Connecting a joystick to a Windows computer or laptop - settings and calibration

Connecting the controller via USB

The Microsoft operating system, thanks to a special Plug and Play service, allows you to use any USB device, including controllers, “straight out of the box” and does not require any user action. It will download the latest drivers and install automatically.

But sometimes minor errors can occur, such as with the Dualshock 4. Due to the speaker built into the case, the OS, in addition to the gamepad itself, can detect a new audio device. At the same time, reset the audio output settings of communication programs such as Skype or Discord.

Why doesn't the joystick connect to the computer?

There are situations when controllers are not recognized and do not connect. This happens quite rarely, in which case it is necessary to know exactly the cause in order to eliminate it in a timely manner. Most often the problem is the following:

• Lack of drivers on the equipment or outdated software version.
• Damage to the controller or the wire used for connection. Damage to the USB connector.
• In the case of wireless communication, the reason may be incorrect synchronization.
• Software infection by virus programs.

Slow operation of the equipment is also possible. If you did everything correctly and the gamepad becomes visible to the computer, but all actions are performed with a delay, most likely there are problems of the following nature:

• System overload with a large number of running programs and applications.
• Outdated software and drivers.
• The presence of a malicious program that slows down the operation of the entire system.
• The gamepad is not designed to work on a PC.

Connect your equipment correctly and enjoy the gaming experience of computer games with convenient controls used in consoles.

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How to connect a PS4 gamepad to PC via Bluetooth (Without Steam)

Among expensive branded gamepads, Dualshock 4 is the most problematic. Sony doesn't appear to be very interested in its controllers being used anywhere other than on the PS4 to a computer. There is simply no official program for it, as well as drivers.

Therefore, owners have a high chance of encountering difficulties when connecting to a computer, regardless of the communication method. For wireless installation, the PC must have a Bluetooth adapter. In laptops it is soldered in from the factory by default, but for stationary machines you will need to purchase it. The purchase will hardly impact your budget, since the total cost including delivery will not exceed 600 rubles.

1. Bluetooth in Win10 is turned on in the “Manage Bluetooth Devices” menu using a convenient switch.
2. To put the DS4 into Discovery mode, you need to hold down the SHARE and PS keys for 3 seconds.
3. After which the gamepad will appear among the new devices, where the user will only have to click on the “Link” button.

In rare cases, this will be enough for the controller to work correctly, but most likely you will need to download DS4Windows.

Troubleshooting

If the computer still cannot find the joystick, try the following:

1. We connect to another port.
2. If this does not help, check whether the system itself needs to be updated.
3. Try looking at the documents for the game the controller is connected to. Maybe there is a way out.

Most often, when connecting a device, drivers are installed independently (with the exception of outdated versions of Windows). But if the installation does not happen, we do it manually from the disk that comes with the joystick. If you don't have the disk, download the application online.

The wireless device connection is different from the standard one. There are no wires, but you need to connect a special receiver to the USB connector of your computer. It allows you to transfer signals from your device to your computer. The receiver may come with a wireless joystick or be sold separately.

If you downloaded a driver from the Internet and it doesn't work, the error is most likely due to incompatibility between the application and the current version of Windows. If you have Windows 10 installed, you need to download the driver for that specific version, one that will not work with Windows 7. Also don't forget that the difference may be in the system bit (32 and 64 bit) you need to download , depending on your system.

Connecting a joystick using a Bluetooth adapter

For some reason, Microsoft did not believe in the popularity of this connection method for a long time. Despite the fact that Windows has supported working with this network since the days of XP. Bluetooth adapters only appeared in new models of official Xbox One controllers. If the device was manufactured before 2016, then using this technology it will be impossible to connect it. They will require a special receiver.

To connect the latest revisions of gamepads to your computer, you will need a Bluetooth adapter. Also check the August 2016 update installed in Windows 10 called “Anniversary Update”.

1. To detect the controller, you need to turn on Bluetooth on your computer and open “Manage Bluetooth Devices”.
2. The joystick needs to be woken up from sleep mode by clicking on the Xbox logo, and then activated “Detection Mode” using the button located to the left of the charging connector.
3. Next you need to check the work. If everything is done correctly, the logo will flicker and appear in the list of devices.

For other controllers the steps will be roughly similar, for example connecting the PS3 to the computer. It is not possible to describe them all for each model in article format.

Functionality check

The only thing you can understand is that the controller works in the game. Launch the project you like and move the levers in different directions to navigate the menu. Demonstration of specific actions on the screen is proof of the correct settings of the joystick, allowing you to count on its stable operation. If you do not hear feedback and can only navigate the menu using your keyboard or mouse, we recommend that you read the last paragraph of the material.

