How to Use a PlayStation 4 Controller on Your Windows PC with DS4Windows

Are you tired of using a keyboard and mouse to play games on your PC? Do you want to experience the comfort and convenience of playing with a controller? Look no further than DS4Windows‚ a free and open-source application that allows you to use your PlayStation 4 controller (DualShock 4) on your Windows PC. In this article‚ we’ll take you through the steps of installing and setting up DS4Windows‚ making it easy for you to get started with playing games on your PC using your DualShock 4 controller.

What is DS4Windows?

DS4Windows is an extract-anywhere program that allows you to get the best DualShock 4 experience on your PC. By emulating an Xbox 360 controller‚ many more games are accessible. Other input controllers are also supported‚ including the DualSense‚ Switch Pro‚ and Joy-Con controllers.

System Requirements

Before you begin‚ make sure your system meets the following requirements⁚

  • Windows 10 or 11 operating system
  • .NET 6.0 Runtime FOR DESKTOP APPS (download and install)
  • DualShock 4 controller (wired or wireless)

Downloading and Installing DS4Windows

To download DS4Windows‚ visit the official website and click on the “Download” button. Choose the latest version of DS4Windows that matches your system architecture (x64 or x86). Once downloaded‚ extract the zip file to a folder on your PC.

Installing the Required Drivers

Before you can use your DualShock 4 controller with DS4Windows‚ you need to install the required drivers. Follow these steps⁚

  1. Open the DS4Windows folder and locate the “DS4Windows.exe” file.
  2. Run the file as an administrator by right-clicking on it and selecting “Run as administrator.”
  3. Follow the installation instructions to install the required drivers.
  4. Once the installation is complete‚ restart your PC.

Setting Up Your DualShock 4 Controller

Now that the drivers are installed‚ it’s time to set up your DualShock 4 controller⁚

  1. Connect your DualShock 4 controller to your PC using a micro-USB cable or pair it wirelessly using Bluetooth.
  2. Open DS4Windows and click on the “Controller/Driver Setup” button.
  3. Follow the instructions to complete the setup process.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter any issues during the installation or setup process‚ here are some common solutions⁚

  • If the installer fails to open‚ try reinstalling DS4Windows or checking the official website for updates.
  • If your controller is not recognized‚ try restarting your PC or reinstalling the drivers.
  • If you’re experiencing lag or input latency‚ try adjusting the settings in DS4Windows or updating your controller’s firmware.

Conclusion

With these steps‚ you should now be able to install and set up DS4Windows on your PC‚ allowing you to use your DualShock 4 controller to play games with ease. Remember to troubleshoot any common issues that may arise and enjoy your gaming experience!