How to Use a PS3 Controller on a Dell Laptop

Download the "PS3 Controller Driver" file onto your desktop. The driver allows your Dell laptop to recognize the external PS3 controller device once it is connected.

Connect the USB cable between the PS3 controller and the Dell laptop. If the connection works, the blue blinking light should appear on the top of the PS3 controller.

Click on the "Start" menu on your computer's desktop screen and select the "Control Panel" option. Double-click on the "Systems" icon to load up a pop-up settings window.

Select the "Hardware" tab and click on "Device Manager."

Find and click on "Human Interface Devices." A list of external devices connected to your computer will appear. Right-click the one that says "USB Human Interface Device" and select the "Update Driver" option from the drop-down menu.

Click "Install" and select the "Have Disk" option. Click on the "Browse" button, search for the file "Dual shock" and double-click to open. The file within the driver folder should begin installation.

Go to the control panel once the driver file has been installed and click on the "Game Controllers" icon. Right-click on the "PlayStation 3 Controller" option and select "Properties" from the drop-down menu.

Press the "Home" button located in the middle of your PS3 controller to activate the device. On your laptop screen, you should notice a mouse cursor in the top-left corner. Move your left or right joystick to control the movements of the cursor.