Via Steam

Steam is the largest online game store and launcher on this planet. On average, it is used daily by 47 million players around the world. In 2012, the service introduced a new mode called “Big Picture”, which allows you to use the service using a gamepad.

Over the 8 years of his work, controller manufacturers, even the smallest ones, signed agreements with Valve to support their devices in order to increase sales. Regularly sending the latest versions of firmware, drivers and settings. Even Sony, which is famous for its closed nature, helped developers introduce full support for all Dualshock 4 features in 2016.

To configure the joystick via Steam, simply connect it to your computer while the program is on. It will identify, download and install all the necessary drivers, and help calibrate the gamepad for accurate response to presses. Adjusts the dead zones of triggers, analog sticks, gyroscope, vibration intensity and even backlight color. To connect via Bluetooth, the gamepad must already be detected by Windows.

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TOP 5 programs for setting up a joystick on a PC

What to do if gamepad support is not provided by the developer itself? Or do you need to reassign keys or even connect a non-standard device like a plastic guitar from Guitar Hero?

What if the game was written before the first controller appeared? All these issues will allow you to solve universal user programs for emulating and adjusting controllers of any kind. They all work on the same principle, namely they emulate XInput input for DirectInput gamepads.

XInput is a universally recognized standard for device control and input, created by Microsoft for the Xbox. Such controllers are always recognized by the game without any problems. All functions will work as intended by the authors, and reassigning keys is not possible. DirectInput is a free standard with full access to settings.

Ds4windows

Dualshock 4 is poorly supported by games and Windows 10, as it works via DirectInput. This program emulates the XInput environment, preserving all the functionality of the joystick, forcing the system to recognize it as an Xbox controller. Allows you to reassign control buttons, set dead zones on the sticks and save profiles for each game separately.

In addition, it has built-in excellent functionality for calibration and troubleshooting. All information from the sensors is presented in a convenient and understandable format, along with acceptable values ​​for comparison.

1. For the program to work correctly, it must be installed in a folder created by the user.
2. During the first launch, it will display a window with the “Program Folder” and “AppData” buttons.
3. To save profiles when reinstalling Windows, you need to select the first option.
4. Next, the user will be shown step-by-step instructions.
5. In the first step you will need to install the ViGEmBus driver and restart the computer, in the second - 360driver, and in the third - simply connect the gamepad to the computer.

motioninjoy

Only in 2016 did Sony bother to ensure the Dualshock 4 is compatible with other devices. And the older model Dualshock 3 still remains without support. A small, completely free utility called Motioninjoy can handle the problem.

It supports both original devices and Chinese products. Installed by simple unpacking from the archive. Although it has not been translated into Russian, its interface is easy to understand.

1. To connect the controller, the program will need Internet access.
2. In the “Driver Manager” tab, click on “Install all”.
3. Wait until the progress bar fills and select “XInput Default Xbox 360 Controller Emulator”.

Now the DS3 will work correctly with any games.

Joytokey

The software is a computer keyboard and mouse emulator for a joystick. With Joytokey, you can easily customize your keyboard buttons and combinations, which then interact with your controller. Main functions:

1. Able to program 32 keys for the gamepad. This creates up to 16 different configuration settings.
2. There are separate settings for each utility in which you can switch functions.
3. Contains tools such as autoclicks, mouse emulation, mouse adjustment - faster, slower.

For the software to work correctly on a PC, you must install DirectX 6.0 or higher.

Xpadder

The most simple and effective program, except for the interface, is no different from Joytokey. It's worth noting that both utilities can remap keyboard buttons and mouse movements (in 9 directions only) anywhere, even to a dance mat or interactive steering wheel.

The multifunctional application is designed to use the joystick in games where its use is not intended. The advantages of the software are its small size, convenient and intuitive management. The launcher is suitable for setting up different types of controllers. Possibilities:

1. Able to customize any gamepad model.
2. Supports functions for customizing additional controller buttons.
3. Allows you to run a game that does not support connecting a gamepad.
4. Simultaneous use of a mouse and joystick in popular gaming applications that do not support keyboard controls.
5. Configuring multiple joysticks.

In addition, Xpadder allows you to save settings and support the connection of more than 10 devices.

x360ce

Online utility for turning any joystick into an XInput controller. To set up an xbox 360 gamepad, you need to connect the device to the computer's USB port and run x360ce as an administrator. In the dialog box that appears, select “Search automatically for settings”, click “Next” and “Finish”.

If the files are successfully modified, the program will mark the attached gamepad with a green square at the top of the interface. The device will not respond to keystrokes in games without reassigning every button, including the analog sticks.