If you enjoy gaming on both consoles and PC, maybe you would like to make the most out of your current gaming setup. Thanks to common standards like HDMI, Bluetooth, and USB, many components in your gaming setup are interchangeable and allow you to mix and match to find what works better for you. Read this article to find out how to use your PS4 controller with PC and a PS4 that are both connected to the same monitor.
How to connect a PS4 controller to a PC?
Playing a number of PC games, such as Rocket League, Cuphead, or Dark Souls with a controller gives you much finer control over your movements. Here is what you need to hook up a PS4 controller to your PC:
- Bluetooth-enabled computer or Bluetooth dongle
- DS4Windows software
- PS4 controller
- USB cable (USB-A to micro USB)
Since your PS4 controller and PC are largely compatible, the process is quite simple and fast. It is not truly plug-and-play, so you should start by downloading DS4 software . You can find the steps and additional installation information here.
For this software to work properly, you need to make sure that you have Microsoft .NET 4.5 installed. If you do not have it already, download it from here.
You will also have to install the Microsoft Xbox 360 driver if you are running older versions of Windows 7. For Windows 7 SP1 and higher, this driver is already included.
Now you are ready to connect your PS4 controller to a PC wirelessly via Bluetooth or wired using a USB cable. For USB connections, simply connect one end to a USB port on your PC and the other to the micro USB port on the controller. If you choose to use Bluetooth, press and hold the PS and Share buttons on the controller together for three seconds until it flashes. Next, go to your Windows Bluetooth settings to finish setting up the device. The PS4 controller will be displayed as “Wireless Controller”. Click on pair an Windows will remember the setting going forward.
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How to use your PC monitor with PS4?
If you would like to play a game that is not available on PC, you do not need to start unplugging cables. Many modern monitors have multiple HDMI ports so that you can have a PC and PS4 connected at the same time. PC monitors suit the needs of gamers who prefer FPSs or competitive games. As opposed to TVs, monitors are able to react to your movements faster due to quicker response times.
To use a PS4 with a monitor, you most likely already have everything you need. However, there a few things you might need to consider. Here is what you will need:
- PS4
- HDMI cable
- Available HDMI port on monitor
- Speakers, headphones (if the monitor does not have speakers or you simply want to be considerate)
If your monitor has an HDMI output, you can simply use an HDMI cable to connect a PS4 to your display. If it does not have an HDMI port, go for a different type of connector. Use DVI output and an HDMI-to-DVI adapter, VGA with an HDMI-to-VGA adapter, or DisplayPort with an HDMI-to-DisplayPort adapter.
For sound, keep in mind that fortunately the PS4 uses an open audio format, which means any headphones designed for PC will work on PS4. Wireless headphones with a dongle work via any USB port on PC and PS4. Wired headphones work through the 3.5mm jacks on your PC and on the PS4 controller. Bluetooth headphones can be paired to your PC as described above and most will work with PS4 though performance may vary.
Summary
Overall, you can optimize your desk space and money with a combined setup. It saves time since you do not have to unplug cables and rearrange your equipment. The biggest advantage is using a single PC monitor to play both PS4 and PC so you can switch between different devices when you feel like switching games or platforms.
