How To Get Ps4 Controller To Work On PC

Introduction

Are you an avid PC gamer who also owns a PS4 controller? Do you wish you could use your PS4 controller to play your favorite PC games? Well, you’re in luck! With the right software and a few simple steps, you can easily get your PS4 controller to work on your PC.

The PS4 controller is known for its comfortable grip, intuitive design, and precise controls, making it a popular choice among gamers. However, it’s primarily designed for use with the PlayStation console, which may leave PC gamers feeling left out. Fortunately, there is a way to bridge the gap between the PS4 controller and your PC, allowing you to enjoy a seamless gaming experience on your computer.

In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of getting your PS4 controller to work on your PC. You don’t need to be a tech genius to do this; all you need is a working PS4 controller, a USB cable, and a Windows PC.

We will be using a software called DS4Windows, which enables your PC to recognize your PS4 controller as an Xbox controller. By emulating an Xbox controller, you can easily map the buttons and triggers of your PS4 controller to the corresponding inputs on your PC games. This allows you to seamlessly navigate menus, control characters, and perform actions, just as you would with a regular PC gamepad.

So, if you’re ready to unlock a new level of gaming convenience and unleash the full potential of your PS4 controller on your PC, let’s get started with the first step: connecting the PS4 controller to your PC.

Step 1: Connect the PS4 controller to your PC

The first step in getting your PS4 controller to work on your PC is to establish a physical connection between the two devices. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Using a USB cable, connect one end to your PS4 controller and the other end to an available USB port on your PC.
2. Once connected, your PC should automatically recognize the controller and install the necessary drivers. If not, you may need to manually install the drivers. To do this, visit the official website of your PC’s manufacturer and search for the appropriate drivers for your specific controller model.
3. Wait for the installation process to complete. You can usually check the progress in the system tray or notification area of your PC.
4. Once the drivers are installed, your PS4 controller should be ready to use on your PC. You can test the connection by opening a compatible game or using a software that recognizes gamepads, such as Steam’s Big Picture mode.

It’s worth noting that if you own a newer version of the PS4 controller (often referred to as the DualShock 4 V2), you may be able to establish a wireless connection via Bluetooth. However, this method requires compatible Bluetooth hardware on your PC. If your PC doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth, you can use a Bluetooth dongle or adapter to enable the wireless connection.

By connecting your PS4 controller to your PC, you are one step closer to enjoying your favorite PC games with the familiar comfort and precision of your PS4 controller. Now, let’s move on to the next step, which involves downloading and installing the necessary software to make your PS4 controller fully functional on your PC.

Step 2: Download and install DS4Windows software

To unlock the full potential of your PS4 controller on your PC, you need to download and install a software called DS4Windows. This software allows your PC to recognize your PS4 controller as an Xbox controller, making it compatible with a wide range of PC games. Here’s how you can download and install DS4Windows:

1. Open your preferred web browser and search for “DS4Windows” or visit the official website at ds4windows.com.
2. Navigate to the downloads section of the website and click on the latest version of DS4Windows to start the download. Make sure to choose the appropriate version based on your PC’s operating system (Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, etc.).
3. Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded file (usually in your Downloads folder) and double-click it to start the installation process.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. You may be prompted to choose the installation location and agree to the terms and conditions.
5. After the installation is finished, launch DS4Windows from your desktop or start menu.

When DS4Windows launches, you may be prompted to run the program in administrator mode. It is recommended to do so to ensure proper functionality of your PS4 controller. The program will also automatically create a profile for your PS4 controller.

Once DS4Windows is up and running, you should see a system tray icon representing your PS4 controller. From here, you can customize the button mappings, sensitivity settings, and other controller configurations to suit your preferences.

With DS4Windows installed and configured, your PS4 controller is now fully compatible with your PC. In the next step, we will guide you on how to configure DS4Windows to ensure seamless gameplay with your PS4 controller on your PC.

