How to Connect a PS3 Controller to a PC?

The PS4 has grabbed the spotlight from the PS3, and it won't be long until the PS5 takes over. However, that doesn't mean you should get rid of your PS3 or your controllers just yet. Even if you prefer to play on your PC, you can still make good use of your PS3 controllers.

We'll show you how to connect a PS3 controller to a PC. So grab your controller, the PC you wish to connect it to, and a mini-USB cord.

1. Windows Drivers and the.NET Framework should be Updated.

How to Connect a PS3 Controller to a PC

Step 1: To begin, open the Command Prompt and check your existing installed drivers. It'll be open after it's been opened. Next, enter the driver query into the search box.

Step 2: Check the list to see if you have the following components installed:

Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Runtime
DirectX Runtime
Xbox 360 Controller driver – for Windows 7 and older only
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5
Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package

Step 3: Connect your PlayStation 3 controller to your PC (aka Mini Type-B). They usually feature a USB-A connector; however, Amazon has cables with USB-C connectors. The Mini USB connector is older and more significant than the Micro USB connector found on the PS4 controller, mobile devices, and other gadgets.

When you connect the wire, Windows should begin installing the original drivers.

2. Download and Install ScpToolkit and Drivers

Step 1: To get the current stable release, go to the official ScpToolkit download thread and click the green link. The installer — ScpToolkit Setup.exe — is included, and the archived source code. Extract the files with 7-Zip or a similar tool if you wish to play around with the code.

Step 2: Locate the downloaded installer and run it as an administrator.

Step 3: ScpToolkit prompts you to run a separate driver installer after installation. If this prompt does not appear, type "Scp" into the search box and select ScpToolkit Driver Installer. It may be found at the top of the Start Menu, under Recently Added, on Windows 10.

Step 4: Ensure all of the boxes, including Force Driver Installation, are checked while the ScpToolkit Driver Installer is running.

Step 5: Choose DualShock 3 Controllers to Install by clicking the boxed arrow next to it. Locate and pick your DualShock 3 controller from the resulting drop-down menu. If you want to play wirelessly using a DualShock 4 or a Bluetooth dongle, make sure you check those boxes as well.

Step 6: Click On install when you're ready. All of the necessary files are installed and configured automatically. It's common to see a lot of pop-up windows on your screen, so don't be alarmed. You're set to go after you see the Dualshock 3 USB Driver Installed message.

Step 7: When the installation is finished, click the Exit button.

Your DualShock 3 is now plug-and-play, which means you can put it in at any moment, and it will start working right away!

Remember that games will most likely use the Xbox control scheme because you're utilizing the Xbox 360 drivers to communicate with the PS3 controller. When a game asks you to "press X," you should instead press the Square button.

Note: ScpToolkit is no longer in active development as of January 2018. Future Windows updates may make it ineffective. However, it is still a feasible choice for the long term.

Connect a PS3 Controller to a PC

3. Make a Profile and Tweak Settings.

If you're so interested, you may fine-tune your PS3 controller using the ScpToolkit's various applications.

Step 1: ScpToolkit Profile Manager is not installed by default since it is "unstable." Rerun the installer to choose this tool and "modify" your current installation to receive this feature. The ScpToolkit Profile Manager and a desktop shortcut will be added to the ScpToolkit folder on the Start Menu.

Step 2: After you've completed that step, you'll be able to customize button mappings and swap them out quickly. You can also assign keyboard and mouse instructions.

Step 3: The ScpToolkit Settings Manager shortcut will appear on your desktop after two clicks. This can also be done via the ScpToolkit folder on the Start Menu. You'll be able to adjust your thumbstick sensitivity, rumble, controller latency, and LED display, as well as a variety of other advanced options, once you've double-clicked.