Connect controller to PC: bluetooth, DualShock, PS4

It is possible to connect to your PC with a generic controller, a PlayStation, or Xbox controller. This article will show you how to play games on a PC with a controller.

Can you connect any generic controller to a PC?

If you play GTA V, for example, on your PC you may find only playing with your mouse and keyboard uncomfortable or limiting. A generic controller will allow you to overcome these issues and explore a new way of enjoying this game.

In order to connect a generic controller to your PC, you will need your device and PC to recognize each other. If the connection is established via Bluetooth, open the control panel to see which devices that your PC can detect, making sure that the controller is both on, and has enough battery. If the generic controller is connected by cable, make sure that you have the drivers for the controller itself. Often you do not need to install anything manually, since these controllers usually come equipped with their own plug-and-play system. If this is not your case, go to the manufacturer's page and locate the driver for your specific controller model.

How to connect an Xbox controller to a PC?

Good news! The new Xbox Series X|S controller, the Xbox One controller, and the Xbox 360 controller all work on PC without needing to install any additional programs. Simply connect the wired or Bluetooth controller to your PC. We recommend using the built in configuration button on the Xbox controller. That said, you may have your personal preferences which you can edit in the options section. The method used to connect an Xbox controller to the PC is the same as the above generic controller. 

Warning: You will notice that the Xbox 360 controller does not work well when you connect it to your PC via Bluetooth. The Xbox 360 controller works better when you plug it in with the cable.

How to use the PlayStation controller on a PC?

The Windows operating system does not support PlayStation controllers natively, but don't worry, you can connect the PlayStations's various DualShock controllers to your PC and play GTA V by following these steps. 

How to use a PS5 DualSense controller on PC?

The simplest option is to connect a PS5 controller to a PC via a USB-C to USB-A or USB-C cable. You should be able to plug the controller in and have it recognised immediately. If you prefer to go wireless, then you can use the DualSense controller via Bluetooth. To connect your controller to the PC you need to go to the Bluetooth and other devices menu in Windows. From here your can add devices.

How to connect PS4 wireless controllers to a PC?

You can connect your PS4's DualShock 4 wireless console controller to your PC using the console's wireless adaptor or a compatible micro USB cable. When you pair your wireless controller with your computer using Bluetooth for the first time, follow these steps:

• Turn on pairing mode. The player indicator on your controller should not be lit. To turn it off, press and hold the PS button for a few seconds.
• Press and hold the SHARE button and at the same time press and hold the PS button. Release the buttons when the light bar starts flashing.
• Turn on Bluetooth on your PC.
• Select your controller from the list of Bluetooth devices. The devices will be connected when the light bar flashes and then the player indicator lights up.

How to use a PS4 controller to play GTA 5 on PC?

Download the DS4Windows driver (there are other options but this is our favorite). By downloading the DS4Windows driver, your PC will think that the controller you are connecting is an Xbox 360 controller instead. To install it, you just have to follow the usual steps:

• Locate the compressed file containing the installation package in the downloads folder
• Run the installer file and follow the process indicated by the PC. The alternative to installing this driver is to buy a wireless USB adapter from Sony.

Tip: When you install DS4Windows for the first time, you will have to choose where to save your settings and profiles. We recommend using the default option (Appdata). Also, if you use Windows 7, remember that you will have to click on 'Install Driver 360'.

How to connect a PS3 Controller to a PC?

PS3 controllers have the same limitation as the PS4 controllers: they are not easily recognized or activated by the PC, so you need to install a driver before use. In the case of the PS3 controller, to connect it to your PC we recommend downloading and installing SCP Server. Once SCP Server is downloaded and unzipped, a folder will be created on your system called PS3 JOYSTICK. All you have to do is open that folder, double-click on the 'Bin' subfolder and launch the app you will find inside, called ScpDriver. After installation, go back to the 'Bin' folder, connect the PS3 controller to your PC and launch the SCP Server app. You are ready to play.

Note: Remember to uncheck the Bluetooth Driver box, as your PS3 controller will only work with your PC when connected by cable. Also, don't forget to check the Force install box.