Gamepads can make a gamer's life much easier, especially considering the huge number of functions of the beloved Dualshock 4. It is not for nothing that more and more players are wondering how to connect a PS4 gamepad to a PC.
How to connect a ps4 joystick to a computer
There is nothing complicated in configuring the controller, as it might seem at first glance. To do this, just read a short instruction, connect a gamepad and enjoy the result.
Sony Official Adapter
In 2016, Sony introduced its new wireless adapter. It connects the Dualshock 4 controller to Windows and Mac OS and allows you to use all the functions of the gamepad.
The downside is that only one controller is connected and this pleasure costs $ 25. This is the main drawback of the device.
- Connect the adapter to the USB port on your PC or laptop.
- Wait for the automatic installation of the drivers.
- The controller is ready for operation.
Via USB port
This is the easiest and fastest way to integrate your device with your PC.
- Connect the controller with a standard micro-USB cable to a computer or laptop.
- Wait until the drivers are installed in automatic mode and the indicator light comes on.
Important! When connected in this way, the following will not work:
- Touch panel.
- Vibration.
- Gyroscope.
- Microphone and speaker.
- Headset connector.
Bluetooth
For this method, you must have a Bluetooth module installed. On laptops, it is enough to enable it in the settings, but for a PC you need to buy a special module. Most often it looks like a USB flash drive.
Important! When connected in this way, a number of functions do not work. Which one depends on the Bluetooth model.
Software for full use
For normal operation of all functions of the gamepad when connected via USB and Bluetooth, you need to use special drivers and utilities.
Steam
This is a complete gaming platform that is installed on a PC and has games for every taste. A big plus is the ability to connect a controller without additional drivers.
For settings:
Advice! To customize the keys "for yourself" after starting the game, press "PS".
Xpadder
This is a versatile and simple program. It allows you to work with most controllers from well-known manufacturers. You can also customize each key "for yourself". But it is paid, although you can pay for such functionality.
How to set up a joystick on a Windows 10 PC:
DS4Tool
This is a good set of drivers that will solve the device compatibility issue. For the gamepad to work properly:
- Download the archive with drivers.
- For automatic installation, run ScpDriver.exe from the archive.
- Before connecting the controller, you should always run the ScpServer.exe file from the archive with the gamepad settings.
Attention! Be sure to run the ScpServer.exe file before connecting the controller, otherwise it will not work.
The best gamepads are gamepads from video game consoles.
The assertion is debatable. But this is more true than not.
With XBox controllers, everything is simple, controllers from the Xbox console are one hundred percent compatible with PCs and there is no problem connecting an Xbox 360 \\ Xbox One controller to a Windows PC.
On the Windows side, Xbox gamepads are supported through the XInput API and are 99% compatible with all PC games, if these games generally have gamepad support, and the games themselves were released on PCs after 2006.
But what if you own a PLAYSTATION 4 console and / or have a DUALSHOCK 4?
DUALSHOCK 4 can be connected without any problems (Bluetooth, native adapter , USB cable) to a Windows computer.
But DUALSHOCK 4 is defined in Windows as a standard DirectInput gamepad, there is no XInput support, and there is no XInput support and compatibility with a huge number of PC games, there will be no:
DirectInput compatible gamepad
XInput compatible gamepad
Unlike XInput gamepads, where the presence of support for this API will automatically make the gamepad friends with all XInput-compatible games, without any additional settings and gestures from the user side (plugged in and play), with DirectInput devices - it's not like that.
In the realities of standard Windows applications, support for a specific DirectInput Only gamepad (or steering wheel) must be specified in the target game personally. And in the case of DUALSHOCK 4, there are already three different devices:
DUALSHOCK 4 of the first revision (054C: 05C4);
DUALSHOCK 4 of the second revision (054C: 09CC);
Wireless adapter for DUALSHOCK 4 (054C: 0BA0)
In some cases, native DUALSHOCK 4 support is written into the game executable. Sometimes in the game folder there is additionally a DLL from Sony:
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In rare cases, support, in part, can be "muddied" yourself, through a file with settings.There are games where only the DUALSHOCK 4 wired connection is supported natively. And there are games where only DUALSHOCK 4 of the first revision is supported, because at the time of the release of the game, DUALSHOCK 4 of the second revision (and the adapter) had not yet been released, i.e. native support for the latter can only be added by game developers, by patch.