Step 3: Configure DS4Windows for your PS4 controller

Now that you have DS4Windows installed, it’s time to configure it to work seamlessly with your PS4 controller. Follow these steps to configure DS4Windows:

1. Make sure your PS4 controller is connected to your PC via USB or through a Bluetooth connection if your PC supports it.
2. Open DS4Windows from the desktop or start menu. The program should automatically detect your connected PS4 controller.
3. In the DS4Windows window, you will see various options and settings that you can customize to your liking. For example, you can adjust the sensitivity settings for the analog sticks or change the color of the light bar on your PS4 controller.
4. To map the buttons on your PS4 controller to the corresponding inputs on your PC games, click on the “Profiles” tab. Here, you can create or select pre-made profiles for specific games, or you can manually configure the button mappings by clicking on the “Edit” button.
5. In the profile editor, you can assign keyboard and mouse inputs, controller buttons, or even macros to the buttons and triggers on your PS4 controller. This allows you to customize the controls to your preference and have a more comfortable gaming experience.
6. Once you have configured the button mappings for your PS4 controller, click on the “Save Profile” button to save your changes.

It’s important to note that you may need to tweak and fine-tune the settings based on the specific game you’re playing. Some games may have unique control schemes or require additional configuration within the game settings.

With DS4Windows properly configured for your PS4 controller, you can now enjoy a seamless gaming experience on your PC. In the next step, we will guide you on how to test your PS4 controller to ensure everything is working correctly.

Step 4: Test the PS4 controller on your PC

After connecting and configuring your PS4 controller with DS4Windows, it’s essential to test its functionality to ensure that everything is working correctly. Here’s how you can test your PS4 controller on your PC:

1. Launch a game that supports gamepad input on your PC. This can be any game that you have installed and is compatible with a controller. Steam offers a vast library of controller-supported games, so you can start with a title from your Steam library.
2. Once the game is launched, the PS4 controller should be recognized as an Xbox controller by your PC. This means that the button prompts in the game will correspond to the buttons on your PS4 controller.
3. Test all the buttons, triggers, and analog sticks on your PS4 controller to ensure they are functioning correctly within the game. Move the analog sticks, press the buttons, and activate the triggers to see if the game responds accordingly.
4. If you encounter any issues with the button mappings or if certain buttons aren’t working as intended, you can go back to DS4Windows and make the necessary adjustments to the profile or mappings.
5. Continue to play the game and assess the responsiveness and comfort of using the PS4 controller. If needed, you can modify the sensitivity settings or button mappings in DS4Windows to enhance your gaming experience.

It’s important to note that some games may require additional configuration within their settings menu to fully optimize the controller inputs. Take some time to explore the game’s options and ensure that the game recognizes your controller and applies the correct input mappings.

By following these steps and testing your PS4 controller on your PC, you can ensure that it is functioning correctly and enjoy a seamless gaming experience. Now you can sit back, relax, and delve into your favorite PC games with the comfort and precision of your PS4 controller.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to get your PS4 controller to work on your PC. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can now enjoy your favorite PC games with the comfort and familiarity of your PS4 controller. Here’s a quick recap of the process:

First, you connected the PS4 controller to your PC using a USB cable, ensuring the necessary drivers were installed. Next, you downloaded and installed DS4Windows, a software that enables your PC to recognize the PS4 controller as an Xbox controller. You then configured DS4Windows to customize the button mappings and other controller settings. Finally, you tested the PS4 controller to ensure its functionality and responsiveness within PC games.

By utilizing the DS4Windows software, you can unlock the full potential of your PS4 controller on your PC, enjoying a seamless gaming experience. Whether you prefer playing with a gamepad or want to try something different, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to make it happen.

Remember that each game may have unique control schemes or require additional configuration within the game settings. Take some time to explore the options and tailor the controller settings to your preference in each game you play.

Now that you know how to get your PS4 controller working on your PC, gaming has become more accessible and enjoyable than ever. So grab your controller, start up your favorite game, and immerse yourself in the captivating world of PC gaming with the comfort of your PS4 controller.