How to Use A PS4 Controller on PC: Wired and Wirelessly

This should be fairly self-explanatory, but on the off chance you’re completely new to Steam, check out how to download Steam.

Check that Steam is updated by heading over to Steam > Check for Steam Client Updates. By default, Steam should automatically update to the latest version after logging in, but it pays to make sure you have the latest version.

Click on the square icon beside your Steam username as shown in the image to enter Big Picture mode.

Click on the gear icon located at the top-right corner in the Big Picture mode.

Click Controller Settings under the Controller sub-section.

Tick the PlayStation Configuration Support box. You can choose to tick the Xbox Configuration Support option if you have an Xbox controller or the Generic Gamepad Configuration Support option if you have a universal controller.

Plug your PS4 controller into your computer using your Micro USB cable that came with the consoles. You should hear a “bloop” sound telling you the device is detected. Alternatively, your PS4 controller should rumble if the rumble option is turned on. You should also see that your controller has been detected, as shown in the image below:

Note: If the PS4 system your controller is synced to is still plugged up, then your controller might try to connect to it if you press the PS button.

If your controller is detected, you’re all set and good to go! You can play either wirelessly or wired, depending on your preference. Of course, if you play wirelessly, don’t forget to keep an eye on your battery levels.

Aside from merely connecting your PS4 controller, you can also personalize your experience.

While still in Steam’s Big Picture Mode, while under Controller Settings click the “PREFERENCES” button that’s located on the right after clicking on the newly detected controller to customize your controller. Things you can do here include:

• Naming your controller
• Turning rumble on or off
• Adjust the controller light color

Extract the downloaded DS4Windows zip file to a location of your choice.

Open DS4Windows.exe. If this is your first time, you will be asked where to save the profiles and settings. You can choose either Program Folder or Appdata, but I suggest going with the Program Folder since that’s where these sorts of things usually go; just for consistency.

Click on “Step 1: Install the DS4 Driver” button to install the needed PS4 drivers on your Windows 8.1 OS and later computer.

Click on “Step 2: If on Windows 7 or below, Install 360 Driver” button only if you have a Windows 7 or older OS since this OS doesn’t come with the 360 drivers needed to run the DS4 drivers correctly by default. Otherwise, skip it and proceed to the next step below.

Click Finish once the installation is complete and connect your PS4 controller to your PC via a micro USB cable.

The Controllers tab on the DS4Windows should show an Xbox 360 controller. Otherwise, click the Stop button located at the lower right-hand corner, close the DS4Windows application, and open the DS4Windows application again.

Alternatively, you can also unplug the controller and plug it back in. If all else fails, try using a different cable.

If you want to sync your PS4 controller from here on out just open the DS4Windows application and it should identify your controller as long as it is plugged in.

If you want to personalize your DS4 controller, check the ‘How to personalize your controller with DS4Windows’ further down the page.

Open the DS4Windows application.

Right-click on Bluetooth Devices from the system tray and click on Add a Bluetooth Device. If you’re using Windows 10, you will have to click on Add Bluetooth or other device and then Bluetooth to find discoverable devices, such as your PS4 controller.

Pair your DualShock4 controller with your Bluetooth dongle by making your PS4 controller discoverable. To do this, press the Share and the PlayStation button for three seconds, or until the light bar at the top of the controller shows a double blinking pattern.

Note: If the PS4 system your controller is synced to is still plugged in, then your controller might try to connect to it if you press the PS button.

Click on Wireless Controller to pair your PS4 controller with your wireless USB dongle or your laptop’s built-in Bluetooth device.

Note: For Windows 7 and older users, you may be asked to enter a pairing code – if so, just type in “0000”.

Click on Done when the device is paired. To confirm that the PS4 controller is connected, check the light bar at the top of the controller as this should be lighting up. Alternatively, the Controllers tab on the DS4Windows window should detect the controller.