This guide shows you how to Use PS3 Controller in Windows 7, Vista and XP (Wireless Bluetooth). Following up to the guide on using PS3 Controller in Windows, here’s another one to use it via Bluetooth. And now it has vibration support as well! Hope this guide helps! Also, for those who want to copy anything from my guide please do inform me. I hate it when people just claim everything as their own work.
Revision 2.1 (24th August 2009)
- Will be inspecting MotionInJoy and if works well, I might make a guide.
- Cleaned some text and added recommended BT dongles.
Revision 2.0 (30th July 2009)
- Guide updated for Windows 7.
- Images from Windows 7 included (relevant for Vista).
- Notes on TWO controllers and ONE dongle.
- Added link to 64-bit users. It works now.
Index
1. Baby Steps
2. Installing Libusb-win32 filter
3. Installing Bluetooth drivers
4. Installing PPJoy
5. Making it Work
6. Configuring Buttons
7. Use TWO controllers with ONE dongle
8. Users with other Bluetooth devices (i.e. Logitech MX Revolution)
9. 64-bit users
10. End
11. Important Notes
Baby Steps
- First, we need these;
- Bluetooth dongle! duh!
- PS3 Controller (Sixaxis or Dualshock 3)!
- Then, download these files:
- Libusb32 drivers (explanation below): Link | Mirror
- BtSix 1.5c (credits to 89ron) : Link | Mirror
- Microsoft Visual C++ Library (when you get Application error for BtSix): Link
- PPJoy 0.83 (configures buttons): Link | Homepage
- FreeBT driver rel. A3 (allows BtSix to access dongle, Optional): Link
- OK, Here goes!
Installing Libusb-win32 filter
- for XP, stick with v0.1.10.1
- for Vista and Windows 7, stick with v0.1.12.1
Install the Libusb drivers as “Administrator” and Compatibility Mode set to “Windows XP Service Pack 2/3″
Note: If your USB devices start to disappear (usually happen because failure to install in Compatibility mode) or crippled your system devices, then try updating your chipset drivers (which worked for me). Because of the nature of libusb, it sort of takes control over anything related to the USB devices. So it would be best if you had a PS2 keyboard and mouse in case shit happens.
Installing Bluetooth drivers
- This is by far the most problematic step because some people have integrated bluetooth which they use for other purposes. If it doesn’t work read the end of this section.
- Extract the “BtSix1.5c.zip” file to your desktop first.
- Laptop users:
- It works on integrated bluetooth but my advice is to get a BT dongle because you will less likely mess up with the drivers (i.e. works for BtSix but not for your other apps anymore).
- Another solution is to purchase WinDS3 because apparently it can swap drivers easily for you with a click of a button (maybe someone from the WinDS3 team can confirm with me)
- Desktop users:
- Get a good bluetooth dongle, I recommend the one shown in the picture (ASUS brand). I also have a cheap one and works perfect as well. Link to product: Here
- This is a good one which I’ve purchased before but I think it’s sold out:
USB Bluetooth 2.0 Mini-Dongle / Adapter (30-Meter Range) by Pexell - Or these which I’ve hand picked from Amazon Store
- I will choose this one first (CHEAP! and high rating), should work really well for our purpose.
- Next I’ll choose this dongle because i think it has many features and good review.
- Most people who simply solved their issues by purchasing a quality dongle.
- Install BtSix freeBT drivers;
- For new Bluetooth dongle,
- Plug it into the computer and Windows will either ask you for drivers or automatically install them for you.
- Point to the folder location of BtSix’s “Driver XP 32 Bit” folder and choose the .inf file. - For those with existing dongle or integrated bluetooth devices,
- Go to “Device Manager” and find your Bluetooth device.
- Right-click the “Bluetooth device”
- Choose “Update Driver Software”
- Choose “Browse My Computer for Driver Software”
- Choose “Let Me Pick From A List”
- Choose the “Have Disk” option and point to the “BtSix.1.5c\Driver XP 32bit” folder as shown.
- Just press OK and Next to install the drivers. Make sure to choose “Install the drivers anyway option”.
- You will have FreeBT device similar to the pic.
- Still doesn’t work on your laptop etc? You might need to download WinDS3 trial version and then perform a cheap trick by installing it. Your purpose is to make sure the freebt bluetooth drivers are installed into your computer (WinDS3 sort of forces it to install? haha)
Go to top
Installing PPJoy
- Run PPJoy which you’ve downloaded. (Compatibility mode to XP SP3 is preferable)
- Launch “Configure Joysticks” from PPJoy, and add a new virtual controller.
- Windows might ask you to install drivers, in that case you’ll need to look for BtSix’s “Driver XP 32 Bit” folder.
- You can start mapping the buttons to your liking, but feel free to do it later.
- You can close “Configure Joysticks”.
Making it Work
- Make sure you’ve plugged your Bluetooth dongle (directly to PC, preferably not to a hub)
- Plug in your PS3 controller into the PC using the USB cable
- The drivers should install automatically.
