If you want to use a PS4 controller to play PC games on your Windows machine, here’s how to connect Sony’s DualShock 4 controller to a Windows PC.
Playing PC games doesn’t always require a keyboard and mouse. You can easily use a gamepad that makes it easy to play certain games, especially racing games that the D-pad or joystick makes it better.
However, Windows only officially supports the Xbox controller and some third-party gamepads made specifically for Windows; this is kind of a bummer only if you have a PS4 controller you can use.
The good news is that it’s still possible to use a PS4 controller in Windows as long as you have some patience and don’t mind some third-party software to make it happen.
There are actually several ways to connect a PS4 controller to a Windows PC. You can do it with an adapter or get an app that will do the job for you. The first requires money and the second does not, but which is the best?
Here’s how to use a PS4 controller in Windows the easy way.
Using a USB Adapter
If you don’t want to use third-party software to configure a PS4 controller to run on Windows, you can purchase a USB adapter that will allow you to instantly use your PS4 controller on your Windows machine, which will essentially trick your computer and have an Xbox controller plugged in.
There are several USB adapters to choose from, but the most popular and best options include: CronusMAX and someone else called Titan One. Both allow gamers to connect a handful of controllers to a Windows machine via USB.
The biggest downside to using a USB adapter is that the Titan One costs $60 and the CronusMAX $65, which is about as much as a brand new PS4 controller. However, the upside is that it makes it easy to connect a PS4 controller to your Windows machine without the need to install any other software. Also, you can use the adapter for other controllers, not just a PS4 DualShock 4 controller.
Using Third Party Software
If you don’t mind downloading and installing some third-party software on your computer to use a PS4 controller, there is a really easy way to do it without spending any money.
an app called DS4 Windows It lets you plug in a PS4 controller via USB and essentially tricks your computer into thinking it’s an Xbox controller.
The utility can be as simple or as detailed as you want, either because it offers a default profile that lets you just pick up and play, or you can get down to business and customize the controls to your heart’s content. You can even set up different profiles for different games and have them automatically switch between your games when you fire one.
DS4 Windows also lets you do a bunch of cool things like remapping buttons, adjusting the sensitivity of the touchpad, adjusting macros, and even customizing the color of the PS4 controller’s light bar.
Joyful to be able to Use your PS4 controller via Bluetooth in Windows and it can be paired via Windows’ default Bluetooth menu. All you have to do is hold down the PS button and Share button on the controller until the light bar starts blinking. From there, the controller should appear in the Bluetooth menu to connect. From here, you can use DS4 Windows to configure the controls.
In the end, it might be easier to buy a cheap and used Xbox 360 controller for your Windows games, that way you don’t have to put up with any fuss, but if you already have a PS4 controller lying around, we don’t. Don’t blame you for trying this first.
