How To Use A PS3 Controller On PC – Detailed Guide

A game controller may appear like standard peripherals that you could easily attach to a console and a gaming PC, but they are not as simple as using a keyboard and mouse. A gaming keyboard and gaming mouse will work with most computers, regardless of make or model. Therefore they are the most preferred input device for gaming, though there are gamers who are conversant with a console controller. This guide will teach you how to use a PS3 controller on PC, with or without a Bluetooth dongle, so that you can play games on Steam without a mouse and keyboard.

How to Connect a PS3 Controller to PC

There are usually different methods of connecting a PS3 controller on PC. However, before using any of these methods, you need to ensure that your PS3 is disconnected to avoid interfering with the setup process. Then, you will need to connect your PS3 controller to your PC via a mini-USB cable to install the first set of PS3 controller drivers. When the first installation is complete, download the Microsoft .NET Framework, Visual C++, DirectX Web Installer and Xbox 360 Controller Driver.

You may already have these downloads installed, but it is necessary to ensure they are to avoid running into problems during the process. So, with the necessary drives in place, let's now look at the different methods you could use to get your PS3 controller connected to your gaming PC.

1. Connecting a PS3 Controller on a PC via SCP Toolkit

Step 1: Turn on the controller

The foremost step will be turning on the controller and connecting to the PC. First, you will need to plug the narrow end of your controller's USB cable into the controller. Then the narrow end of the cable should be connected to one of your gaming PC's USB ports.

Then you will turn on your controller using the PS button, usually located in the middle of the controller. However, the location of the USB port may vary based on the type of computer you are using.

Step 2: Download files

The second step will be to download the ScpToolkit if you don't have it already. There are usually a few steps you need to follow in this stage. First, you will download ScpToolkit from SourceForge, run the app, Accept the terms of use, and select install the app. Remember, you should not change the default preset unless you plan to use the controller via Bluetooth connection.

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Step 3: Open and Install files

Once you have finished downloading, you will need to open and install the ScpToolkit_Setup application. This is a simple step that wil only need you to click on install.

Step 4: Run toolkit

After the installation process, you will then need to run the SCPtoolkit driver installer. Again it is a simple process that only requires you to click on the run driver installer button.

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Step 5: Download drivers

In the fifth step, you will need t download the drivers you will be using. But before you begin, you will need to choose the drivers for the specific controller you will be using. In this case, since you are using the PS3 controller, you will use Install DualShock 3 driver, and in case you are using a PS4 controller, you will use the Install DualShock 4 driver.

If you intend on playing via Bluetooth, then you will require to click on check Install Bluetooth driver and choose the Bluetooth device you want to use as your DualShock 3 PC dedicated dongle or PS3

Step 6: Install and Confirm changes

After confirming that the necessary drivers are installed, you will click install. It is necessary to note that pop-ups and audio cues may appear after the process. Once installed, you will open the SCP Monitor to verify the changes after the installation.

How to Connect a PS3 Controller On PC Via SCP Driver Package

Step 1: Get the drivers

The initial step will be to obtain updated drivers. You can visit the PCSX2 thread and download the latest and updated version of the SCP DS Driver. The drive folder will be in a 7-zip format, ensuring you download a file archiver utility for Windows software. For instance, you could go for WinRAR

Step 2: Extract and Navigate

You will then extract the downloaded folder from the zipped folders and navigate ScpServerbin. Then you will copy all the files in there. You will then go to ScpServerbin and paste all the files you just copied. You will also need to replace files in the destination folder if you are prodded with a warning.

With that set, you can now delete the original folders. You can also get rid of the unzipped version of the latest update folder.

Step 3: Open ScpServer and Rename the folder

Now that you are all set, you can open the ScpServer inside the latest version folder. Then copy the bin folder and navigate to C:Program Files. Once you are there, you can create a folder, name it and paste the bin folder inside.

Step 4: Gain Admin rights and Run as Admin

When that is done, click continue once you are prompted with administrative rights. You will then need to open the pasted bin folder, click on the ScpDriver app and run it as administrator.

Step 5: Configure and install

When all is set, you can click the install button. However, before doing so, ensure that the sections inside the Bluetooth Driver and Configure Service are reviewed before clicking on install.

How to Connect PS3 Controller With a PC via Bluetooth

Step 1: Enable Bluetooth

To connect a PS3 controller on a gaming PC wirelessly via Bluetooth, you will require to choose Bluetooth dongles. Again you will need to enable Bluetooth before you get started.

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Step 2: Find your folder

When you have enabled Bluetooth on your device, you will now require to open the Zadig folder under the C:Program FilesScarlet. Crush the Productionsbin folder and open the  Zadig app.

Step 3: Load preset device

Once you have opened the Zadig application, you will click on device, load Preset Device, and double click on  Bluetooth. cfg.

Step 4: Locate your dongle

Under the Bluetooth. cfg, you will need to click on options, list all devices and find the USB dongle under the drop-down menu. Then you wil open your Bluetooth and select device and printers under related settings.

Step 5: Replace driver and Locate host address

After picking the USB dongle, you want, you can now select Replace Driver. Remember, you should get a dedicated USB dongle for your PS3 controller since substituting the Bluetooth dongle’s driver can only reconfigure it to work with your PS3 controller. Once you have done that, you will need to check that the SCP monitor has perceived a Host Address.

Step 6: Connect

When the host address has been detected, you can unplug the controller, and it can now connect to your preferred input device for PC gaming via Bluetooth. It would be best to get a PC with built-in Bluetooth compatibility or a Bluetooth dongle plugged in to wirelessly use the PS3 or Xbox controller.

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