. 

Steps on How to Use PS4 Controller on PC:

1. Download DS 4 Controller on Windows

It is quite simple to use a PS4 DualShock 4 controller with your PC. Though it's not plug-and-play and you will have to install an extra piece of software to make it working on your PC.

The software called DS4Windows is helpful in connecting the PS4 controller to your PC. Basically, it fools your PC into thinking the connected DualShock 4 is an Xbox 360 controller, which is compatible with Windows. You can get the latest build of DS4Windows from the GitHub page.

2. Install the Program

The next step is to download the zip file, then right-click on it and select the 'Extract All' option. Now, a window opens where you have to select the files you want to extract. Optionally, you can extract them to the same folder or choose another folder. So, the files will be extracted to the destination folder. Here, you will find two files. 

One is DS4Updater.exe which is a program that keeps the DS4Windows program updated with the latest drivers. So, it's important to run this file if you encounter problems later.

The second is DS4Windows.exe which begins the setup process to make the PS4 Dualshock Controller work on your PC. This is not all you need to know on how to use PS4 controller on PC. Proceed with the next steps. 

3. Set up DS 4 on Your System

While launching the DS4Windows for the first time, you have to save the required settings along with your profile. We recommend you to use the default selection of 'Appdata'. With this, a new window opens on your screen. Here, install the DS4 Driver for using PS4 DualShock controller on Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.

4. Connect PS4 Controller to Your PC via USB

Next, you have to connect your PS4 DualShock 4 controller to your PC. This can be done in two ways: via USB cable or Bluetooth. If you want to connect a PS4 DualShock controller to your PC via USB, you need a regular micro USB cable. 

Plug in this cable into both the DualShock controller and your PC. As Windows will detect it, you are all set to play PC games using the PS4 controller.

Alternatively, you can connect a PS4 controller to your PC via Bluetooth. The best part is that it gives far more flexibility while gaming. Since PS4 DualShock 4 controller uses Bluetooth, so make sure that your PC or laptop has an inbuilt Bluetooth receiver. 

If it doesn't have then buy a Bluetooth USB dongle such as the Tiny USB 2.0 Bluetooth Mini Wireless Adapter for wireless connectivity. In order to connect the PS4 controller via Bluetooth, press and hold the central PS Button and then the Share button for about three seconds. 

Keep holding until the light at the top of the controller starts flashing. Next, go to the Bluetooth settings on your PC and select the 'Wireless Controller' option. You might be asked to enter the code to pair. If so, then enter 0000 and you are set to use PS4 DualShock controller wirelessly on your PC.

Hope this guide works in understanding how to use PS4 controller on PC.