Connecting your PlayStation 4 or 5 controller to a PC can be accomplished through two primary methods: Bluetooth or a USB cable. While both options are viable, wired connections are generally favored due to their lower latency and broader compatibility with games. For example, when using Bluetooth, certain titles like “Destiny 2” may not recognize the controller, whereas a USB connection ensures seamless gameplay.
The PlayStation 4’s DualShock controller utilizes the older Micro-USB standard, while the more recent DualSense controller from the PlayStation 5 employs USB-C. Once connected to a Windows 10 or 11 computer, the system should automatically recognize the controller and install the necessary drivers. If you prefer to connect via Bluetooth, initiate pairing mode by pressing and holding the PS and Share/Create buttons until the controller light begins to blink. Navigate to the Settings app, select Bluetooth & other devices, click Add a device, and choose Bluetooth. Your controller should appear in the list for pairing. If issues arise, consulting a troubleshooting guide for Bluetooth on Windows may prove beneficial. However, it is advisable to first attempt a wired connection before exploring other solutions.
How to use a PlayStation controller with Steam
For PC gamers utilizing Steam, identifying compatible games for your PlayStation controller is straightforward. The platform indicates which titles support your controller, and many games do so without requiring additional setup. For instance, “Cyberpunk 2077” clearly shows compatibility with both DualShock and DualSense controllers. Similarly, “Horizon: Forbidden West” supports at least the DualSense controller, albeit with a different compatibility display.
However, not all games extend controller support. Titles like “Magic: The Gathering Arena” do not accommodate controllers at all, leaving players reliant on mouse and keyboard inputs. While it may be possible to create custom controller layouts for such games, the experience is often subpar, as they are designed for traditional input methods. Additionally, some games may function with controllers but lack native support for PlayStation devices. In these cases, Steam indicates that the game is “mostly playable,” suggesting varying degrees of compatibility.
How to use Steam Input to force PlayStation controller compatibility
When encountering games that do not inherently support PlayStation controllers, Steam Input can provide a workaround. This software allows users to map their controller’s buttons, sticks, and triggers to the appropriate inputs. Most popular games come with a custom Steam Input mapping for PlayStation controllers enabled by default. Simply connect your DualShock or DualSense controller and start playing. While some icons may appear as Xbox symbols, the functionality remains intact.
To switch to PlayStation icons, access the Steam menu in the top left corner, navigate to Settings, and select Controller. From there, choose Enabled in Games w/o Support from the dropdown menu next to PlayStation Controller Support. If a game does not have Steam Input enabled by default, you can activate it by exiting the game, right-clicking on it in your library, selecting Properties, and then enabling Steam Input in the Controller section. A restart of Steam may be necessary for the changes to take effect.
Once Steam Input is active, you can customize the controller emulation, assigning virtual buttons to your PlayStation controller. Additionally, alternative layouts created by the game studio, Valve, or other users may be available, particularly for games with vibrant communities.
How to use DS4Windows with a PlayStation controller
For those who prefer not to use Steam or have games across various launchers like the Xbox app or Epic Games Launcher, utilizing DS4Windows can facilitate the use of a PlayStation controller with PC games. This free application converts the DirectInput of your PS4 or PS5 controller into the XInput standard, allowing for broader compatibility. Once DS4Windows recognizes your controller, minimal further configuration is needed. To set it up on a Windows 10 or 11 computer, follow these steps:
- Download the appropriate installer from the DS4 website and extract the contents of the .zip folder to a new directory that does not require administrative privileges.
- Open the folder and run the DS4Windows.exe file.
- When prompted to save user data, choose between the AppData folder or the same folder where the program is stored.
- You may need to install additional drivers based on your system requirements.
- With DS4Windows open, connect your PlayStation controller via USB or Bluetooth.
- If detected, your controller will appear in the Controllers tab, set to a default profile that emulates an Xbox controller. Ensure the Start button is activated in the bottom right corner.
To confirm everything is functioning correctly, launch a game that does not support PlayStation controllers. Your PS4 or PS5 controller should now operate seamlessly within that game.
Troubleshooting your PlayStation controller on a PC
While most users will find their PS4 or PS5 controllers compatible with a wide range of PC games, occasional issues may arise. Here are some common problems and their respective solutions:
Windows doesn’t recognize your controller
The controller buttons cause unexpected inputs in a game
- Connect the controller using a USB cable instead of Bluetooth, ensuring the cable is USB 2.0 capable and plugged into a compatible port on your PC.
- Verify that the controller mapping is correctly configured within the game’s settings.
- Check the controller mapping in Steam Input, if applicable.
- Ensure the controller mapping is set up properly in DS4Windows, confirming that your controller is on the Default profile, if relevant.
- Test the game using a mouse and keyboard; if it functions correctly, the issue likely lies elsewhere.
