How to connect PS4, PS5 and Xbox controllers to Windows

We explain how to connect Xbox One and PS4 controllers to a PC or laptop running Windows using Bluetooth or a cable. What drivers to download, which adapter to use for connection, and what programs are needed for stable operation of the PS4 controller.

A huge advantage of the Xbox gamepad over the DualShock 4 / DualSense is its full compatibility with Windows. To connect the device to a computer, you most likely will not have to perform any complicated steps. And if you do, we will prepare you for it. There are several ways to connect the controller to a PC.

Method 1: USB cable. If your PC does not have a Bluetooth module, simply connect it to the PC using a USB cable—one end in the computer port and the other in the gamepad connector. That's it, you can now safely start playing your favorite game.

Method 2: Bluetooth. Owners of computers with a Bluetooth module can play wirelessly, for this do the following:

However, keep in mind that not all versions of the Xbox gamepad have the wireless connection function to a PC by default. To determine if your controller can work with a computer via Bluetooth, carefully look at the case. If your gamepad looks like the one on the left in the photo below, then it supports wireless connection to the PC, but if it looks like the one on the right—unfortunately, you will only be able to play wirelessly after purchasing a special adapter.

Method 3: Bluetooth adapter. If your gamepad looks like the one on the right in the image, you can still connect it to the computer without extra cables, but you will need to purchase a special Bluetooth adapter from Microsoft. It looks like a small flash drive. Insert it into the USB port of the PC and repeat all the steps described in the second method. Enjoy your game!

The DualShock 4 can also be easily and effortlessly connected to a computer, but not all games will support its full range of features. Nevertheless, let's start with the simple methods.

Method 1: USB cable. Connect it to the computer using a USB cable and turn it on by pressing the round button with the PS logo on the front panel. Now, check if Windows recognized the controller:

If everything went well, you will see a Wireless Controller among the connected devices.

Method 2: Bluetooth. If your computer or laptop supports Bluetooth, try connecting the gamepad without using a cable. To do this, follow these steps:

After completing all the steps, the gamepad will be fully ready for use, for example, with Steam. The store client will recognize the controller and allow you to fully use Big Picture mode, which is activated by pressing the PS button.

Method 3: Third-party software. If desired, you can enable vibration and the touchpad on the gamepad. To do this, we will have to use third-party software. There are many programs that help connect the PS4/PS5 gamepad to a computer correctly. Among them, we can highlight: DS4Windows, DS4Tool, InputMapper, and Xpadder. They all work more or less the same, so let's consider the installation process using DS4Windows as an example:

After completing all the above steps, you will see a line with the connected gamepad in the Controllers tab of the program window, but instead of the name, there will be a series of symbols separated by colons. Now your DualShock 4 / DualSense is fully ready for use on a PC. Just don't forget to always turn on DS4Windows before launching games.

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What do you prefer to play on? Do you love gamepads, or are the keyboard and mouse irreplaceable? Write your answer in the comments!