To connect a PS4 controller to a Windows 11 PC, either plug it in with a micro-USB data cable, or pair it over Bluetooth: open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth, then hold the controller’s Share and PS buttons together until the light bar flashes, and select Wireless Controller. Steam games support the controller automatically; for other games you may need a helper app such as DS4Windows.
Below are the wired and wireless steps, how to make the controller work in Steam and non-Steam games, and fixes for the most common problems.
What you need
- A PS4 DualShock 4 controller, charged.
- A micro-USB cable that carries data, not just power (some cheap charging cables don’t).
- For wireless: a PC with Bluetooth. Most laptops have it; many desktops need a USB Bluetooth adapter.
Method 1: Connect with a USB cable
- Plug the micro-USB end into the top of the controller and the other end into your PC.
- Wait a few seconds while Windows installs the driver. The light bar turns on.
- To confirm, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices and look for Wireless Controller.
Wired is the simplest and most reliable option, with no pairing or battery worries, and it charges the controller while you play.
Method 2: Connect over Bluetooth
- On your PC, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices and make sure Bluetooth is on.
- Click Add device and choose Bluetooth.
- On the controller, press and hold Share and the PS button together for about three seconds, until the light bar starts double-flashing white.
- Select Wireless Controller in the list on your PC.
- Wait for Your device is ready to go. The light bar turns solid.
If Windows asks for a PIN, enter 0000.
Make the controller work in games
Steam games
Steam supports PS4 controllers natively. Open Steam, go to Settings > Controller, and make sure PlayStation controller support is turned on. Steam will show PlayStation button prompts in many games and lets you remap buttons per game.
Games outside Steam
Many PC games expect an Xbox controller. If a game doesn’t respond to your PS4 controller:
- Add it to Steam as a non-Steam game (Games > Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library) and launch it from Steam, so Steam Input translates the controls.
- Use DS4Windows, a free open-source tool that makes Windows see the controller as an Xbox controller. Download it only from its official project page.
- Check the game’s settings. Some games, especially newer PlayStation ports, support the DualShock 4 directly.
- Press Windows + R, type
joy.cpl, and press Enter to open Game Controllers. - Select Wireless Controller and click Properties.
- Press each button and move both sticks and triggers. The matching indicators should light up or move.
If something doesn’t register here, the problem is the connection or the controller itself rather than the game. If everything works here but not in a game, the game probably needs Steam Input or DS4Windows.
Wired vs. Bluetooth
| USB cable | Bluetooth | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Plug and play | One-time pairing |
| Latency | Lowest | Slightly higher |
| Battery | Charges while playing | Lasts several hours per charge |
| Headset jack and touchpad | More consistent support | Varies by game and tool |
| Freedom of movement | Limited by cable | Wireless |
Using the controller with your PS4 again
A DualShock 4 remembers only one wireless connection at a time. After pairing with your PC, connect it to your PS4 with a USB cable and press the PS button to re-pair it with the console. You’ll need to pair it with the PC again later.
Troubleshooting
- Windows doesn’t detect it over USB: Try a different cable, since many are charge-only. Try another USB port, preferably one directly on the PC.
- Light bar won’t flash white: Reset the controller by pressing the small reset button on the back (near the L2 trigger) with a paperclip for five seconds, then try pairing again.
- Keeps disconnecting: Move closer to the PC, remove other Bluetooth devices you’re not using, and update your Bluetooth driver in Device Manager.
- Buttons are mapped wrong: Use Steam’s controller configuration or DS4Windows to remap them.
- Controller shows up but games ignore it: Close DS4Windows or Steam if both are running, since they can conflict, and use one at a time.
Related: How to overclock a controller on Windows 11.
No Bluetooth button in Quick Settings? These steps to get Bluetooth working on a Windows PC cover missing drivers and USB adapters.
Frequently asked questions
Does Windows 11 support PS4 controllers?
Yes. Windows recognizes the DualShock 4 over USB and Bluetooth without extra drivers, though some games need Steam or DS4Windows for full support.
Can I use the controller’s headphone jack on PC?
Usually over USB. Over Bluetooth, audio through the controller often doesn’t work without extra tools.
How long does the battery last on PC?
Typically a few hours of play over Bluetooth, depending on the light bar and vibration. Plug in the cable to charge while you play.
Does this work with a PS5 controller?
Yes, a DualSense pairs the same way, except you hold Create and PS to pair, and it uses a USB-C cable.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.