How to Connect a PS4 Controller to PC With DS4Windows 🎮 Full Windows 11 Setup Guide - 2026 Updated

In this Windows 11 tutorial, I’ll show you how to connect a PS4 controller to your PC using DS4Windows so you can use your DualShock 4 controller in Steam games, Epic Games, emulators, Game Pass games, and most PC games that work better with Xbox controller input. DS4 Windows Page: https://github.com/schmaldeo/DS4Windo... DS4 Windows Download: https://github.com/schmaldeo/DS4Windo... VigemBus Download: https://github.com/nefarius/ViGEmBus/... To set this up, you will need DS4Windows, the ViGEmBus driver, and the Microsoft .NET 8.0 Desktop Runtime. I’ll show you where to download the required files, how to install ViGEmBus, how to install the .NET 8 desktop runtime, and how to unzip and launch DS4Windows. When DS4Windows asks where to save your settings, I recommend choosing the program folder instead of the AppData folder. That way, if DS4Windows bugs out later or you need to fully reset the program, it is much easier to delete the folder and start fresh. After DS4Windows is installed, I’ll show how to connect your PS4 controller to your PC using Bluetooth. To put the controller into pairing mode, press and hold the PS button and Share button at the same time until the light bar starts flashing rapidly. Then open Windows Bluetooth settings, press the plus button to add a new device, and select the generic “Wireless Controller” device when it appears. Windows 11 should beep, show a connection notification, and begin setting up the controller. Once the controller appears in DS4Windows, it is ready to use. By default, DS4Windows makes your PS4 controller act like an Xbox controller. That is usually the best option because Xbox controller support is built into most PC games. This means better compatibility, fewer weird button problems, and less time fighting with controller settings. I also show how to adjust DS4Windows settings to reduce input lag, and how to make DS4Windows output a PlayStation / DS4 controller instead of an Xbox controller. However, I do not usually recommend that for most games because Xbox emulation tends to work better across PC games. Bluetooth does work, but I personally do not recommend it if you want the smoothest experience. Bluetooth can add lag, connection issues, random disconnects, or stutter depending on your adapter and setup. For the least annoying experience, a wired USB connection is usually more reliable. In this video: • How to connect a PS4 controller to PC • How to use DS4Windows on Windows 11 • How to download DS4Windows • How to install the ViGEmBus driver • How to install Microsoft .NET 8.0 Desktop Runtime • How to unzip and run DS4Windows • Why I save DS4Windows settings in the program folder • How to pair a PS4 controller with Bluetooth • How to use PS Button + Share Button pairing mode • How to add Wireless Controller in Windows 11 • How DS4Windows makes a PS4 controller act like an Xbox controller • Why Xbox emulation has better game compatibility • How to reduce DS4Windows input lag • How to switch DS4Windows from Xbox output to DS4 output • Why Bluetooth can cause lag • Best DS4Windows settings for PC games #DS4Windows #PS4Controller #Windows11