How to Use a PS3 Controller on a PC

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This wikiHow teaches you how to connect a PS3 controller to a Windows PC with the help of the SCP toolkit program.

Steps

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  1. Plug the narrow end of the controller's USB charging cable into the controller and the large end of the USB cable into one of your computer's USB ports.
    • To turn your controller on, press the stylized "PS" button in the middle of your controller.
    • USB port locations vary depending on the type of computer you're using. If you can't locate the USB ports, check the sides or the back of your computer's CPU (desktop) or the back of the casing (laptop).
    • If you're connecting your controller via wireless dongle, you may need to first install the dongle's drivers. Make sure you follow the on-screen prompts to do so after plugging in the dongle.
    • If your PS3 controller is paired with your PS3, first unplug the PS3 from its power source.
  2. Navigate to the SCP Toolkit website . SCP Toolkit provides a PC-friendly interface to which your PS3 controller can connect, which will in turn allow you to use your PS3 controller with PC game services like Steam.
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  3. It's the first link beneath the "Assets" heading on this page. Doing so will prompt the toolkit to download to your PC's default downloads folder (e.g., the desktop).
    • Make sure you're downloading the most recent version of the software. If you're on an out-of-date version's page, you won't see the green "Latest Release" sticker on the left side of the page.
  4. Its icon resembles a black PS3 controller. By default, you can open downloaded files from within your web browser, from your "Downloads" folder.
  5. If the toolkit mentions that you're missing "prerequisites" needed to run the program, click Next until the prerequisites begin installing. Otherwise, use the following steps to Install ScpToolKit:
    • Click the checkbox next to "I agree to the License terms and conditions".
    • Click Next .
    • Click Install .
    • click Yes if prompted.
  6. It's in the file in which you installed SCP Toolkit. It has an icon that resembles a USB cable.
  7. This option is on the left side of the driver installer window. Since you're installing a PS3 controller (e.g., a DualShock 3 controller), you don't want to install PS4 drivers.
    • Also uncheck the box next to "Bluetooth" if your controllers are wired (e.g., you aren't using a dongle).
    • A good rule of thumb here is to uncheck a box next to anything you aren't using.
    • If you're using Windows Vista, you'll need to check the box next to "Force Driver Installation" in the middle-left side of the window.
  8. This option is on the right side of the window. You'll select your controller from here.
  9. You'll see a list of all devices attached to your computer (e.g., keyboards, mouses, webcams, etc.). Your PS3 controller is the option marked "Wireless Controller (Interface [number])" where the number pertains to the USB port to which the controller is attached.
    • If you're using a non-wired controller, you'll need to select the USB device you're using to facilitate the connection under the "Bluetooth" section above the "DualShock 3 Controllers" drop-down box.
  10. It's on the right side of the driver installer window. Doing so will prompt SCP Toolkit to begin installing your controller's drivers, which should take less than five minutes on any compatible PC.
    • Once the installation is complete, you'll hear a confirmation noise.
    • At this point, your controller's drivers have been installed and you are ready to begin using your controller with PC games.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I did everything as instructed. But at the final step on Better DS3, it did not give me the opportunity to click the Apply button. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    You have to select both profile and controller to have the ability to click Apply.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What do I do if it doesn't have a "save profile" message at the bottom of the window and I am on Windows 7?
    Community Answer
    Control Panel>Appearance and Personalization>Display>Make Text and other items Larger or Smaller. Set the size to "smaller" and you'll get logged out. Log back in, and you'll find the "Save" button.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 21 Helpful 21
  • Question
    Can I connect two controllers at the same time?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if you have Bluetooth support. They both need the drivers. You can run both by usb or Bluetooth.
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      Tips

      • This process will also work for a PS4 controller, though you'll need to first unpair the controller from within your PS4's Settings. You'll also need to install DualShock 4 drivers and select a DualShock 4 controller instead of a DualShock 3.
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      • When you open the "Devices" manager on your PC (accessed by typing "joy.cpl" into the "Run" application), your PS3 controller will show up as an Xbox 360 controller. This is because the Xbox 360 controller is natively supported by Windows, while the PS3 controller is not.
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      • If you run into any errors, try uninstalling and then reinstalling the SCP toolkit. When you reinstall, make sure you install any prerequisites (regardless of whether or not you think you need them) and check the "Force Driver Installation" box when installing the drivers regardless of your operating system.
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        About This Article

        Article Summary X

        1. Turn on the controller.
        2. Connect the controller to your computer using a USB cable
        3. Go https://github.com/nefarius/ScpToolkit/releases/tag/v1.6.238.16010 in a web browser.
        4. Click the "ScpToolkit_Setup.exe" link to download the install file.
        5. Install ScpToolkit.
        6. Open the "ScpToolkit Driver Installer" program.
        7. Click "Choose DualShock 3 Controllers to Install".
        8. Check the "Wireless Controller" option.
        9. Click Install
        For tips on troubleshooting common connectivity issues, read on!

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