How to Connect Dualshock 4 to a PC

Dualshock 4 is the latest model of the Sony gamepad family created for the PlayStation 4 gaming console. However, unlike the first gamepads of this lineup, the Dualshock 4 simply connects to a PC. We’ll tell you how to connect it to a computer and use all the functionality.

Connectivity options for Dualshock 4 to PC

There are two basic methods for connecting the Dualshock 4 to a computer – wireless (via Bluetooth) and wired (via a USB cable). It is important to note that the main thing is the wireless connection. So, let’s look at each of the available options.

Method 1: Dualshock 4 USB Wireless Adapter

Sony has very much simplified the task of connecting its gamepad to the computer, releasing a special accessory. It looks like this:

Thanks to this adapter you can connect the game console to your PC or Mac. To do this you will need:

• Purchase the adapter itself.
• Connect the accessory to the computer, following the attached instructions.
• This method is preferable because thanks to it you can enjoy all the functions of the Dualshock 4 – a vibration motor, a touch panel, a gyro, headset connectors and the actual wireless mode of operation. In the appendage to this comes the opportunity to use the gamepad for PlayStation Now (a cloud service that allows you to play PC games with PS3 and PS4).

Method 2: Connect via Steam

This method is slightly more complicated, but it allows you to do without buying an expensive adapter. To use it, do the following:

Step 1: Sign in to Steam.

Step 2: Click on the icon with the image of the controller at the top right.

Step 3: When Big Picture Mode opens, enter the settings for this mode.

Step 4: In the settings, enter the “Controller Settings”

Step 5: Check “PS4 Controller Support“.

Step 6: Then connect your Dualshock 4 in any way (via cable or via Bluetooth). Once you do this, Steam will automatically open the personalization window, in which you can configure, for example, the actions and sensitivity of the gyro, and also reassign the keys to the gamepad.

Step 7: As with the DualShock 4 USB Wireless Adapter, you also have access to all the functionality of your controller. The disadvantages of this method are the need to preset most of the games that you have in the Steam library, as well as the inability to use DualShock 4 in PlayStation Now.

Method 3: DS4Windows Drivers

This method is more complicated than both previous ones and is calculated more for the advanced user. It consists in installing special drivers that will allow games to recognize the Dualshock 4. To do this you will need:

Step 1: Download DS4Windows. Before doing this, make sure that you have the latest versions of Microsoft .NET Framework and DirectX installed, and also have administrator rights.

Step 2: Unpack and run. Before you open this window:

Step 3: Be careful – the “Install DS4 Drivers” item should be clicked only if you have Windows 8 and higher! If you have Windows 7, press the second item.

Step 4: Wait for the drivers to be installed, and then restart the computer.

Step 5: Run DS4Windows again and connect your Dualshock 4 in any convenient way.

Step 6: Then you have to configure the management profile. We will not dwell on it in detail, this is the material for a separate article. Just take a look at the screenshot:

Method 4: Easy connection

The simplest and at the same time the most inconvenient way to connect DUALSHOCK 4 to the computer. For this you need:

1. Find any microUSB-USB cable.
2. Connect the cable to the gamepad.
3. Connect the gamepad to the PC.

Most likely, Windows recognizes a new gaming device and it will work. However, this method of connection imposes a number of limitations:

Dualshock 4 is recognized as a DirectInput device. DirectInput is an outdated method of interaction that will only work in older games.
Additional functionality of the Dualshock 4 (for example, vibration and touch panel) will be unavailable.
However, if you are planning to play in the time-tested classics – this way is entirely your choice.

We showed you the most popular and convenient ways to connect the game console to the PC. Each of them has different functions and features. Try each of the proposed methods – sure you will find the right one for yourself. We hope that helped you!

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