How to Connect & Use a PS3 DualShock 3 Controller on Windows 10 & 11

The Sony PlayStation 3 DualShock 3 remains one of the most ergonomic gamepads ever made. However, because Sony designed the controller for proprietary PS3 communication rather than Microsoft’s modern XInput protocol, Windows does not natively recognize PS3 controller button presses out of the box.

Fortunately, with the right driver utility, you can effortlessly turn your PS3 gamepad into an Xbox 360-compatible controller that works seamlessly with Steam, Epic Games Store, RPCS3, PCSX2, and modern PC titles.

Why Windows Doesn't Natively Support DualShock 3

When you plug a DualShock 3 into a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC via USB, Windows recognizes it as an obscure "PlayStation(R)3 Controller" Human Interface Device (HID). However, modern PC games rely on Microsoft’s XInput API. Without an intermediary driver, your game buttons, triggers, and analog sticks send zero usable signals.

ScpToolkit bridges this gap by intercepting the raw USB/Bluetooth packets from the controller and re-packaging them into virtual Xbox 360 inputs. The system treats your DualShock 3 as if it were an official Xbox gamepad, unlocking full plug-and-play game compatibility.

Step-by-Step Installation & Connection Guide

Step 1: Install Required Microsoft Prerequisites

Before installing controller drivers, ensure your Windows system has the core runtime dependencies:

• Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package (x86 and x64)
• Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Runtime
• DirectX End-User Runtimes (June 2010)
• Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 or higher

Step 2: Download & Install ScpToolkit

1. Head over to the ScpToolkit Download Page and grab the latest v1.7.277 setup executable.
2. Run ScpToolkit_Setup.exe as Administrator.
3. Accept the terms of the GNU General Public License and click Next.
4. Choose your destination directory and click Install.

Step 3: Run the Driver Installer Utility

Once the core setup completes, open the ScpToolkit Driver Installer from your Start Menu:

1. Plug your DualShock 3 controller into a USB port on your motherboard (avoid unpowered USB hubs).
2. In the Driver Installer window, check the box labeled Install DualShock 3 driver.
3. Click the dropdown next to "Choose DualShock 3 controllers to install" and check your detected controller (usually shown as PLAYSTATION(R)3 Controller (VID: 054C, PID: 0268)).
4. If you want wireless play, check Install Bluetooth driver and select your Bluetooth dongle. (Warning: This will reserve the Bluetooth dongle exclusively for PlayStation controllers). For dedicated wireless steps, see our ScpToolkit Bluetooth Wireless Setup Guide.
5. Click Install on the right pane.

Verifying Controller Detection in Windows

Once the installation finishes, you should hear a Windows device connected chime. Here is how to confirm it works:

1. Press Win + R, type joy.cpl, and press Enter to launch the Game Controllers panel.
2. You should now see Controller (XBOX 360 For Windows) listed as Connected.
3. Click Properties and test all buttons, analog sticks, D-pad, and pressure triggers.

Modern Alternative: When to Consider DsHidMini

While ScpToolkit has been the gold standard for over a decade, the developer (Nefarius) stopped maintaining it in 2016 and created a successor called DsHidMini. If you are running the latest builds of Windows 11 and want a driver that does not take over your entire Bluetooth radio, check out our comprehensive comparison: ScpToolkit vs DsHidMini: Which Should You Use in 2026?.