How to connect and pair a PS4 controller to your PC via Bluetooth or a USB cable

You can connect a PS4 controller to your PC via Steam, the Windows DS4 utility, or Bluetooth. To connect your PS4 joystick to a PC using Steam or the Windows DS4 utility, you will need a micro-USB cable. When you pair the PS4 controller on a PC via Bluetooth, the connection is wireless.

Hardcore PC gamers often swear by mouse and keyboard accuracy - it's so popular that even console gamers sometimes prefer keyboards to joysticks. However, there's no denying that resting your back with a controller in hand is much more relaxing than crouching on a mouse and keyboard.

Fortunately, just like you can connect your mouse and keyboard to a PS4, you can also connect your PS4 controller to a PC. Have you tried to connect the PS4 controller to your computer but Windows doesn't seem to recognize it correctly? Here are three different ways to connect the PS4 joystick to a Windows 10 PC.

How to connect the PS4 controller  al PC with USB 

If you want to connect the controller with a micro-USB cable (the same cable you use to charge the controller), you have two options.

Connect PS4 controller to PC via Steam 

1. If you're a PC gamer, chances are you have a Steam account. Fortunately, Steam makes it easy to connect new controllers.
2. Open Steam and click on the "Large Picture Mode" icon at the top right - it looks like a square with two arrows pointing outwards.
3. Open Big Picture Mode, which turns Steam into a full-screen application.
4. Once in Big Picture mode, select the gear icon in the top right to access the Settings.
5. You can click the power button icon next to the gear to close Big Picture and Steam mode.
6. In the “Controller” tab, click on “Controller Settings”.
7. Other Steam options, such as display and audio controls, can also be found here.
8. Check the "PlayStation configuration support" box.
9. Steam has the ability to connect controllers between gaming platforms.
10. Connect the PS4 controller to the PC using the micro-USB cable. Make sure the backlight on the controller turns on to indicate there is a connection.
11. Steam should automatically detect and configure the controller. Click on it when it appears at the bottom of the page.
12. Click on the controller name when it appears.

Pair PS4 controller to computer via Windows DS4

If you want to use the wired controller with a non-Steam game, this is another option.

1. In a web browser on your PC, go to DS4Windows.com. Click "Download Now".
2. You will be redirected to Github. Find and click the DS4Windows.zip file, then download it to your computer.
3. The most recent version of this software was released in 2016, but it still works.
4. Find the downloaded .zip file on your computer and open it, then double click "DS4Updater" and click "Extract All".
5. Files with the .zip extension must be extracted before running.
6. Choose a location to extract the files to - it should be a location you can easily find.
7. Once extracted, open the selected location and double click on “DS4Windows”. If you are asked to confirm that you want to run the program, click "Run".
8. You will be asked where you want to save the program files. If you don't care about the location, choose "Appdata" - if you want to be able to move them, choose "Program folder" and select a location.
9. Once you have chosen a place to save the files, click on “Step 1: Install the DS4 driver” and let the program install its files. If you are asked if you want to install the software, click "Install".
10. Assuming you're on a Windows 10 computer, select the first option.

You can now use the PS4 controller on your PC with a micro-USB cable, although you may need to restart your computer first.

PS4 controller on PC via Bluetooth

If your PC supports Bluetooth - and if it has been made in the last decade, it likely is - you can pair and connect your controller wirelessly.

This method also works for the new PS5 DualSense controller, although that controller may not support all games.

1. Open your PC's search menu (you can press Windows key + Q to open it immediately) and search for “Bluetooth”.
2. When “Bluetooth and other devices settings” appears in the search results, click on it.
3. Make sure your computer has Bluetooth enabled by setting the switch labeled "Bluetooth" to "On".
4. Enable Bluetooth connections. (Where is Bluetooth in Windows 10 and how to use it)
5. Press and hold the Playstation and Share buttons on the controller until the backlight starts flashing.
6. Press and hold the PlayStation and Share buttons.
7. On your PC, click "Add Bluetooth or other device" and select "Bluetooth".
8. “Bluetooth” is the first default option - if that doesn't work, select “Everything Else”.
9. You will see your PS4 controller listed as "Wireless Controller". Click to finalize the connection. If asked for a passcode, enter “0000”.

You may also see the controller under an alternate name, such as "Dualshock 4."