In this article, I am going to show you step-by-step how to connect your PS4 controller to your PC.
Why should you install a PlayStation controller on your PC
Five months ago I have started playing some games on my PC. I have installed Forza Horizon 5. Back then I was using my keyboard to play the game. After some days I got bored and I started looking for a new way to improve my gaming experience. I saw other players using a steering wheel and I thought that would be cool to have one. The only problem was with my budget. I didn’t want to spend too much money on a new gadget because I have already done that with my PC. So, it was a no-brainer to use my old PS4 controller.
PC configuration
- Processor: AMD Ryzen™ 9 5950X
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
- RAM: Crucial Ballistix 64GB (4×16) DDR4-3600
My challenge with the PS4 controller
No idea why I thought it would be an easy plug-and-play device. After some research, I found out a few ways to connect the controller. Some are easier than others but in the end, it will depend if that particular method works for you or not. For example, in my case, it worked only by installing a third software.
So, in the next few lines, I am going to show you 3 methods on how to connect your controller.
Methods on how to connect the PS4 controller
Use the links below to skip to the method you want to use.
No 1. How to use the PS4 DualShock controller in Steam
No 2. Connect the PS4 controller via Bluetooth
No 3. Connect the PS4 controller via DS4Windows Utility
Method 1: How to use the PS4 DualShock controller in Steam
If you are looking to play your Steam games with the PS4 controller then you are super lucky. Steam has native integration and that means that you can plug your controller, apply some settings and you are done. Easy peasy.
Open Steam and go to the big picture mode at the top right side of the steam app (1). In this mode navigate to the top on the right side and select the Settings icon (2), then scroll down to the Controller Settings (3). Once selected, on this page, you will see the PlayStation Configuration Support (4). Select it and now the Steam is almost configured to use the controller.
The next step is to connect the controller via a USB cable directly to your PC. If it lights up it means it has registered. In Steams you should be able to see the controller in the available devices section (5). Select that, and you’re done. The controller will work now across the big picture Steam client and games support controller inputs.
Method 2: Connect the PS4 controller via Bluetooth
The obvious thing about this method is the fact that your PC must have a Bluetooth receiver built in. If not, no worries, you can purchase one. It’s called a Bluetooth USB dongle and you can find so many on Amazon.
To connect the DualShock controller go to Windows and type “bluetooth”. The search will return “Bluetooth and other devices settings”. Go on and select it. On the newly opened page make sure the Bluetooth option is switched on.
Another way to open the Bluetooth settings is to press Wind+I. This will open the settings window. As in the above example, you will have to type “bluetooth” and make sure to select the first option.
Once this is done, take the controller and hold down the PS and SHARE buttons simultaneously. Hold it for a few seconds until the lights start flashing.
Go back to the Bluetooth settings and Add a new device. Select the first displayed option called Bluetooth. This will return a list of all available Bluetooth devices. Select the Wireless Controller Input. Sometimes you are prompted with a passcode. You should try entering the following sequence 0000.
Your PS4 controller is now all set up and connected to your PC.
Method 3: Connect the PS4 controller via DS4Windows Utility
This is the method I have used and to be honest, I think this is the best one available. The downside is you have to install the utility software before connecting the controller. But no worries. I am here to make it easier for you.
What is DS4 Windows
On their official website in their About Us section I found this nice description:
DualShock4Windows is a portable program that allows you to get the best experience while using a PS4 Controller (or any of the supported gamepads) on your PC. By associating your connected controller to one fully re-mappable virtual Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 gamepad, many more games are accessible.
DS4 Windows official website
Basically, it’s a program designed to connect your controller to a Windows 10 or 11 PC.
With DS4 Windows you can map the controller to any game, but you can also modify it as your keyboard + mouse. It comes with an automatic profiling system that you can configure for each specific game or controller. In other words, it’s a powerful tool.
How to install the DS4 Windows utility
You can download the tool either from their website or GitHub. Unzip the content of the archive after the download is completed. Double click on the DS4Updater to install the utility on your PC. Follow the guidance and let the program run. It will let you know when the drivers are installed. Switch on the controller and connect it to the utility via Bluetooth. If it doesn’t work, try rebooting your PC.
Final thoughts
So that is it. Three methods on how you can connect your PS4 controller to your PC. I really hope that this tutorial made it easier for you. Please let us know in the comment section below if you find it useful or if you know other ways how to connect the controller.