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The levels of support also differ, somewhere only gamepad control is supported (GTA 5), and somewhere almost everything is supported: vibration, light bar, labeling of buttons on the screen (The Witcher 2, F1 2017, Dying Light). Here are some screenshots from these games:
The Witcher 2
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F1 2017
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Dying light
Assassin's Creed
Tom Clancy "s Rainbow Six Siege
An interesting point. Support for DUALSHOCK 4 (correct location: triggers, sticks, buttons and vibration) is available in Windows 10 out of the box, but only for UWP apps. Those. in Windows 10, you can play games of the Forza or Gear of War series with a dual shock without problems \\ crutches \\ emulators. DUALSHOCK 4 revision 1 is supported. To add support for DUALSHOCK 4 v2, as well as gamepads of both revisions connected via a native adapter, you need to apply these ones REG files:
But what to do in other cases? How do I play games that don't have native DUALSHOCK 4 support?
There are several options. Today we're going to take a look at two of them: Steam and DS4Windows.
December 12, 2016 on Steam , DUALSHOCK 4 support is officially available.
The DUALSHOCK 4 controller can now be used in all games from the Steam library as an XInput compatible gamepad (including vibration).
Moreover, for DUALSHOCK 4, all the variety of settings is available (including the use of a gyroscope), which was implemented for the Steam controller, which is much more interesting than the usual XInput emulation.
How do you add your DUALSHOCK 4 to Steam?
The first step is to activate DUALSHOCK 4 support in the Steam settings. To do this, go to the Big Picture mode, go to "Settings-\u003e Controller settings" and activate the item "DS4 controller support".
Modern computers have the ability to connect not only keyboards, speakers and mice, but also a variety of additional devices. Let's say gamepads. You can easily play some games with them. More and more, gamers are wondering how to connect a Dualshock 4 to a PC. Can this be done at all? The answers to these questions will be found later. In fact, it is not too difficult to understand the topic. Some PC and joystick skills will come in handy, though. Not every player will be able to connect the Dualshock 4 to a computer and use it.
Are there any chances of success
The main problem is that "Dualshok", like other joysticks, may not work with the operating system. But there are still chances for the successful implementation of the task. Each player can try to connect a Dualshock 4.
It should be noted that in some games, such devices that work via a PC will "glitch" or even refuse to work. There is no way to insure yourself against this. There is only one method that allows you to work with joysticks 100% without problems. Particularly when it comes to Windows.
Windows and gamepads
What is it about? Microsoft has made it easy for all gamers to connect gamepads to their operating systems. But with some limitations and peculiarities. If the user is wondering how to connect the Dualshock 4 to a PC, he will have to try pretty hard. After all, this is not a "native" gamepad.
It has already been said that the task at hand can be solved. You just need to buy GamePad PS4 for Windows from Microsoft. This particular joystick will not require any additional manipulations. But in the case of "Dualshok" you will have to try pretty hard to make the device work normally.
Device model
The algorithm of actions will directly depend on what kind of device the player has. Today you can meet:
- wireless "Dualshock 4";
It is noted that in the second case, the probability of a successful and quick connection of the device to a PC is higher. All this is due to the fact that you do not need to create additional synchronization of devices. But wireless models can also be dealt with. It is enough to properly prepare for the process.
What is required
How do I connect my Dualshock 4 controller to my computer? First, you need to prepare some devices and components that can help resolve the situation. There are not many of them. The list of everything you need will vary depending on the model of your device.
Thus, when working with a wired Dualshok, you will need the following items:
- a working PC or laptop;
- USB cable for connecting a gamepad (usually comes with the device);
- joystick "Dualshok 4";
- drivers for the selected device model;
- joystick emulator.
If the player has already encountered the connection of gamepads from other game consoles to the computer, then he will easily cope with the task. The procedure for working with Dualshock 4 is not much different from synchronizing other joysticks. But more on that later.
First, it is important to understand what parts are useful when working with a wireless controller. As already mentioned, this option is not recommended to use due to the high probability of gadget connection problems. But it's worth a try.
A Dualshock 4 wireless can be connected with the following components:
- joystick;
- drivers for the operating system;
- gamepad emulator;
- WireLess adapter;
- computer / laptop.
In fact, all the necessary items are often already included with the gamepad. Except maybe computers. So how is the Dualshock 4 connected? What should every player know about the process?
