How to Use a PS4 Controller on PC and Mac

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How to Use a PS4 Controller on PC and Mac

If you are used to gaming on your PC with your standard gaming keyboard and gaming mouse, you may be looking for a way to switch up your gameplay to challenge yourself further. Whether you are looking for a challenge or more ease of use, connecting your PS4 controller to your gaming PC can change your gameplay and make it more enjoyable.

Whatever the reason you want to use your controller, we are here to help you easily connect these devices that have been at odds in the past. If you are using a Windows operating system on your gaming PC, you have a few more options for connecting your controller to the PC.

Each option will have its perks, from short setup times to increased reliability, but all of them will give you the connection you were looking for. If you are using a Mac for gaming, your connectivity options are more limited, but it is still possible.

Related: PS4 Controller Keeps Disconnecting – Reasons And Solutions

The PS4 Controller

History of the PS4 Controller

The main PS4 controller is the DualShock 4 which has an identical design to its predecessors but includes a few new features and a refined appearance. DualShock controllers have vibrational feedback that Sony designed explicitly for PlayStation gaming consoles.

The DualShock controller dropped in North America precisely two decades ago as an add-on rather than a primary controller.

This add-on quickly gained primary status when Sony stopped manufacturing the Dual Analog Controller that was initially included with the PlayStation console.

Controller Features

This controller does not lack inputs and outputs making it functional for an array of gaming options. A stereo headset jack, a mono speaker, a micro-USB, and an extension port are all present on this controller.

This controller is powered by a 3.7 V 100mAh lithium-ion battery, which is recharged while the gaming system is at rest. You can charge the controller with the micro-USB port, a charging station, or your gaming console.

The right charging accessories will make using your PS4 controller with your PC even easier and more convenient.

How to Use a PS4 Controller on a Pc

PS4 Controller to PC Via USB

You can use your PS4 controller on your gaming PC without installing software if you connect via the micro-USB port. This is the simplest way to use your PS4 controller on your PC, and if you use it infrequently, it may be the option you prefer. Using your PS4 controller with your gaming PC is a fun way to switch up your PC gaming experience. Use these quick steps to hook up your PS4 controller to your gaming PC:

  • Gather your DualShock 4 controller and Micro USB cable that came with your controller and insert the end of the USB into your controller. 
  • Insert the other side of your Micro USB cable into your computer and give the system a few seconds. 
  • As soon as your controller is recognized by the PC you will see the light bar on your controller glow yellow
  • Double-check that your controller is connected by clicking the Search Bar and typing in “Control Panel,” to open your Windows control panel. 
  • Open the Hardware and Sound category within the control panel and click on View Devices and Printers
  • In the top corner of Devices and Printers, a Game Controller icon will appear, and right-click the icon to open the drop-down menu. 
  • Scroll down to the “Game Controller Settings,” then click on the “Properties,” option. 
  • This allows you to view joysticks’ calibration, the trigger squeeze, and how your computer detects the controller inputs.

Using the micro-USB cable to connect your PS4 controller will take five minutes (as long as you remember where you place your cables). If you are using your DualShock 4 controller to play games on one of our favorite gaming monitors, then you will surely enjoy the gaming experience it provides.

PS4 Controller to PC Via DS4 Windows

PS4 Controller to PC Via DS4 Windows

Connecting your PS4 controller to your PC through DS4 Windows is the best method and worth the extra work it entails to maximize your gaming experience.

The DS4 Windows program is a third-party app that can be used with Origin games and Steam Games. Downloading this software will enhance the usability of your DualShock 4 controller on your gaming PC and will avoid the need for frequent troubleshooting.

While this process is longer than using your device with a USB connection, we make it simple enough for you without wasting too much precious game time:

  • Download the most up-to-date version of DS4 Windows from the official website
  • Extract the file you downloaded using your preferred archive manager, like 7Zip or another similar program. 
  • You will have two files in the folder, DS4 Windows and DS4 update. Double-click DS4 Windows to initiate installation. 
  • Within the dialogue box, install the DS4 driver. You may need to restart your device or wait for 15 minutes before you notice the driver. 
  • If you are using Windows 7 install the 360 driver, if you are using a later version, you can skip this part. 
  • This last part is easy, attach the DualShock 4 to your computer with the micro USB cord that came with your controller. 

While it did include a few extra steps and a few installations, using this method to connect the PC and the PS4 controller together guarantees fewer issues with signal loss, poor calibration, and unrecognized equipment. It is much more likely to run into issues needing troubleshooting when you plug the controller into the computer.

Even if you are using your PS4 controller to play on one of our favorite gaming laptops, this twenty-minute installation process is well worth the added steps to ensure less time figuring out why your controller isn’t working.

