How to Use DS4Windows to Customize Game Controllers in Windows
So, you want to play a game on your PC using your PS4 controller, but it isn’t working. Luckily, with a program called DS4Windows, you can easily start PC gaming with your PlayStation controller.
In this article, we’ll explain how to use DS4Windows to connect your PS4 controllers to your Windows PC.
What Is DS4Windows?
The DS4Windows app is a program that lets you use console controllers on your Windows PC. It’s mostly used by gamers who like to play with a controller rather than a mouse and keyboard since many games don’t provide native compatibility for non-Microsoft controllers.
DS4Windows lets you use the following controllers:
How Does DS4Windows Work?
DS4Windows enables you to use Sony PlayStation 4 and Nintendo controllers on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC by emulating an Xbox 360 controller. You can then customize the controller settings and remap all of your key bindings on the buttons, touchpad, joysticks, keyboard, and mouse.
It also lets you emulate a DS4 controller, but most games only support the Xbox gamepad — that’s why the default emulation mode is an Xbox controller.
Note:Unfortunately, DS4Windows is no longer available for Windows 7 and below.
How to Install and Use DS4Windows
Since the DS4Windows program is lightweight, no installation is necessary. However, you’ll still need to download the app from the official website to get started.
To download DS4Windows:
If you’re connecting your Sony DualShock gaming controller by Bluetooth, you’ll need to press theShare buttonandPS buttonuntil the light bar begins to flash. This enters it into pairing mode and you’ll be able to connect to it for the first time. If you can’t get your Bluetooth device to work, you can alwaysconnect your PS4 controller to the PCvia the USB port.
Note:If your PS4 or PS5 controller won’t connect or light up, it might be out of batteries. Here’s how tocheck your PS5 DualSense controller battery level.
How to Customize Your Gaming Controller
To create your custom controller setup using DS4Windows, you need to create a new profile. Once you have, you can easily access all controller settings, from key mappings to joystick dead zones. Here’s how to get started:
Some of the things to keep your eye out for include:
How to Use a PS4 or PS5 Controller in Steam
Luckily, many Steam games now include PlayStation configuration support so that you can use the PS4 controller natively. To do so, openSteamand selectSettings. Press theController tab, selectGeneralController Settings, and make surePlayStation Configuration Supportis ticked.
Time to Start Playing
DS4Windows is a great solution if you want to play PC games with a PlayStation controller, but the game doesn’t support it natively. Hopefully, this guide has helped you set up DS4Windows so you can enjoy your games how you want to play them.
Jake Harfield is an Australian freelance writer whose passion is finding out how different technologies work. He has written for several online publications, focusing on explaining what he has learned to help others with their tech problems. He’s an avid hiker and birder, and in his spare time you’ll find him in the Aussie bush listening to the birdsong.Read Jake’s Full Bio
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