How to use a PS4 controller on PC – Play with your DualShock 4 wired or wireless
We show you how to connect your PS4 DualShock 4 to your PC so you can sit back and game in comfort
Got a PS4? Love the controller? Want to use it to play games on your laptop or PC? Then you’ve come to the right place. This is a very quick guide to getting your beloved DualShock 4 working with your PC. This is done via a very smart piece of software called DS4Windows, which makes your PC think the DualShock is actually an Xbox 360 controller.
You’ll need a DualShock 4 controller and either a micro USB cable or Bluetooth adaptor (2.1+ either USB or built-in to your laptop). Don’t plug your controller into your PC yet though!
Download the latest version of the DS4Windows programme from Github, you want the link marked DS4Windows.ZIP. Extract the two files in the ZIP onto your desktop, or any folder you please. Then Launch DS4Windows.exe. It’ll ask you if you want to save your settings to a program folder or to appdata, the latter is fine if you just plan to play on one PC, use the folder if you want to copy it to others.
A window will then appear telling you how to install the driver, follow the instructions in the window. It will download the driver and then install it to the folder where DS4Windows is located. Once done the instructions will read ‘Install Complete’. Though you may need to reboot your PC if you have any problems.
If you’re on a Windows 7 system, and have never used a 360 controller on the PC, then you’ll have to install the driver for that device by clicking the second button. It’s not a problem on Windows 8 or Windows 10.
Now connect your DualShock 4 via micro USB, we’d recommend doing it this way the first time just to check everything works. To connect to Bluetooth, hit Start and type Bluetooth to reach Bluetooth settings (or use the handy link in the DS4Windows setup screen). Connect Bluetooth to ‘Wireless Controller’ and use the pair code 0000 if required.
You may find that Windows will take a minute to setup the controller once it’s plugged in. DS4Windows should be running in the notification bar, double-click the icon to open it. You should see your controller in the Controllers tab.
If not try hitting the Stop button in the bottom-right and then hit it again to Start. If not try unplugging and replugging the controller, check the controller is charged and finally try turning your PC on and off.
If that doesn’t work head press WIN+X and choose Device Manager and check that the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows is installed (it appears at the bottom of the list, and not under Sound, video and game controllers). If that’s not present then try installing the driver manually using the link in DS4Windows, you can find this again in the Settings tab – Controller/Driver setup.
Now the controller should function just like an Xbox 360 controller in Windows. If this software is useful to you then please consider donating to its maker via PayPal.
