How to Connect a PS4 Controller to Windows 10 - Make Tech Easier

PC gamers understand that the ultimate gaming experience is found on their setups. The notion that setting up gamepads on a PC is cumbersome is simply a myth, especially since Steam has integrated PS4 controller support into its platform, allowing your DualShock 4 to work effortlessly with any game that supports a gamepad.

There are several methods to connect your PS4 controller to your PC, and we'll explore all of them here.

Also read: How to Factory Reset Your PS4

Connect PS4 Controller via Bluetooth

Open the Start menu, search for "bluetooth," and select "Bluetooth settings."

In the new window, ensure Bluetooth is enabled.

Turn off your controller, then press and hold the "Share" and "PS" buttons on the DualShock 4 until the light bar begins to blink.

Your controller should appear in the "Manage Bluetooth devices" window on your PC as "Wireless Controller." Click "Pair," enter a passcode of your choice, and click Next.

Once connected, you can enjoy any game that supports the PS4 controller, such as the fantastic Rocket League, as well as games running on emulators. It's important to note that most controller-compatible games on Steam are designed for Xbox controllers, but we'll address that shortly.

Connect PS4 Controller via USB Cable

If your PC lacks Bluetooth, simply connect your PS4 controller using a micro-USB cable, and you're ready to play.

Use PS4 Controller as Xinput/Xbox Controller

Although less of an issue now, many games still support Xbox controllers but not PS4 controllers, especially outside of Steam. To enhance the compatibility of your PS4 controller, configure it as an Xinput controller, making Windows recognize it as an Xbox controller.

The best tool for this is DS4Windows, an open-source application that allows you to reconfigure your PS4 controller as an Xinput controller.

After connecting your PS4 controller via Bluetooth or USB, launch DS4Windows, which will automatically convert your PS4 controller into an Xinput controller.

DS4Windows offers fun features like using the PS4 trackpad as a mouse on your PC, customizing the controller light colors, and making it flash when the battery is low. Experiment with these features; it's a fantastic tool!

Use PS4 Controller on Steam

With your PS4 controller now recognized by Windows, Steam will automatically adapt it for use with your games, even those designed for Xbox controllers.

You can also use your PS4 controller with games that don't officially support gamepads. To do this, enter Big Picture mode (the gamepad icon in the top right corner of the Steam window), navigate to "Settings -> Controller Settings," and enable "PS4 Configuration Support."

In Big Picture mode, select a game from your library that doesn't support controllers, go to "Manage Game" on the left pane, then "Controller Configuration." Here, you can customize PS4 controls for your keyboard-and-mouse game. Enjoy big-screen gamepad sessions with games like Civilization or Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind!

And that's it! You're now using the world's best gamepad on the world's best gaming platform. Celebrate by playing PS1 games on your PC, or, if your PC is up to it, enjoy PS3 games on your PC.

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