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How to Install

Before You Begin

  • This set of drivers has been designed for and tested with the original Sony PlayStation 3 peripherals, better known as the SIXAXIS, DualShock, and Navigation controllers. If your controller works, great—take it as a win. However, if it does not, please do not contact support as there is nothing we can do.

  • Do not attempt to pair a PS3 controller on Windows via the built-in device discovery dialog, like: pairing-fail.png
    This will not work and can cause Bluetooth connection to fail completely.
    To check if you did, open the Bluetooth Settings page within Windows and check the list for entries similar to:
    BluetoothDialog.png explorer_7O9IulBc4C2.png
    If you see this, simply select it and click the "Remove device" button.

  • For the setup to work correctly Windows UAC needs to be enabled. If in doubt, the following page has instructions on how to check its status: link here

Installing BthPS3 Drivers

Bluetooth setup only

The following steps are only required if you plan on using your PS3 controller wirelessly over Bluetooth. If you just plan on using a USB cable, then all you need is DsHidMini.

  • If you had the DsHidMini installation wizard download the BthPS3 install file for you, you should be able to find it in your "Downloads" folder. It should be named Nefarius_BthPS3_Drivers_x64_arm64_vx.x.x.msi (where the x's represent the current version number). If you did not (or if for some reason cannot find it there), you can download it directly from the official BthPS3 GitHub Releases page here.
  • Double click on the installation file to start the Installation Wizard, then click "Next". BthPS3 Wizard
  • The next screen is the "End-User License Agreement". Read through the agreement and click the box to accept the terms. Then click "Next". BthPS3 EULA.png
  • The next screen shows what drivers will be installed. The "BthPS3 Bluetooth Drivers" and "Open post-installation article" options are selected by default. Leave those checked and click "Next". BthPS3 Drivers
  • The next screen asks if you want to use the "Modern hot-plug" or "Legacy sequential" method to install the drivers. The modern method does not require you to restart your computer but does not work for all Bluetooth receivers. The legacy method should always work but requires you to restart your computer afterward. Choose the option that fits your setup, then click "Next". BthPS3 Method
  • The UAC window should pop up asking if you are ok with the wizard making changes to your computer. If you don't see it, check your taskbar for a shield icon and click that. After clicking "Yes" the installation wizard will continue. UAC.png
  • If using the Legacy Method, you will be told to reboot your computer. Click "OK". (You can restart your computer at the end.) Reboot.png
  • After the BthPS3 Drivers have been installed, a webpage will open with important information. Please read through it. When done, click "Finish" to close the wizard. You can now restart your computer. BthPS3 Finish
  • Congratulations! BthPS3 is now installed. You can plug in your controller via USB, which will automatically pair it for Bluetooth. This is the only way you should be pairing your controller.