- Launch “BtSix.exe” and click “Address“. There should be a hex code for your controller. If not, there’ll be a warning.
- You can now unplug your controller, and press the PS Home button.
- The “Pitch” and “Roll” Bars will be moving based on your controller’s movement.
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Configuring Buttons
- Now its time to configure the controller buttons.
- Choose “Configure Joysticks” from PPJoy and choose “Virtual Controller 1″
- You will have to restart BtSix every time you change the key mappings.
- Some Games for Windows (such as GTA4 and X360 ports) will run the PS3 controller (with key map A below) just like the X360 controller by inserting a .DLL file into the game folder. Here it is: DLL
(A) Setting for Tomb Raider Underworld / Silent Hill Homecoming / Prince of Persia / Mirrors Edge / The Last Remnant
Image Link: PC PPJoy Button Mapping
- Tomb Raider Underworld, Silent Hill Homecoming, Price of Persia and Mirror’s Edge uses the 360 mapping as well and PS3 controller WORKS with the PC version.
- For The Last Remnant, make sure you insert the .DLL files into your “binary” folder (vibration support)! Download here
(B) Setting for Dead Space PC
Image Link: Dead Space PC PPJoy Button Mapping
- Dead Space uses Xbox 360 controller input so the PS3 controller CAN work too.
- You just have to change some settings in PPJoy, see the picture above.
(C) Setting for Devil May Cry 4 / DMC4
Image Link: Devil May Cry 4 PC PPjoy Button Mapping
- I used 4 axis, 13 buttons, 1 POV hats.
(D) Settings for and FEAR 2: Project Origin
- You have to use Xpadder for this to work. Get it here.
- Using this PPJoy config as shown here: PC PPJoy Button Mapping
- Download these files: xpadder profile and xpaddercontroller
- Place the files into the Xpadder folder and run the game.
- Test and it should work! (xpadder controller file may not work for your computer, you can create one yourself)
References
PPJoy configurations
Default configurations which helped me guide through which button is which.
Analog
0 – left stick x axis
1 – left stick y axis
2 – right stick x axis
3 – UNKNOWN
4 – right stick y axis
5 – tilt x axis (left negative, right positive)
6 – tilt y axis (forward negative, backword positive)
7 – square
8 – x
9 – circle
10- triangle
11- R1
12- L1
13- R2
14- L2
15- Dpad left
16- Dpad down
17- Dpad right
18- Dpad upDigital
0 – square
1 – x
2 – circle
3 – triangle
4 – R1
5 – L1
6 – R2
7 – L2
8 – Dpad left
9 – Dpad down
10- Dpad right
11- Dpad up
12- start
13- right stick button
14- left stick button
15- select
16- PS3 home button
- Remember, you have to restart BtSix again (sometimes removing BT dongle and controller and plugging them into the computer again) so that the changes take into effect. Go to top
Using TWO controller with ONE dongle
- Apparently you can have two controller working with one bluetooth dongle but you must use the old BtSix.0.5.0.5b version here.
- Another solutions is to purchase WinDS3 as the program supports 2 controller with one bluetooth dongle. Go to top
For people with other Bluetooth devices (i.e. Logitech MX Revolution)
- My brother had issues with Libusb-win32 and caused a bluescreen (BSOD) everytime he shuts down or restart.
– Assuming libusb32 v0.1.12.1 is installed, the problem can be fixed by deleting the libusb0.sys and libusb.dll from system32 and system32/driver folder. Then without uninstalling v0.1.12.1, we install libusb32 v0.1.10.1 on top of it.
– It should not BSOD now.
– Recently my brother just reinstalled windows and according to him SetPoint version also affects the BSOD. Newer version of Setpoint seems to have fixed conflicts with libusb32 and he does not BSOD even with v0.1.12.1 is installed. Go to top
64-bit users
- I have discovered a guide that says it’ll work on 64-bit computers. I have not tried the method myself but please tell me if they do work.
– Here’s the link: How to use a Playstation 3 Controller in 64 bit Windows 7 and Vista
- Libusb win64: Link
– Vista64 needs signed drivers from Microsoft, here’s a way to bypass them (few methods to try at your own risk!):
– PPJoy is only working for Vista 32 at the moment.
– In conclusion, you can’t use BtSix for Vista64 yet.
END
Hope you like the guide! Support me by donating! Go to top
Important Notes
- The controller can only be paired with either the PC or the PS3. So you have to turn OFF your nearby PS3 first.
- Once paired to the PC you can switch on the PS3. It’s not much of a hassle, really.
- I’ve also successfully used my Dualshock 3 to control windows with the help ofXpadder.
Other help:
- I got most of my info searching through forums and other guides.
- Here are some of the good ones: Link 1 | Link 2 | Link 3
Problems installing drivers:
- For those who can’t get Bluetooth drivers to install on their system, I recommend installing WinDS3 (Buy if you like it!!) (its trial but it helps install the drivers for you)
- After that, use the above methods to map the buttons. (thanks Jay for the tip!)
