How to use a PS4 DualShock controller with a PC

Curtis Moldrich Read more October 19, 2015

Sony has produced some of the most iconic controllers in video game history, but the DualShock 4 is its best yet. Featuring an all-new ergonomic design with everything you’d need a finger’s reach away, the DualShock 4 is the ultimate way to play PS4 games. But wouldn’t it be great if you could also use it with PC games?

Well, now you can. This tutorial will show you how to get the best of both worlds, and use a PS4 pad with your gaming PC.

How to use a PlayStation 4 controller with a PC

Sony said it would offer plug and play support for PCs with the PS4 pad and, although that hasn’t materialised yet, there are slightly more convoluted ways of hooking your controller up to your Windows PC.

Windows may not work with the PS4 pad out the box, but it does support Microsoft’s Xbox 360 controller. This tutorial works by tricking Windows into thinking your DualShock 4 is an Xbox 360 controller, and emulators such as DS4Windows make the process a quick, simple affair.
Once you have downloaded the software, you will need to extract the files using a zip converter. After saving them to an easy to remember location, run the updater component to ensure that you’re using the newest version of the software.
A wizard will then provide a step-by-step guide to the installation process. Anyone using Windows 8 or above can get away with only the following step, but those with Windows 7 or below will need to download the driver for an Xbox 360 controller too.
Once done, you’re ready to connect your PlayStation 4 controller.
Using the micro-USB cable supplied with your PS4 is the easiest solution, but if you want to use your PS4 pad wirelessly, you’ll have to do some more tinkering. Luckily, there are several tutorials such as the video below to help.
Before you play, make sure you’ve configured and set up your controller as you’ll want it. All that’s left is to play your favourite PC and Steam games with your favourite controller.