Wired connection
First, you need to figure out the most reliable and simple method of action. How to connect Dualshock 4 to PC? Windows 10 or any other OS is not that important. The main thing is that the principles of action in this or that case will remain the same.
So, the first step is to work with a wired device. There are several ways to connect. For example:
- Charge the gamepad. It is advisable to do this in advance.
- Download and install DS4Tool.
- Close all games, applications and programs that were open on the PC.
- Remove drivers for previously installed DualShock gamepads. This is a mandatory item, neglect of which causes a lot of problems for players.
- Install ScpDriver from Virtual Bus folder.
- Run document ScpDrier.exe. You can find it in the root of the archive.
- Connect the gamepad to the computer using a USB cable.
- Switch on the controller and wait. The device will be recognized. In ScpDriver, sometimes you need to go to the settings and check the box next to "Hide DS4 Controller".
This concludes the whole procedure. Now, before starting the game, you need to launch ScpDriver every time. To configure the device, you need to install XPadder and change the assignment of the controller buttons.
Wires and minimum work
It is clear how to connect Dualshock 4 to PC. But this is only one way. You can often act differently. In general, the algorithm remains the same. The main difference is the driver used in the operating system. The previously proposed program often requires additional settings and actions from the player. If you don't want to think about them, you can install InputMapper.
The rest of the device synchronization procedure is reduced to the following steps:
- Download and install InputMapper.
- Connect the gamepad to your computer using a USB cable. Important: the device must be charged.
- Launch the application and turn on the joystick.
- Wait for synchronization to complete. It will happen automatically.
Fast, simple, easy. If you are wondering how to connect Dualshock 4 to PC via Bluetooth, now you know the answer. With this app. The program very quickly recognizes the device and allows you to work with the joystick on a PC. Even the mouse cursor can be controlled!
WireLess Adapter
Now a little about wireless gamepads. They are considered an innovation today. In practice, the use of such devices often brings a lot of problems. In particular, when synchronizing with computers.
The point is that you need a wireless USB adapter to use a wireless connection. A Dualshock 4 without this receiver will only work with a USB cable. And nothing else.
This device is sold, as a rule, separately from the gamepad. Only some models provide a complete package ready for connection to a PC. The approximate cost of the Dualshock 4 USB WireLess Adapter is $ 25.
As soon as the gamer has all the components listed above, he will be able to connect the device to the computer. How exactly?
About wireless connection
To do this, it is enough to follow a small instruction. It is not difficult to guess that it will not differ much from the previously proposed algorithms.
The Dualshock 4 controller can be connected as follows:
- Charge the device. Turn on the computer and wait until it is fully loaded.
- Install InputMapper. Run application after initialization.
- Plug the Dualshock 4 USB Wireless Adapter into your computer. To do this, you need to insert the device into the USB connector.
- Wait a few seconds. Put the joystick into Pairing mode. This is done by pressing the PS and share buttons. Release the buttons after the device starts flashing.
- Go to Bluetooth on your computer (via InputMapper). Find the joystick and click on "Connect".
The performed algorithm allows players to use the Dualshock 4 without much difficulty. A few minutes - and it's done! InputMapper recognizes wireless connection perfectly.
About gamepad operation
"Dualshok 4" is a modern joystick, the work of which only pleases the players. But you should pay attention to the fact that this device does not have the best contact with computers. As mentioned earlier, some games may experience crashes and malfunctions.
If you connect a Dualshock 4 without an InputMapper, you won't be able to take advantage of most of its features. In addition, you can check the device's performance only during the launch of the game. By default, the joystick does not allow PC control.
But InputMapper gives the gamepad additional features, albeit not the most necessary ones. The point is that the "bonus" of the application is the ability to control the mouse cursor. Sometimes the function can seem extremely useful.
In general, the connected device will work equally well both wirelessly and via a wire. But as practice shows, the second alignment is less of a hassle. This is caused by not having to connect a device such as a wireless USB adapter. Dualshock 4 won't work without it, as already mentioned.
Conclusions and conclusions
From now on, it is clear how the PS4 gamepad is connected to the computer. When it comes to the GamePad PS4 for Windows, simply connecting the device to the PC via a wire will suffice. After a short wait, the device will work. But the Dualshock 4 is harder to get to work.
