Connecting Your PS4 Controller to Windows 11: A Handy How-To
Trying to get your PS4 controller to work wirelessly with Windows 11? Usually, it’s straightforward, but sometimes it feels like navigating a labyrinth. Essentially, you just need to turn on Bluetooth on your PC, put the controller into pairing mode, and it should connect automatically. Sounds simple, right? But occasionally, it’s a bit trickier. Here’s how to get everything working smoothly.
Enable Bluetooth on Windows 11
First, check if your PC has Bluetooth built in. Click on the Start menu, go to Settings, then select Devices. Find the Bluetooth toggle and switch it to “On.” Easy peasy.
Alternatively, for a quicker fix, open the Action Centre by pressing Win + A. Click the Bluetooth icon to toggle it on.
If your device doesn’t have Bluetooth, you’ll need to grab a USB Bluetooth adapter—Windows can be a bit fussy about that. If everything looks good in Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, you’re ready to proceed.
Prepare Your PS4 Controller
Next, to get your controller ready, hold down the PS button and the Share button simultaneously. Keep holding until the LED starts flashing rapidly. If nothing happens, try resetting the controller with a paperclip in the small hole on the back, then give it another go. The flashing light indicates it’s in pairing mode, which usually takes just a few seconds.
Pro Tip: If Bluetooth acting up, connecting the controller via a micro-USB cable often does the trick.
Start Pairing on Your PC
Once your controller is in pairing mode, head back to Bluetooth settings:
Start Menu > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
Click on Add device and select Bluetooth. Windows will start scanning for nearby devices. You should see Wireless Controller appear. If not, turning Bluetooth off and on again can help.
Sometimes, running the following in PowerShell can speed things up:
bluetoothctl pairable on
Quick tip: If you’ve previously paired other controllers, removing them first can prevent connection hiccups.
Connect Your Controller
Click on Wireless Controller to pair. If a confirmation prompt appears, just approve it. No PIN required—simply hit Connect. Once connected, the controller’s LED should stop flashing and stay steady.
Heads up: This connection will remain active until you turn off Bluetooth, switch off the controller, or restart your PC.
Test It Out
Now, test your controller. Launch a game or use a tool like JoyTester to check if all buttons and sticks are recognising input. Move those thumbsticks, press buttons—everything should register properly.
Having issues? Try re-pairing or updating your Bluetooth drivers via:
pnputil /update driver inf or check for updates in Device Manager > Bluetooth.
Tips for a Smoother Connection
- Keep your PS4 controller charged — use your PS console or a USB cable to top it up.
- Ensure your Bluetooth drivers are up to date — check in Device Manager.
- Avoid having too many other Bluetooth devices nearby to prevent interference.
- Always set your controller into pairing mode before trying to connect—that’ll save a lot of hassle.
- If issues persist, reset Bluetooth:
Win + X > Device Manager, find your Bluetooth adapter, right-click, choose Disable device, wait a moment, then enable it again.
Common Questions About PS4 Controller and Windows 11
Can I connect multiple PS4 controllers at the same time?
Yes, but it depends on your PC’s hardware. Some can handle up to four controllers at once, though performance might dip if you try using all of them simultaneously.
What if my controller doesn’t show up at all?
Make sure it’s in pairing mode. If it’s still unrecognised, remove old pairings in Bluetooth & devices > Manage Bluetooth devices and try again. Turning Bluetooth off and back on often does the trick, too.
You can also force a rescan with this PowerShell command:
Get-PnpDevice -FriendlyName *Wireless Controller* | Disable-PnpDevice -Confirm:$false; Start-Sleep -Seconds 2; Enable-PnpDevice -FriendlyName *Wireless Controller* -Confirm:$false
Does every PC come with built-in Bluetooth?
Not necessarily. Some don’t have Bluetooth at all. Check in Device Manager > Network adapters to see if a Bluetooth device is listed. If not, you’ll need a USB Bluetooth dongle—popular options include the Intel Wireless-AC 9260 or similar.
Can I just use a wired connection?
Absolutely. Plugging in your PS4 controller with a micro-USB cable works seamlessly. Windows will recognise it immediately, and no pairing is needed. Plus, wired connections are often more stable, reducing lag and connection dropouts.
Is extra software needed to connect my PS4 controller?
No, Windows 11 natively supports the PS4 controller. However, if you want custom button mappings or enhanced features, you might like DS4Windows. It offers more control and makes troubleshooting a lot easier.
Wrapping It Up: Connecting Your Controller Made Simple
Pairing your PS4 controller with Windows 11 can make gaming much more comfortable by cutting down on those pesky wires. Most of the time, it’s a straightforward process, but sometimes things don’t go quite as planned. Keeping your controller charged and your device drivers current can save a lot of frustration. Once set up, gaming without cables is a revelation—and it’s worth the little bit of effort. Patience really pays off here.
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled.
- Put your PS4 controller into pairing mode (hold PS + Share).
- Add the controller via Bluetooth in Windows.
- Test it with a game or controller tester.
Hopefully, this saves some time for anyone who’s been pulling their hair out trying to connect!