How to Connect Ps4 Controller to Laptop Windows 11?

Connecting a PS4 controller to a laptop running Windows 11 can enhance the gaming experience and provide a more comfortable and familiar way of playing games. This guide will walk you through the necessary hardware and software requirements and the steps to install the drivers, connect the controller, and configure settings on your laptop. By the end of this guide, you will have a fully functional PS4 controller connected to your Windows 11 laptop, ready for gaming.

Hardware requirements

To connect a PS4 controller to a laptop running Windows 11, you will need the following:

• A PS4 controller

• A USB cable (micro-USB or USB-C) that is compatible with both the PS4 controller and the laptop

• A laptop running Windows 11 with a USB port

• A Bluetooth adapter (if you want to connect the controller wirelessly)

Ensure that your laptop has a USB port and that your USB cable is compatible with both the PS4 controller and the laptop. To connect the controller wirelessly, you will need a Bluetooth adapter compatible with Windows 11.

Installing drivers

Installing the necessary drivers for the PS4 controller on Windows 11 is crucial to ensure that the controller is properly recognised and can be used on your laptop. Below are the steps on how to install the drivers:

1. Connect the PS4 controller to the laptop using the USB cable.

2. Turn on the controller by pressing the PS button.

3. On your laptop, go to the Device Manager. You can access it by searching for “Device Manager” in the start menu or by going to the Control Panel and selecting “Device Manager” under the “Devices and Printers” category.

4. In the Device Manager, look for the PS4 controller under the “Other Devices” or “Unknown Devices” category.

5. Right-click on the PS4 controller and select “Update driver.”

6. Select “Search automatically for updated driver software.”

7. Windows will automatically search for and install the necessary drivers for the PS4 controller.

8. Once the drivers are installed, the PS4 controller should be listed under the “Game Controllers” category in the Device Manager.

9. Close the Device Manager, and you are now ready to use the PS4 controller on your laptop.

If Windows fails to install the driver automatically or if you are using a Bluetooth adapter, you may need to manually download and install the drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

Connecting the controller

Once the necessary drivers are installed, you can physically connect the PS4 controller to the laptop. There are two ways to do this: wired or wireless connection. Below are the steps for both methods:

Wired connection:

• Connect the PS4 controller to the laptop using the USB cable.

• The controller should automatically turn on and be recognised by the laptop.

• You should now be able to use the controller in games that support it.

Wireless connection:

• Ensure the Bluetooth adapter is connected to the laptop and turned on.

• Press and hold the PS and Share buttons on the PS4 controller simultaneously for 3 seconds.

• The controller should enter pairing mode, and the light bar will start flashing.

• On your laptop, go to the settings and look for Bluetooth devices.

• Select “Wireless Controller” from the list of available devices.

• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.

• Once the controller is paired, the light bar should stop flashing and stay lit.

• You should now be able to use the controller in games that support it.

Configure Setting

Steps on how to configure settings on the laptop to recognise and use the controller properly:

1. Ensure the PS4 controller is connected to the laptop and turned on.

2. Go to the settings of your laptop and look for “Devices” or “Bluetooth and other devices.”

3. Select the PS4 controller from the list of connected devices.

4. Select “Game controller settings” or “Properties.”

5. Adjust the settings, such as changing the vibration intensity or reassigning buttons.

6. Calibrate the controller if necessary by following the on-screen instructions.

Note: Some games may have their controller settings, so you should check them to ensure that the controller is properly configured and working as intended.

Troubleshooting

Bluetooth connection issues: 

If you are having trouble connecting your PS4 controller to your laptop via Bluetooth, try resetting the controller by holding down the PlayStation button and the Share button simultaneously for five seconds. If the issue persists, try disabling and then re-enabling Bluetooth on your laptop or checking to ensure your laptop’s Bluetooth drivers are up to date.

USB connection issues: 

If the PS4 controller is not recognised by your laptop when connected via USB, try using a different USB cable or port. If the issue persists, ensure that your laptop’s USB drivers are up to date.

Input issues: 

If the PS4 controller is not functioning correctly once connected, try adjusting the input settings on your laptop. This can include calibrating the controller and reassigning buttons in the controller settings.

Compatibility issues: 

If the PS4 controller is incompatible with your laptop’s operating system, you may need to use third-party software such as DS4Windows or InputMapper to enable compatibility.

Updating Firmware: 

Ensure your PS4 controller’s firmware is up to date, as this can resolve various connection and input issues.

Check for interference: 

Ensure that no other device nearby, such as a wireless phone or a wireless headset, may interfere with the connection.

Restart your Laptop and PS4 Controller: 

Restarting your laptop and PS4 controller can often resolve issues.

Consult the manual: 

If the above solutions do not work, consult the PS4 controller or laptop manual for additional troubleshooting suggestions.

FAQ’s:

Q1: Can I connect a PS4 controller to a laptop running Windows 11?
A2: Yes, you can connect a PS4 controller to a laptop running Windows 11.

Q2: How do I connect my PS4 controller to my laptop running Windows 11?
A2: You can connect your PS4 controller to your laptop running Windows 11 using the following steps:

1. Make sure your laptop has Bluetooth connectivity.
2. Turn on your PS4 controller by pressing the PlayStation button.
3. Press and hold the PS button and Share button on the controller simultaneously for a few seconds until the light bar on the controller starts flashing.
4. Open the Settings app on your laptop and go to Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
5. Click on “Add Bluetooth or other device.”
6. Select “Bluetooth” and wait for your laptop to scan for available devices.
7. Select the PS4 controller from the list of available devices.
8. Once your laptop has successfully paired with the controller, you can start using it to play games or control your laptop.

Q3: What if my PS4 controller won’t connect to my laptop running Windows 11?
A3: If you are having trouble connecting your PS4 controller to your laptop running Windows 11, try the following steps:

1. Make sure your laptop has Bluetooth connectivity and it’s turned on.
2. Make sure the PS4 controller is charged.
3. Ensure that the PS4 controller is in pairing mode by pressing and holding the PS button and Share button simultaneously until the light bar starts flashing.
4. Restart your laptop and try connecting again.
5. Update your laptop’s Bluetooth driver to the latest version.
6. If the problem persists, consult the PlayStation support website for additional troubleshooting tips.

Q4: Can I use my PS4 controller to play games on my laptop? A4: Yes, you can use your PS4 controller to play games on your laptop as long as the games support controller input. You may need to adjust the control settings within the game to use the controller instead of the keyboard and mouse.