Connect PS4 DualShock 4 to PC (Windows)
Bluetooth (HID) or USB pairing in a few steps DualShock 4 speaks a fairly generic HID profile, so it pairs well on PC, macOS and Steam Deck with the built-in PlayStation button layout.
Step-by-step
Press and hold the controller's pair button until its LED starts blinking.
Open Windows Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Add device → Bluetooth, and select the controller from the list.
On first connect, the OS may install generic HID drivers; game-launcher input layers (Steam Input, Windows Game Bar) usually pick it up automatically.
Verify the connection: open a browser gamepad tester and confirm the controller reports buttons and sticks. If the trigger only registers on the "wrong" axis, use the tester to confirm which input the game will see.
Quick answers
How do I connect the PS4 DualShock 4 to PC (Windows)?
Put the PS4 DualShock 4 in pairing mode (hold the pairing button until the LED flashes), then pair it from PC (Windows)'s Bluetooth settings. For a stable wired connection, connect the controller by USB instead.
Why isn't my PS4 DualShock 4 being detected by PC (Windows)?
Most detection failures are one of: Bluetooth batteries draining, a stale pairing entry, or the pad connected to another device. Remove the old pairing, re-pair, and confirm with a browser tester before blaming the controller.
Does the PS4 DualShock 4 work with a drifting stick on PC (Windows)?
It connects the same way — drift is a sensor issue reported by the gamepad, not a platform issue. Run our Stick Drift Detector after pairing to confirm the measurement.