You can connect a DUALSHOCK 4 to a Windows PC with a compatible micro-USB cable or PlayStation’s DUALSHOCK 4 USB wireless adaptor. Bluetooth pairing is another option for supported devices: hold SHARE and PS until the controller’s light bar flashes, then select it in the device’s Bluetooth list. Whether it works in a particular PC game depends on that game’s controller support.
Choose a connection method
| Method | What you need | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| USB cable | A compatible micro-USB cable | PlayStation lists this as a way to connect a DUALSHOCK 4 to a Windows PC. The guidance does not specify an additional software installation for this basic connection. |
| DUALSHOCK 4 USB wireless adaptor | PlayStation’s DUALSHOCK 4 USB wireless adaptor | PlayStation lists the adaptor as a Windows PC connection option. Its current retail availability is not established. |
| Bluetooth | A PC with Bluetooth and a supported setup | PlayStation provides a pairing procedure for supported devices. Its Windows PC guidance specifically names the cable and USB adaptor, so Bluetooth compatibility should not be assumed for every PC or game. |
PlayStation’s PC gaming support page describes the wired and USB-adaptor options. For a wired setup, use a cable confirmed compatible with the controller.
Connect the controller with a USB cable
- Connect the compatible micro-USB cable to the DUALSHOCK 4 and a USB port on the PC.
- Check the game’s controller settings or input options to see whether it recognizes the controller.
PlayStation’s basic PC connection guidance does not require you to install extra software as part of these steps. It does not promise that every game will recognize the controller automatically.
Pair the DUALSHOCK 4 over Bluetooth
PlayStation’s Bluetooth instructions apply to a supported device. The general pairing sequence is:
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#1 Best Overall
- Precision Control: The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the DualShock 4’s analog sticks and trigger buttons have been enhanced to offer players absolute control for all games on PlayStation 4.
- Sharing at your Fingertips: The addition of the Share button makes sharing your greatest gaming moments as easy as a push of a button. Upload gameplay videos and screenshots directly from your system or live-stream your gameplay, all without disturbing the game in progress.
- New ways to Play: Revolutionary features like the touch pad, integrated light bar, and built-in speaker offer exciting new ways to experience and interact with your games and its 3.5mm audio jack offers a practical personal audio solution for gamers who want to listen to their games in private.
- Charge Efficiently: The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller can easily be recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when on standby, or with any standard charger with a micro-USB port.
- Make sure the controller’s player indicator is off. If it is lit, hold the PS button until it turns off.
- Disconnect any USB cable from the controller.
- Hold SHARE and the PS button together until the light bar flashes. This puts the controller into pairing mode.
- Turn on Bluetooth on the device and open its Bluetooth device list.
- Select the controller from the list. Pairing is complete when the light bar blinks and the player indicator lights up.
See PlayStation’s controller support instructions for its pairing guidance. Because PlayStation’s Windows PC page names USB connection options rather than guaranteeing Bluetooth support for all Windows setups, the exact result can depend on your PC and game.
Check whether your game supports the controller
A successful connection does not guarantee that a game will accept controller input. PlayStation describes the DUALSHOCK 4 as suitable for compatible games and applications, with support varying by title. If the controller connects but does not work in a game, check that game’s own controller-support information and input settings.
Rank #2
- The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the dual analog sticks and trigger buttons have been improved to provide a greater sense of control, no matter what you play.Motion sensors - Rock and roll as a highly sensitive built-in accelerometer and gyroscope detect the motion, tilt and rotation of your DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllerDualShock 4 Wireless Controller PS4 and PC compatible. Item PS5 compatible only when playing PS4 games.
- The new multi touch and clickable touch pad on the face of the DualShock 4 Wireless Controller opens up worlds of new gameplay possibilities for both newcomers and veteran gamers
- The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller features a built in speaker and stereo headset jack, putting several new audio options in the player's hands
- The Dualshock 4 wireless controller can be easily recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when in rest mode, or with any standard charger using a USB cable (type A to micro B sold separately)
Know the Bluetooth feature limitations
On Bluetooth-connected devices other than a compatible Sony Xperia device, PlayStation says these DUALSHOCK 4 features are not supported:
- Touchpad functionality
- Light-bar color changes
- Vibration
- Motion sensor
- Audio through the controller’s headset jack
These limitations concern Bluetooth use; they should not be treated as a blanket description of every wired PC setup.
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Rank #3
- 🎮【2 Packing】Two controllers are packaged in one box, which is less costly than buying two controllers separately. You can get two different custom designed controllers at the same time, which is very cost-effective.This will bring you a better game experience when you play with your friends, lover, family.
- 🎮【Wide Compatibility】AceGamer wireless controller compatible with PS4/Pro/Slim/Windows PC. ❗*Attention*❗: Only when connecting for the first time, you must activate the device with the USB cable for the first pairing and connection. After that, the normal wireless connection of Bluetooth can be made, and USB data cable is no longer needed. ❗*Note*❗: Connecting to PC(without Bluetooth) needs to install receiver, not included.
- 🎮【Function Highlights】360° Refined analog sticks, the new touch pad on the face of the game controller offer players precise control. Controller which built-in 6-axis gyro sensor has dual motor vibration, excellent dual shock effect design makes the tactile sense more sensitive. The optimized buttons and triggers, ergonomic design non-slip grips, which offer you fantastic gaming experience.
- 🎮【Turbo Setting】You can customize any key as a turbo key. First, hold down the 'share' key, then click the turbo key you want to set up successfully. Secondly, you can adjust the turbo frequency. First, hold down the 'share' key, then touch the joystick on the right up and down. There are three gears to adjust in total.
- 🎮【To Be AceGamer】You can get: 2x AceGamer for ps4 controllers wireless; 1x Charging Cable; 1x User Manual; Professional after-sales service. We focus on the design, production and sales of custom controllers. If you have any questions, please contact us in any time!
Remote Play is a different use case
Connecting the controller to play a native PC game is different from using PS Remote Play. Remote Play streams a PS4 or PS5 game to a supported device through the Remote Play app, where a DUALSHOCK 4 can be used with that streamed game. It is not the same as making the controller work in a PC game installed on the computer.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Wireless Connectivity: The DualShock 4 controller uses Bluetooth technology for wireless gameplay.
- PlayStation Compatibility: This controller is specifically designed for use with the PlayStation 4 console.
- Vibration Feedback: The controller's built-in rumble feature provides tactile feedback during gameplay.
- Adjustable Controls: The controller has customizable button layouts and analog sticks to suit your preferences.
- Long Battery Life: The controller is battery-powered and can provide up to 10 hours of gameplay on a single charge.
Rank #4
- The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the dual analog sticks and trigger buttons have been improved to provide a greater sense of control, no matter what you play
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