How to connect a PS4 joystick to a PC

Sony claims that the Dualshock 4 joystick can be used on PC, which is really good news. After all, many console games (not only from Sony) are more convenient to play using a gamepad rather than a keyboard and mouse. And this despite the fact that they are fully adapted for PC. What can we say about simulators, which are generally impossible to complete without a joystick. But is everything so simple when connecting a device? Let's look at it in this article.

Does a playstation joystick work on a computer?

A PS4 joystick is suitable for a computer and will work, but with reservations. They are that if you connect a gamepad without additional utilities and drivers, then the Dualshock 4 will not work correctly in all games. Buttons and sticks may not respond, and the button assignments are sometimes incorrect or unusual.

In addition, with this installation method, the joystick will only have basic functionality.

It will turn off:

• vibration;
• gyroscope;
• touchpad (will turn into a button);
• microphone;
• speaker;
• headset jack.

ATTENTION! These functions will not be disabled forever, but only while using the gamepad on the computer.

That is, Sony was not deceived, but such a prospect does not cause delight. And all because Microsoft and Sony are competitors in the market. And in order to avoid problems and set up the joystick as it should be, you need to “disguise” the Dualshock 4 controller as an Xbox - the brainchild of Microsoft. We will tell you how to do this below.

How to properly connect a PS4 joystick to a computer

You should know that there are two connection methods: wired and wireless. The first is the easiest, but also inconvenient, since the wires get tangled and cling, and dropping the controller can damage the USB input. For the second one, you may need a separate Bluetooth adapter, although in terms of convenience it is significantly better. But first things first.

Wired connection

For a wired connection, follow the instructions:

1. Take the USB cable that you use to charge the gamepad.
2. Now connect the cable with the joystick through the USB port on your computer or laptop.
3. The Windows system will automatically download the drivers, complete their installation, and also configure the device. If everything is done correctly, the light indicator on the joystick will light up as when connecting to the console, and the system will begin to recognize it in games.

How to check the operation of the joystick without entering the game:

1. In the search, type “Control Panel”.
2. Find "View devices and printers."
3. Right-click the gamepad icon and then click Game Controller Settings.
4. Go to properties and press any buttons on the gamepad, twist the sticks. Everything should work like clockwork.

It’s rare when an automatic installation fails, but if this happens, don’t worry, the drivers can be downloaded manually separately. Let's talk about this further.

Bluetooth connection

In this case, the wire is no longer needed, but you will need a Bluetooth adapter. It happens that it is already built into the computer, so it makes sense to use it.

IMPORTANT! Sometimes the built-in adapter and wi-fi conflict with each other, since both operate at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. It is difficult to find out about this in advance; it is easier to check it in practice. If you succeed in connecting, then everything is fine.

In all other cases, the most common Bluetooth module is suitable, preferably version 2.1 and higher.

THIS IS INTERESTING! Sony released their own module back in 2016. Such a device was supposed to eliminate compatibility problems, making utilities and “disguise” as Xbox no longer needed. But alas, this all works exclusively for PS4 games. Also, the module only supports one device, which makes paired play impossible.

And yet there are constant advantages:

• there will be no driver conflicts, and the connection to the computer is instant;
• There will always be an option to use the joystick speaker.

Whichever adapter you choose, charge the joystick to 100% before installation

Next follow the instructions:

1. Activate bluetooth: on the taskbar, click on its icon, go to the device management menu.
2. Press and hold Share and PS on the gamepad at the same time for 3 seconds.
3. If the system requires a code, enter 0000.
4. You will see that the indicator light begins to blink, so it allows the computer to detect itself.
5. The wireless controller will appear in the bluetooth device menu. Click on “connect” and wait for the connection.
6. Once paired, the flashing will stop and the light will become constant.

ATTENTION! Don't worry if it takes a few minutes, as Windows may be loading drivers. But, as a rule, they need to be downloaded manually.

How to connect a joystick so that it works on a PC

It happens that after connecting the joystick still does not work. That is, the system cannot download drivers on its own and carry out automatic configuration. In this case, additional manipulations are needed. More about them

Installing drivers

Choose DS4Windows or DS4Tool. Their archives already contain a driver + utility, this will save time.

DS4Windows

Download the program archive. Unzip it on your computer. There will be two applications in the folder; you need to double-click on DS4Windows (the second application is the utility update). Now Settings - Step 1 (this is the installation of the main driver for the gamepad).

ATTENTION! Skip Step 2 if you have never installed an Xbox controller driver on your PC. This button is needed in order to resolve the conflict between the drivers of two gamepads.

Click on Finish. Then in the Controller tab, click Start. The utility will detect the Dualshock 4 and connect it. If the gamepad still does not work correctly, enable Hide DS4 Controller.

DS4Tool

Download the archive in the same way and unpack it. Find ScpDriver.exe and install. At the bottom of the window that opens, check the force install box. Installation completed. Let's move on to disguise - the emulator

Joystick emulator program

The same unpacked archive will contain ScpServer. After double clicking, a window with a Start button appears. Click on it and wait. Almost instantly, the joystick indicator will change color to dark blue, and lines will appear in the window. This means that everything is installed correctly. Sometimes the emulator is installed crookedly, and then go to ScpDriver.exe again, uninstall via Uninstall and install again.

Windows now mistakes the Duashock for the Xbox, including in terms of buttons, the symbols of which vary greatly between controllers.You can either stick temporary icons on top of those on the joystick itself, or simply learn where each one is. Yes, this is an inconvenience, but from now on the gamepad will fly on all games, including emulators.

How to connect a joystick to a laptop

The device is connected to the laptop in the same ways as to the PC. There is no difference, you can safely follow the same steps.