PS4 Controller to PC Via Bluetooth

Both of the above connectivity options we already discussed for linking your DualShock 4 to your gaming PC require your controller to stay linked to the computer during gameplay. If you have been choosing to hook your controller up and play, you’ll have to stay attached, but if you have already installed the DS4 Windows software, taking advantage of Bluetooth connectivity is as simple as can be.

If you have a Bluetooth adaptor or your monitor has Bluetooth capabilities, activating wireless mode is completely doable with almost no effort or pesky downloads.

If you don’t have DS4 Windows installed yet, we will include that installation process as well, just in case, you were only reading what is relevant to you (we don’t blame you). Using our guide, you will quickly be able to use your DualShock 4 controller wirelessly with ease by following the steps below:

  • Download the most up-to-date version of DS4 Windows from the official website. 
  • Extract the file you downloaded using your preferred archive manager, like 7Zip or another similar program. 
  • You will have two files in the folder, DS4 Windows and DS4 update. Double-click DS4 Windows to initiate installation. 
  • Within the dialogue box, install the DS4 driver; you may need to restart your device or wait 15 minutes before you notice the driver. 
  • If you are using Windows 7 install the 360 driver, if you are using a later version you can skip this part. 
  • To enable the wireless function, hold down the PlayStation Button on your DualShock 4 for five seconds or until the light bar along the front of your controller start flashing. 
  • In the bottom right corner of your PC open the Start Menu by clicking the Windows icon, scroll down the alphabetical menu until you get to “S,” and click to open Settings
  • Click on Devices category to open the Bluetooth and other devices settings and use switch to change Bluetooth to On
  • Connect the computer’s Bluetooth to the Wireless Controller and ensure the connection has been made. 
  • When asked for the pair code enter 0000 and hit okay. 
  • When the connection is made click Finish on your DS4 Windows installer and exit. 

Using your DualShock 4 controller with your PC is a fantastic way to play the game, and it can be made even better by using your controller in wireless mode. Once again, installing the DS4 Windows software will make the connection to your PC far more reliable than a simple plug-and-play experience.

The DS4 Windows software will allow your DualShock 4 to emulate an Xbox controller, but it will inactivate the touchpad, which is, unfortunately, one of our favorite features.

Before or after you establish your wireless connection, we recommend activating game mode on Windows 10 to enhance your gaming experience. If your system is older Game Mode will restore your frame rates to the most desirable level.

Sony Wireless Adaptor Saving Precious Game Time

Sony Wireless Adaptor: Saving Precious Game Time

Suppose you want to connect the DualShock 4 controller to your PC. Still, you don’t want the inconvenience of installing external programs and drivers or plugging the micro-USB into your controller and monitor. In that case, Sony has a way around that. The best part about the Sony Wireless Adaptor is its usability and affordability.

This wireless remote adaptor will support all of the features that DualShock 4 offers, like vibrating feedback, a stereo headset jack, and the famed touchpad. All you have to do to use this handy gaming equipment is plug it into an open USB port on your computer and enjoy!

How to Use a PS4 Controller on a Mac

While you cannot use the DS4 Windows Software to connect your DualShock 4 Controller and your gaming PC all hope is not lost. You can plug and play with the micro USB connection the same way we mentioned earlier with just a few simple steps:

  • Gather your DualShock 4 controller and Micro USB cable that came with your controller and insert the end of the USB into your controller. 
  • Insert the other side of your Micro USB cable into your computer and give the system a few seconds. 
  • As soon as your controller is recognized by the PC you will see the light bar on your controller glow yellow

It is that simple, but we want to remind you that this is not the most reliable way to connect the PS4 controller to your gaming PC. Without a doubt, if you are in the minority that uses Mac for your gaming rig, you will prefer purchasing the Sony Wireless Adaptor.

Connecting with the adaptor guarantees a stable connection that allows you access to all the DualShock 4 features you love. Whatever operating system you use when gaming, you can rest assured that there is a way to connect your PS4 controller to your gaming PC.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you now know how you can connect your gaming PC and DualShock 4 controller to the game for hours. Whether running on a Windows or a Mac operating system, you can hook up your PS4 controller to the compatible games on your PC.

At the same time, Mac users have fewer options than Windows users you should not be deterred from using the controller of your choice. Suppose you are willing to spend extra cash to ensure consistent connectivity with all the DualShock 4 features.

In that case, if you love investing in the external dongle for a wireless hookup is well worth it. Whichever method you choose to connect your PS4 controller and your gaming monitor, we hope you try it with our explicit directions by your side.

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