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Hey, i managed to get everything working wih all my emulators. Upgraded the bluetooth with the freeBT driver, but i can not get my normal bluetooth back anymore. Should i just uninstall the drivers, and redo it again?
Thanks
iGliitch, yes that is correct, for those who have one bluetooth component (i.e. laptop) you should remove the freebt drivers from your comp and reinstall the original ones back. This is why I recommend a bluetooth dongle for the purpose of gaming controller only. Hope that helps!
Ah ok, im using a macbook via bootcamp, so i dont have many usbs to go around, so if i use my bluetooth dongle (which i just so happen to have XD) will i be able to use both the pad and my blutooth perfierals at the same time?
Thanks for the quick reply. : )
Yes, i’m pretty sure it will work. haven’t tried on a mac before though. I have 2 dongles they can work separately on my computer when both are plugged in. hope all goes well. google sniper bonus
Hey David,
I have noticed that the ps3 pad isnt picked up by BTSix when the dongle (blueNEXT) is upgraded with the FreeBT driver.
Yes, i tried the driver both with and without dongle support.
So, ive just upgraded the system bluetooth (not that i had any choice) with FreeBT and used the BlueNEXT for everything else.
Also, in doing so though, i have managed to get pretty much bluetooth audio via the dongle, where as microsoft’s drivers do not support without the help of 3rd party drivers. Its helpfull when your playing, I donno Bioshock and what that wireless freedom. : D
Anyway, thanks for all the help, fantastic blog. Very helpful.
hey, thanks.!Good to hear that it worked out alright for you!
Im having problem using two controllers on one dongle using the old btsx-driver or missing something important. When i launch the old version of BtSix i get the message “PP Joy Virtual Joystick 3″ not found. If i add another controller in PP Joy the message just changes to 4 etc.
Why is this? I got it to work with WinDS3 so that they both found the controllers, but it set my second controller as controller number six and i wasnt able to use it in any game.
Tried to re-pair it by holding the PS-button down until it powerd off, but that just caused the other controller to loose contact as well and after that only one of the controllers would get paired, but didnt work at all tilting the controller or pressing any buttons.
Anyone have a solution for this? And, does anyone know why i get the pp joy message about missing controller? Thanks for a great guide though!
hey, this is cuz the old btsix driver has lots of bugs that wasn’t fixed, really,if it worked with WinDS3 (but recognized as controller six) means that you need to delete the controllers (3,4,5). I’m sure it’s just a matter of deleting them in the Device Manager. Note that you might not see them, but it’s hidden inside the device manager (until you plug the controller in). Finding the way to delete those hidden drivers can be found searching Google, I can’t remember how to do it, sorry abt that!
“Prototype” dont reconogize my Sixaxxis. When “Push START” appear i cant do nothing (except by keyboard and mouse). What can i do?
Some games just can’t recognize the controller, that’s the way it is. I suggest that you try the DLL’s I shared and see if it might work for this game. If not, head over to official game forum and they probably have a thread on gamepad’s, a genius might be lurking there lol.
hello i’ve been trying to get this to work. but everytime i hit the address button on btsix the program crashes. do you know what’s up with that?
Anthony, from my experience, this usually happens when Libusb-win32 drivers did not install correctly! Try reinstall all the drivers again? use the WinDS3 method (it might help install drivers properly)
Great Job… Congratulations!
Can I translate the tutorial to portuguese-pt/br (inserting the appropriate acknowledgments and authorship, obviously), to put in a tech forum?
regards!
Thank you! And yes, it’s alright to translate this guide!
Cheers!
The program LibUsb-Win32 caused Windows 7 to blue screen every time I tried to sleep, hibernate, reboot, or shut down. I wanted to let people know that if you are getting the blue screen of death it is due to the file “libusb0.sys” not correctly communicating with your USB hub. Removal of the driver package will fix this issue. This is a common issue but not everyone will get it.
Hi thanks for the tutorial, it works great for me.
At first i connected my sixaxis controllers with my cable. with a tutorial on youtube.
and then after many hours and frustration ive got it to work wireless with this tutoral.
Ive mapped the controlles the same as they are with wire, so when the battery goes down i dont have to change the controlles evrytime.
this works great in Epsxe, but when i want to play Fifa09 or Saints row2. it keeps scrolling down in the menu, like you keep pressing downarrow(even when the controller isnt connected) i checked what it was and it seems to be PPjoy. when i delete all my controller in PPjoy the game works fine. i dont understand what it is, driver conflict or something? Can someone please help me.
thanks in advance
and sorry for the bad english
Great turtorial,I bought DS3 only for PC (I don’t have PS3 :)), and it works, thanks to you! One question: how can I make BTsix stop emulating xbox360 controller?
I want to try motion detecting in GRID demo and I can change controller settings when it’s ‘x360 controller’.
Thanks again mate, keep up the good work and greetings from Poland! :)
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