How to Connect PS4 Controller to PC (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)
Want to play your favorite PC games using your PS4 controller? The questions must be came in your mind that how to coonect PS4 Controller to PS4, PS5 or Pc Good news, it’s very easy. Just follow the below steps and youwill be successful in your task. However if you want to download DualsenseX, Than you can download it from our website.
In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to connect your PS4 DualShock 4 controller to a PC using USB and Bluetooth. I’ll also explain how to make the DualShock PS4 controller work with games using tools like DS4Windows and Steam.
Anyone can follow this guide, no need of any pro level tech skills.
Method 1: Wired Connection (Using a USB Cable)
This is the simplest way.
What You Need:
- A PS4 DualShock 4 controller
- A USB to micro-USB cable
- A Windows PC
Steps:
- Plug the micro-USB end into your PS4 controller.
- Plug the USB end into your PC.
That’s it. Your PC will detect the controller. However, it might not work in all games unless you set it up correctly. I’ll explain how to do that later in this guide.
Method 2: Wireless Connection (Using Bluetooth)
This lets you play without wires.
What You Need:
- A PS4 controller
- A PC with Bluetooth built-in or a Bluetooth USB adapter
Steps:
- Make sure the controller is off (no light on top).
- Hold down the PlayStation button and the Share button together.
- Wait until the light bar starts flashing.
- Once the lightbar starts flashing, it menas your controller is ready to make connection with PC!
- On your PC, click the Bluetooth icon in the taskbar (bottom right).
- Click Add Bluetooth or other device.
- Select Bluetooth.
- Choose Wireless Controller from the list.
Your PC will now connect to the controller.
Step 3: Make the Controller Work with Games
Your controller is now connected, but many PC games use Xbox-style controls. So we need to make your PS4 controller behave like an Xbox controller. There are two ways to do that:
Option 1: Use DS4Windows (Best for All Games)
DS4Windows is free software that makes your PC think the PS4 controller is an Xbox controller. This makes it work with almost all PC games.
How to Set It Up:
- Go to DS4Windows Download Page:
- Download the latest DS4Windows.zip file.
- Read the complete guide to download and setup the ds4 windows or follow the below steps.
- Extract the zip file to a folder.
- Open DS4Windows.exe.
- If it asks to install .NET 6 Desktop Runtime, click Yes and follow the instructions.
- In DS4Windows, install two drivers:
- ViGEmBus Driver
- HidHide Driver
These drivers help your PC read the controller properly.
- After setup, plug in your controller or connect it via Bluetooth.
- You should see your controller listed under the Controllers tab.
Now it’s ready to use.
By default, your controller will act like an Xbox 360 controller. The touchpad works like a mouse, and everything else maps automatically.
If you want to customize buttons, go to the Profiles tab in DS4Windows.
Option 2: Use Steam (Easy for Steam Games)
If you only play games on Steam, you can use its built-in support for the PS4 controller.
Steps:
- Open Steam.
- Click Steam in the top-left corner.
- Go to Big Picture Mode
- Go to Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings.
- Check the box for PlayStation Configuration Support.
- Now You can go to preferences in the top right corner and turn the rumble On
- You can customize the lightbar settings from the below options
Your controller will now work with most Steam games.
Want to play Fortnite or Minecraft?
If you’re wondering how to connect a PS4 controller to PC for Fortnite or Minecraft, the best method is to use DS4Windows or Steam’s built-in support. DS4Windows works great with both games — for Fortnite, it provides full controller compatibility, and for Minecraft (Java or Bedrock edition), it lets you map buttons and play smoothly with your PS4 controller.
Using Emulators Like PCSX2
To connect a PS4 controller to PCSX2, use DS4Windows to make the controller behave like an Xbox controller, then configure it inside PCSX2’s controller settings for seamless gameplay.
Important Tip: Do not use both DS4Windows and Steam’s controller support at the same time. Pick only one, or it might cause problems.
Watch Step by Step tutorial on How to Connect PS4 Controller to PC
Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Best For |
|---|---|
| USB Cable | Quick setup, no Bluetooth needed |
| Bluetooth | Wireless gaming |
| DS4Windows | Playing games outside Steam |
| Steam | Playing Steam games with easy setup |
Common Questions
Q: Why is my PS4 controller not working on PC?
Make sure the controller is connected, and drivers are installed. Use DS4Windows if it’s not recognized in games. DS4 windows will act as a bridge between your ps4 console and your pc to connect them.
Q: Can I use a PS4 controller on a laptop?
Yes, as long as your laptop has a USB port or Bluetooth, it works the same as on a desktop. You can connect ps4 controller to PS4 or PS5 without another controller.
Q: Do I need DS4Windows to play Steam games?
No. Steam has its own PS4 pro controller support. But DS4Windows is better for games outside Steam.
Q: Is DS4Windows safe?
Yes. It’s open-source software trusted by thousands of gamers. Make sure you download it from the Trusted Source or page.
Q: Can you use a PS4 controller on PS5?
Yes, you can use a PS4 controller on your PS5, but only to play PS4 games. PS5 games need the new DualSense controller to work properly. To connect your PS4 controller to PS5, you can plug it in with a USB cable or connect it using Bluetooth in the PS5 settings. So if you’re asking, “does PS4 controller work on PS5?” it works, but only for backward-compatible PS4 games, not for PS5 games.
Q: How to connect PS4 controller back to PS4?
If you want to switch back and use your PS4 controller with your PS4 console again, simply connect it via USB and press the PS button to pair it back. If you are facing any issue than just contact us or go through our troubleshoot page to solve your every kind of problem
Conclusion
Now you know exactly how to connect your PS4 controller to a PC without usb and wirelessly — using a USB cable or Bluetooth, and making it work using DS4Windows or Steam.
If you just want to plug and play for Steam games, use Steam’s built-in support. If you want to play non-Steam games, DS4Windows is your best choice.
