While many PC games work best with a mouse and keyboard, some titles were designed for a controller, like the DualShock 4 (DS4) that comes with a Sony PlayStation 4. Some gamers are also more comfortable using a controller than a mouse and keyboard setup.
Whether it’s for comfort or the game itself, you’ll be glad to know you can easily use your DS4 when playing games on your PC. Just follow our step-by-step guide to get started.
Use a USB cable to connect your PS4 controller to your PC
The easiest way to pair your controller with your PC is with a USB cable. You can even use the one you use for charging your controller. Ideally, though, you’ll probably want a longer cord to add a bit more range. Any USB cable should work, as long as it is micro USB on one end (the small, thin connector on the controller) and either USB-A (the “standard” wide, rectangular connector) or USB-C (the newer, rounded connector) on the other.
Connect the controller to your PC with the cable, and your Windows 10 PC should recognize it automatically. You’re instantly ready to start battling blasters and brutes.
If you don’t have a micro-USB cable handy, check out the PowerA USB 2.0 Charging Cable for PlayStation 4 which at 6.5 feet should give you plenty of reach between your PC and controller.
Use Bluetooth to connect your PS4 controller to your PC
For a bit more freedom of movement, you can connect your PS4 controller to your PC with Bluetooth. This will take a bit more setup than a wired connection.
On your PC, press the Windows key or open the Start menu, and type “Bluetooth.” Select the Bluetooth & other devices option. When you’re in the Bluetooth settings, make sure your computer’s Bluetooth is turned on. Click on Add Bluetooth or other device, then select the first option, simply labeled Bluetooth.
Now, on your controller, press and hold the PS button and the Share button (it’s small, on the upper left of the controller) at the same time to enact pairing mode. After a few seconds, the light bar (above the touchpad) will flash and a moment later your computer should connect. If there are multiple options on screen, you can find the gamepad labeled as Wireless Controller. Select it and you’re all set!
If your computer doesn’t have Bluetooth built in, you can add it with a simple wireless adapter.
Asus USB-BT500 Bluetooth 5.0 USB Adapter
The inexpensive Asus USB-BT500 Bluetooth 5.0 USB Adapter lets you add a Bluetooth connection to just about any computer. The tiny device is barely larger than the USB port itself. It uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tech, too, so you shouldn’t see any additional battery drain with laptops. This Bluetooth adapter is backwards compatible with Bluetooth 4.x, 3.x, and with the 2.1 used by the Sony DS4 controller.
Use Steam to customize your PS4 controller with your PC
When you use your DS4 controller with Steam games like Dota 2 or Warframe, you’ve got some added options. Once your controller is connected, either wired or wirelessly, open Steam and go to the pulldown menus in the upper left. Select Steam, then Settings, then Controller.
In the General Controller Settings, you can enable PlayStation Configuration Support. Steam should already detect your connected PS4 controller and will show its options at the bottom of the screen. You can calibrate your controller, and even choose a color for its front LEDs. If you click Identify, the controller will rumble.
Get a new PS4 controller just for your PC
If you don’t want to swap your PS4 controller to your PC every time you play a different type of game, you can always get a dedicated controller just for your computer.
PlayStation DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
The standard PlayStation DS4 Wireless Controller will work with your PlayStation, of course, as well as your PC. This version is available in JetBlack, and it’s exactly like the one that comes with most PlayStation 4s. There are several other color options to check out as well, including Midnight Blue, Glacier White, and Rose Gold. Check out Adorama’s extensive selection for PlayStation 4 Accessories for other choices.
Feature photo by Guglielmo Basile on Unsplash