Nevertheless, the implementation of the task is quite realistic. And even a novice user, with the right actions, will cope with the idea. Therefore, you can play through the PlayStation 4 joystick on your computer. But you need to be careful when working with wireless gamepads. It is possible that they will refuse to perform normally the functions provided by the program.
How to connect a PS4 gamepad to a PC?
When Sony first announced that the DualShock 4 joystick would be Windows compatible, gamers across the Internet welcomed the news. Unfortunately, simply connecting it to a computer and starting to play will not always work. Although the PS4 controller is recognized by Windows, existing games may or may not work automatically with it.
Windows supports the use of a PS4 gamepad for PC, but since Microsoft has its own console, they officially support only their controllers, and dual shockers will have to dance a little with a tambourine.
What do you need to connect?
Actually the controller itself.
Standard USB cable.
After connecting the gamepad, it will be recognized by the system and you may even be able to use it in some applications and games (for example Steam and some toys). You can watch the video and understand what bugs and glitches await you:
If you just connect the device to your computer, then a set of some joystick functions will not work, such as:
touchpad (but works like a button),
gyroscope,
vibration,
built-in microphone and speaker,
headset jack.
How do I get my gamepad to work properly?
Here you have only one option - to use special software, namely:
drivers;
joystick emulator (Xpadder).
It should be understood that when connecting a PS4 joystick for PC, you need only one of two options, which one is up to you. Let's talk about everything in order.
connecting dualshock 4 ps4 to pc
1) Dualshock 4 drivers for computer
There are at least two drivers:
DS4Tool
DS4Windows
Moreover, the second grew out of the first, when it was still at the testing stage.
In addition to the drivers themselves, you need to check if the following components are installed on your system and, if necessary, install (or update) them:
Microsoft .NET 4.0
Visual C 2010/2012;
Latest version of DirectX;
Latest official version of Microsoft Xbox 360 Controller Driver;
Administrator rights.
Before installing all components, close all applications and games that may be using the controller. Also, if you installed the driver for Dualshock 3 before, you should uninstall it. If you want to use the gamepad via Bluetooth, you need to install the appropriate drivers for it.
DS4Tool installation procedure:
The archive contains the Virtual Bus Driver folder, in which the ScpDriver.exe file is installed (this is the driver itself).
After installing the driver, run the ScpServer.exe file (located in the root of the archive).
Once the installation is complete, connect the DualShock 4 to your computer via USB or Bluetooth. Keep in mind that USB is a much more reliable choice as some Bluetooth chipsets are not supported by this software. The controller is recognized by the application (ScpServer), and in most cases functions identically to the Xbox 360 device. However, some games have compatibility issues, so you may need to check the Hide DS4 Controller checkbox.
By clicking on the "Settings" button, you can open a window with several sliders. Here you can change the color and intensity of the DS4 lightbar, switch it to the battery indicator, adjust vibration and enable the touchpad to control the mouse pointer.
You can watch this video to make it clearer:
During the creation of the video, earlier versions of the drivers were available, so there is such a discrepancy in size - the author talks about ~ 700kb, when the current version is already more than one megabyte. Please be aware that work on the application is ongoing. Currently, you need to manually launch the program every time you want to launch the game. This may be fixed in future updates.
2) Using the joystick using the Xpadder program
First, let's figure out what kind of software it is. Xpadder is a joystick emulator program for your computer. At the moment, it supports several hundred controllers from different manufacturers, which makes it absolutely universal in terms of use. And, of course, it will do for our dual-shock from PS4.
This method has two undeniable advantages:
no drivers needed;
you can customize each joystick button for yourself.
But there are also disadvantages:
it will take a long time to understand the essence of the application and configure everything as it should;
the program is officially paid (but you can very easily find a free version).
The video below shows the setup for the Xbox joystick, but since the program is universal, the steps described are also suitable for your DS4.
Various game controllers provide a more immersive gaming experience and give the feeling of some realism, however small. Gamepads are one of the most popular gaming peripherals. Dualshok 4 from the Japanese corporation Sony, included in the Playstation 4 set, has been recognized by players all over the world as one of the most convenient and best gamepads on this planet, and therefore the ability to connect this game controller to a computer has always been interesting and will be of interest to many gamers PC community. In this article, we will analyze in as much detail as possible connecting Dualshok 4 to a PC in several ways at once.
