How to Fix No Sound on PC When Using DualShock 4?

I’ve seen this happen a lot—when you plug in your DualShock 4, the sound on your PC just stops working. It’s super annoying because your controller ends up acting like an audio device, but not the one you want.

This no sound issue with the DualShock 4 on PC is pretty common. Sometimes Windows thinks the controller is your audio output, so it switches sound to the wrong device. That’s why you get no audio when the controller is connected.

Other things can cause this too, like USB port issues or wrong sound settings—sometimes it’s just another example of when your controller is not working the way it should.. I’ll show you how to fix no sound when using your gamepad and get your audio back where it belongs.

Quick tip: You can manually change your default audio output in Windows sound settings. Just don’t switch USB ports while gaming—Windows might confuse your audio devices again.

No Sound on PC When Using DualShock 4 (with Fixes)

I’ve noticed that many DS4 users run into no sound on PC with PS4 controller issues. It usually happens because of system conflicts or simple setup mistakes. Here are some common causes and easy fixes for DualShock 4 audio problems.

Volume Settings

Sometimes, the sound is just turned way down or muted. It’s an easy thing to miss.
Solution: Check your PC’s volume mixer and make sure the game and system sounds aren’t muted. Also, check the volume buttons on your keyboard or headset.

Audio Output Misconfiguration

Windows might be sending sound to the wrong device, especially when the controller is connected.
Solution: Go to Windows Sound Settings. Under “Output,” pick your headphones or speakers as the default device instead of the controller.

DS4 Recognized as an Audio Device

When you use the controller wirelessly, Windows can see it as an audio device and switch the sound output to it, causing no sound where you expect.
Solution: Disconnect and reconnect your controller or manually reselect your audio output in sound settings after pairing.

Incompatible Games

Some games don’t work well with DualShock 4 audio or don’t support controller audio routing properly.
Solution: Check game forums or settings. Sometimes using DS4Windows or InputMapper can help these games handle your controller better.

Outdated Drivers

Old audio or controller drivers can cause sound glitches with the DS4.
Solution: Update your audio drivers from your PC manufacturer’s site or Windows Update. Also, update your DualShock 4 drivers via Device Manager or use DS4Windows for better support.

Wireless Interference

If you’re playing wireless, routers or other devices can interfere with the Bluetooth signal, causing sound dropouts or no sound.
Solution: Try moving closer to your PC or away from wireless routers. Using a USB Bluetooth dongle with better range can also help.

Faulty Hardware

Sometimes the problem isn’t software—it’s your headphones or speakers acting up.
Solution: Test sound with different headphones or speakers to see if the problem stays. If yes, your hardware might need fixing.

Steam Compatibility Issues

Steam’s support for DualShock 4 can be a bit spotty, which might cause audio troubles.
Solution: In Steam settings, enable “PlayStation Configuration Support” under Controller options. Restart Steam afterward.

Quick Fix Summary:

• Check and raise your volume levels
• Set correct default audio device in Windows
• Reconnect controller if detected as audio device
• Update drivers regularly
• Use DS4Windows or InputMapper for better control
• Avoid wireless interference by repositioning
• Test hardware to rule out faults
• Enable PlayStation support in Steam

If you want, I can help with a step-by-step on setting the default audio output or guide you through using DS4Windows. Just let me know!

How DS4Windows and InputMapper Fix DualShock 4 Sound Problems on PC

If your DualShock 4 is causing no sound on PC or is recognized as an audio device, DS4Windows and InputMapper can help a lot. These tools make your PC treat the DS4 like an Xbox controller, which fixes many sound and input issues.

Here’s how to set them up:

A quick heads-up: Sometimes antivirus software might warn you during download, but DS4Windows and InputMapper are safe and widely used by gamers.

Using these tools often fixes DS4 controller sound problems on PC and cuts down input lag too. Worth trying if you’re stuck with no audio when using your PS4 controller.

Can You Use the DualShock 4 Audio Jack on PC?

No, most PCs don’t support the DualShock 4 audio jack by default. Especially over Bluetooth, the mic and headphones usually won’t work right away.

Here’s when it works and when it doesn’t:

Tip: It’s often easier to just plug your headset directly into your PC’s audio jack or use a USB audio adapter. This way, you get clear sound and mic support without extra hassle.

Steam’s Big Picture mode has a setting called “PlayStation Configuration Support” that can help with limited audio jack use on the DS4. Still, it’s not perfect, so using separate audio hardware is usually the smoother fix.

If you want a better PS4 controller mic fix on PC, third-party tools like DS4Windows can sometimes help but don’t expect full audio jack support without extra gear.

Real User Fixes & Community-Backed Solutions

Reddit

We found a Reddit user on r/apexlegends struggling with no sound in Apex Legends when using a PS4 controller with a headset on PC. Although the headset worked fine in Windows and other apps, the game’s sound disappeared when focused. The original poster solved it by enabling “PS4 Controller Support” in Steam settings. Other community members suggested unsetting the PS4 controller as the default audio output device in Windows sound settings, as the PC sometimes mistakenly routes sound through the controller instead of the headset. This fix helped many others facing the same issue.

Quora

On a tech forum, users discussed how to get audio through a PS4 controller when connected to a PC. Many noted that when you plug in the controller, Windows often recognizes it as an audio device due to its headphone jack, sometimes switching default sound output to the controller instead of speakers or headphones. To fix this, users recommend adjusting Windows sound settings to set the preferred output device manually or using tools like DS4Windows or Steam’s PS4 controller support. This setup allows audio to route correctly and the controller to function fully for gaming and chat.

EA Forum

A user on the EA Apex Legends forum reported that sound stopped working when using a PS4 controller with a headset on Windows 10 while playing Apex Legends. They found that other games worked fine with sound, but Apex muted audio until the controller was reattached. The community recommended using DS4Windows software, which emulates an Xbox controller and properly routes audio through the PS4 controller. One user explained that using the latest DS4Windows version, uninstalling old drivers, and ensuring Steam is closed resolved the issue. Although it requires extra setup, this remains the best fix for audio problems with PS4 controllers in Apex.

Final Verdict For No Sound on PC

No Sound on PC When Using DualShock 4 often causes issues because Windows can mistake the controller for an audio device, messing up your sound output. The built-in support for the DS4’s audio jack is limited, especially over Bluetooth, and many games don’t handle it well. So, relying on Windows alone usually leads to no audio or mic problems when the controller is connected.

The best way to fix this is by using tools like DS4Windows or InputMapper, which make your PC treat the DS4 like an Xbox controller. This helps sound route correctly and reduces input lag. Also, manually setting your default audio device in Windows and enabling Steam’s PlayStation support can solve many issues. If you want reliable audio and mic support, plugging your headset directly into your PC or using a USB audio adapter is often simpler and more consistent.

FAQ’s