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If you're suspicious of your PS4 controller's functionality and suspect that it is not working properly, you can always connect it to your Windows 10 computer and diagnose any issues. This wikiHow article will teach you how to test your PS4 controller's functionality with a Windows 10 computer.

  1. Using a USB to Micro-USB cable, connect your controller to a USB port on your computer. You can usually find these ports on the front or back of your computer tower, on the back of your monitor (if you're using an all-in-one), and along the sides of laptops. The Micro-USB cable plugs in at the top of your PS4 controller.[1]
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  3. As you type, the search window will show you results.[3]
  4. You should see this listed as an app under "Best Results."[4]
    • If you don't see it here, you can open the Run dialog ( Win+R, enter "control panel" and press Enter.
  5. You'll see this under the header, "Hardware and Sound."
    • You'll see a listing of all your connected devices.
  6. You'll see this with the picture of a controller that closely resembles your PS4.
  7. This is usually the first listing in the drop-down menu.
    • Another window should pop up.
  8. You'll see this in the lower right corner of the window that pops-up.
  9. You'll see a bar that slides to show how hard you're pressing the button on your remote.[5]
    • After verifying your controller in Windows settings, you can use a gamepad testing tool in your browser to visually check button inputs, trigger pressure, and possible joystick drift as shown in this video.[6]
    • If you do notice drift, you can follow the wikiHow guide Fix-Controller-Drift
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About This Article

Stan Kats
Reviewed by:
Professional Technologist
This article was reviewed by Stan Kats and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals. This article has been viewed 266,824 times.
180 votes - 65%
Co-authors: 7
Updated: November 1, 2025
Views: 266,824
Categories: PlayStation 4
Article SummaryX

1. Connect your PS4 controller to your computer.
2. Right-click the Start logo.
3. Type "Control Panel."
4. Click Control Panel to launch the app.
5. Click View Devices and Printers.
6. Right-click Wireless Controller.
7. Click Game controller Settings.
8. Click Properties.
9. Press the buttons on your controller to see their reaction on the computer screen.

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