Can I use any controller for PC gaming?

Any controller that has two analog sticks, two shoulder buttons, and two trigger buttons, and is capable of connecting to your computer via USB, is usable with PC games. Some require more configuration than others, which we'll cover below.

How do I make my controller compatible with my PC?

Do all PC games have controller support?

Updated on April 6, 2023 by Mark Sammut: Generally, if a game comes out on PC, it will work well with a keyboard and mouse. However, the industry will continue to produce exceptions. Consequently, some PC releases are simply controller games.

Can I use a ps4 controller on PC?

You can connect a DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller to a Windows PC using a DUALSHOCK®4 USB wireless adaptor or a compatible micro USB cable.

Do all Xbox controllers work on PC?

Whether it came with the Xbox One or Xbox Series, or you bought it separately, the Xbox Wireless Controller is immediately compatible with any Windows 10 or 11 PC as a wired controller; just plug it into a USB port and you can start playing with it.

How to Connect a Game Controller to a PC

Why isn't my Xbox controller working on PC?

On your PC, press the Start button , select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth, choose Xbox Adaptive Controller, and then select Remove device. Make sure Bluetooth is On, then select Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth and choose Xbox Adaptive Controller from the list. Restart your PC.

Why won't my Xbox controller connect to my PC?

To resolve this issue, restart your controller: Power off the controller by pressing and holding the Xbox button  for 6 seconds. Press the Xbox button  again to power it back on. Connect your controller to your PC using a USB cable or the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows.

What controller is compatible with Steam?

Why won't my PS4 controller connect to my PC?

If your PC is using an older version of Bluetooth or you have added the Bluetooth functionality using an external adapter, the PS4 controller might not be able to connect. Do not worry, as you can use a USB cable to connect. Make sure you have Steam or DS4Windows to support the controller before connecting the device.

Do PlayStation 5 controllers work on PC?

There are two ways to connect the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller to your PC. The easiest is to simply plug in using the USB Type-C port on the controller and a USB port on your PC. You just need a USB cable, which you probably already have, whether it's from your phone or another device.

Can I use any game controller on Steam?

Absolutely! You can use Steam's Controller Configurator with any game. All you need to do is add it to your Steam list as a Non-Steam game.

Why won't my PC recognize my controller?

Without question, the very first thing you must do when you find out that your Windows PC is unable to recognize your gamepad is restart the gamepad. This is the same as turning the gamepad off, if it has an on/off button, and turning it back on. If that does not work, you can plug it into a different port.

Why can't i connect any controller to my PC?

Sometimes, you won't see the controller on your list of available Bluetooth devices. One solution is to simply disable and enable Bluetooth connectivity again. Sometimes that's enough to solve the problem. If not, try removing the controller's batteries and ensure it's not connected via a USB cable.

How do I get my PC to recognize ps4 controller?

The Bluetooth Method

Access the Bluetooth menu on your PC via the system tray. Click "Add Bluetooth or other device." Click "Bluetooth." Select the DualShock 4 controller from the list that pops up.

Does Windows 10 recognize ps4 controller?

Click 'Install the DS4 Driver' to enable you to use the PS4 DualShock controller in Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. If you have Windows 7 or older then you'll need to click on 'Install 360 Driver' as well.

How do I choose a controller for Steam?

How do I connect a wired controller to my PC?

The most straightforward way to connect your Xbox controller and PC is with a micro-USB cable (for Xbox One controllers) or a USB-C cable (for Series X|S controllers). Simply plug the slim end into your Xbox controller and the other end into a USB port on your PC.

Why won't my PC detect my controller Bluetooth?

Check your Bluetooth device

Make sure your device is turned on, is charged or has fresh batteries, and is in range of the PC you want to connect to. Then, try the following: Turn off your Bluetooth device, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Make sure your Bluetooth device is in range.

How do I connect my Xbox wired controller to my PC?

Plug the Xbox 360 controller into any USB 2.0 or 3.0 port on the computer. Windows 10 will automatically install drivers for your controller, so you won't have to download or install software other than Windows 10 updates.