The most convenient way to connect your Dualshok 4 to your computer is to use Sony's original Bluetooth DualShock 4 USB Wireless Adapter. To do this, you just need to buy it, insert it into the USB port and connect the gamepad, holding down two buttons at the same time - "PS" + "Share". In this case, the drivers for it will be installed on their own, and the gamepad will start working fully immediately after connecting. The only drawback of this method is the rather high price of the adapter, which is one third of the cost of the gamepad itself. It is this factor that often scares away gamers, but fortunately there are several more ways to connect.
Cheaper, however, with some inconveniences in the form of a short setup and connection, the method with connection using some third-party adapter will do. The steps required for this are listed below:
Step 1. Buy any Bluetooth adapter and plug it into one of your PC's USB ports.
Step 2.Turn on Bluetooth on PC:
Step 3. Turn on the controller by holding down the PS + Share button combination on the Dualshok 4.
Step 4. A device named "Wireless Controller" should appear. Click to link it to your computer. If you need to enter a confirmation code, enter four zeros (0000).
However, keep in mind that when connecting a gamepad in this way, you will have to make subsequent configuration using third-party software for the controller to work correctly.
Wireless connection to laptop
If your gaming device is a laptop, Bluetooth connectivity is even easier. In all laptops, the Bluetooth adapter is built-in, and there is absolutely no need to purchase it. You just need to do all the same steps as when connecting a gamepad via Bluetooth to a stationary computer described in the previous section (of course, excluding the purchase of an adapter).
Wired connection to PC and laptop
Although wireless connection via Bluetooth is considered the most progressive and technologically advanced solution, the “old-fashioned” connection using a USB cable also has its advantages. For example, the absence of the need to constantly charge the battery of the gamepad, which discharges rather quickly during active play. Also, connecting through a wire gives, albeit insignificant, but no increase in the response speed of the gaming device. Finally, if you don't have a Bluetooth adapter, connecting with a USB cable can save you money and time in buying an adapter and pairing the controller with your computer.
To connect the device, you just need to insert the cable into one of the USB ports. However, in order for Dualshok to fully work in absolutely all services and programs, special
How to set up a gamepad on Steam
Simply connecting the gamepad to a PC or laptop does not at all guarantee that it will work normally and use all its capabilities and functions when working. In order for Dualhok 4 to work with such functions as: a panel using a touch interface, vibration, gyroscope, speaker and some others, you need to make settings. Now we will consider one of its possible options.
Important! At the moment, the most popular digital distribution service Steam already has support for the Dualshok 4 controller, which makes life somewhat easier for many gamers.
Follow the instructions on how to connect it correctly:
Step 1. In the "View" tab you need to enable the "Big Picture" mode.
Step 2. Then go to "Settings" and "Controller settings".
Step 3. There, select "PS4 Controller Support".
Step 4. In the window that appears, give a name to the device, and also adjust the vibration, color and brightness of the backlight. Restart the controller, after which the configuration is complete and it will start working.
Games that support a controller have a small gamepad icon in the lower right corner. If a keyboard is shown, the gamepad is not supported in this game. By default, the preset Dualshol 4 controller settings will be used in all supported games. If needed, each controller-supported game from your Steam library will allow you to customize your controller's controls.
Installing drivers for Dualshok 4
In order for the Dualshok 4 controller to work as needed not only on Steam, you need to install special drivers yourself. The system should recognize your controller as an Xbox 360 Controller, as there is simply no direct support for Dualshok 4 in the Windows operating system.
Step 1. You need to download the DS4WINDOWS program from the official site, then unzip it.
Step 2. Run the installation file (file.exe).
Step 3. Go to the "Settings" tab, then select "Controller / DriverSetup".
Step 4. Click on "Install the DS4 Driver".
Step 5. After that, in the "Controllers" tab, click "Start".
A graph with the connected device will appear. That's it, the gamepad is ready to go.
Outcome
Connecting the SONY Dualshok 4 gamepad requires a little more effort than its closest counterparts - Xbox 360 Controller and Xbox One Controller, which are fully compatible with Windows from the outset. However, after doing some simple steps, you can get the Dualshok 4 to work at exactly the same level as the previously listed gamepads from Microsoft. This gives more variability when gamers choose a gamepad to play on a PC.
Video - How to connect DUALSHOCK 4 to PC via Bluetooth / USB cable
