Introduction
Connecting a PlayStation 4 (PS4) controller to a laptop is not as straightforward as connecting it to a PS4 system, but it can still be done. Depending on the type of laptop you have and the type of connection you want, there are several different approaches that you can take in order to connect your PS4 controller to your laptop.
Use an Official Sony DualShock 4 USB Wireless Adaptor
The simplest solution for connecting your PS4 controller to your laptop is to use the official Sony DualShock 4 USB Wireless Adaptor. This wireless adaptor allows you to easily connect your PS4 controller to your laptop without any additional software or drivers. The adaptor has a USB connector on one end and a 3.5mm jack on the other end, making it easy to connect to both PCs and laptops.
Advantages
The biggest advantage of using the official Sony DualShock 4 USB Wireless Adaptor is that it is quick and easy to set up. You simply plug the USB connector into your laptop and then plug the 3.5mm jack into your PS4 controller. Once connected, you can begin playing games with your controller.
Instructions
To use the official Sony DualShock 4 USB Wireless Adaptor, follow these steps:
- Plug the USB connector into your laptop.
- Plug the 3.5mm jack into your PS4 controller.
- Turn on your PS4 controller.
- Open the game you want to play on your laptop.
- Your PS4 controller should now be connected and ready to use.
Connect via Bluetooth
Another option for connecting your PS4 controller to your laptop is to use Bluetooth. This requires that your laptop has Bluetooth capabilities, but if it does, then it is a fairly simple process to connect your PS4 controller using Bluetooth.
Advantages
The main advantage of connecting via Bluetooth is that it is wireless, so you don’t have to worry about having to keep your laptop and controller close together. Additionally, Bluetooth is more reliable than other wireless connections, so you won’t have to worry about your connection dropping out during gameplay.
Instructions
To connect your PS4 controller to your laptop via Bluetooth, follow these steps:
- Make sure your laptop has Bluetooth enabled.
- Press and hold the PlayStation and Share buttons on your PS4 controller until the light bar starts flashing.
- On your laptop, open the Bluetooth settings and search for new devices.
- Select “Wireless Controller” when it appears in the list of available devices.
- Your PS4 controller should now be connected and ready to use.
Utilize a Third-Party Adapter
If your laptop doesn’t have Bluetooth capabilities, or if you would prefer to use a wired connection, then you can purchase a third-party adapter that will allow you to connect your PS4 controller to your laptop. These adapters come in both wired and wireless varieties, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Advantages
The main advantage of using a third-party adapter is that it is a relatively inexpensive solution compared to buying the official Sony DualShock 4 USB Wireless Adaptor. Additionally, depending on the adapter you choose, you may get a longer range of connection or faster data transfer speeds.
Instructions
To use a third-party adapter, follow these steps:
- Purchase a compatible third-party adapter for your laptop.
- Connect the adapter to your laptop according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Connect the PS4 controller to the adapter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Turn on your PS4 controller.
- Open the game you want to play on your laptop.
- Your PS4 controller should now be connected and ready to use.
Install a Virtual Xbox 360 Controller Driver
If you are using a Windows PC, then you can install a virtual Xbox 360 controller driver in order to use your PS4 controller with your laptop. This driver will emulate an Xbox 360 controller, allowing you to use the controller with any game that supports Xbox 360 controllers.
Advantages
The main advantage of installing a virtual Xbox 360 controller driver is that it is a free solution that doesn’t require any additional hardware. Additionally, it is compatible with most games, so you won’t have to worry about whether or not your PS4 controller will work with a particular game.
Instructions
To install a virtual Xbox 360 controller driver, follow these steps:
- Download and install the latest version of the virtual Xbox 360 controller driver from the official website.
- Connect your PS4 controller to your laptop via USB cable.
- Open the game you want to play on your laptop.
- The virtual Xbox 360 controller driver should automatically detect your PS4 controller and you should be able to use it with the game.
Use a Wired Connection
You can also connect your PS4 controller to your laptop using a wired connection. This requires a USB cable, but it is a fast and easy way to connect your controller without any additional software or drivers.
Advantages
The main advantage of using a wired connection is that it is fast and reliable. Additionally, it is a very simple process, so you don’t have to worry about setting up any additional software or drivers.
Instructions
To use a wired connection, follow these steps:
- Connect your PS4 controller to your laptop via USB cable.
- Turn on your PS4 controller.
- Open the game you want to play on your laptop.
- Your PS4 controller should now be connected and ready to use.
Stream Games from Your PS4 to Your Laptop
If you have a PS4 Pro or a PS4 Slim, then you can stream games from your PS4 directly to your laptop using the Remote Play feature. This allows you to play your PS4 games on your laptop without having to physically connect your controller.
Advantages
The main advantage of using Remote Play is that it allows you to play your PS4 games on your laptop without having to physically connect your controller. Additionally, you can control the game using the on-screen controls, so you don’t even need a controller at all.
Instructions
To stream games from your PS4 to your laptop, follow these steps:
- Connect your PS4 and laptop to the same network.
- Download the Remote Play app on your laptop.
- Sign in to your PSN account on both your PS4 and your laptop.
- Launch the Remote Play app on your laptop and select your PS4 from the list of available devices.
- Your PS4 games should now be streamed to your laptop and you can control them using either the on-screen controls or a connected controller.
Conclusion
Connecting a PS4 controller to a laptop can be tricky, but it is possible. From the official Sony DualShock 4 USB Wireless Adaptor to streaming games from your PS4, there are several solutions that you can use in order to connect your PS4 controller to your laptop. No matter which solution you choose, you should be able to easily connect your PS4 controller and start playing your favorite games.
