How to use the PS4 DualShock controller on our PC
Recently I found a stash of my old PC games. Most were strategy games like one of my all-time favorites, Age of Empires. But there were some other gems like X-Men Legends 2. So, of course, I installed it. Now the game is fully playable via keyboards, but my chubby digits just could not seem to find that flow. Muscle memory, be damned. These hands now solely belong to the gamepad world. It was obvious at this point, I need to buy a pc controller. But the budget is tight. But my dear friend the internet came to my rescue. Somehow I stumbled onto an article that gives us a way to use a PS4 as a gamepad. This may not be news but to me it was. And of course, I hope to share this with you.
Step 1 Download DS4Windows
DS4 is a small application that helps windows identify your device. It has all the driver built in. It is free and can be downloaded here. The program essentially dupes your PC into thinking it is an Xbox 360 controller which Windows fully supports for obvious reasons.
Step 2 Install DS4
Locate the downloaded Zip file, right-click on it and choose “Extract All…” A window will pop up and request you choose a location to extract the files to. You can choose the very same folder you have downloaded it to or another of your designation. Personally, I recommend a new re-named folder. Once completely extract you should see a few files. The two most important one being DS4Updater.exe and DS4Windows.exe. Updater is, of course, to keep the application updated via its developer. The latter is the actual utility to use your controller. Simply Double-Click DS4Windows.exe to start the program and get your controller synced.
Step 3 Set Up DS4Windows
Once the application is launched, you will be asked if you would like to save your profiles and settings. I recommend you use the default selection. Once the new window opens select “Install the DS4 Driver”. If your Operating System is older than Windows 7 you should also install 360 Driver.
Step 4 Connect Controller
Connecting the controller can be done via two methods. Either Bluetooth or USB. USB is straight forward. Just connect the cable to the controller and to PC. Windows should detect it. For Bluetooth, make sure it is on and discoverable it also on. Press and hold the PS button for 3 seconds, until the light bar flashes. Then open the Bluetooth setting on the PC and select the wireless controller. If asked to enter the code, type 0000. The controller should now connect.
And that is it. Four easy steps and you have a free controller for all your pc gaming needs.
