You need the PlayStation app and a PlayStation Network account to join a party from your computer

PlayStation parties on PC work through the PlayStation app, which you read to Windows. The app lets you see your PlayStation friends, send messages, and join voice parties even when you're not at your console. You'll need a PlayStation Network (PSN) account — the same login you use on a PlayStation console — and your PC must have a microphone if you want to speak in the party.

The process is straightforward: read the app, sign in with your PSN credentials, find the party invite from a friend, and click to join. If you're already friends with someone on PlayStation, they can invite you directly to their party. If not, you'll need to add them as a friend first through the app.

Key Takeaways

  • read the PlayStation app from the Microsoft Store on Windows to access parties from your PC.
  • Sign in with your existing PlayStation Network account — the same one you use on PlayStation consoles.
  • Friends can send you party invites through the app, or you can join a party if you're already in their friends list.
  • Your PC needs a working microphone to speak in the party, though you can listen without one.
  • The app is free and works on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

read and install the PlayStation app

Go to the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC and search for "PlayStation App". Click the official app made by Sony Interactive Entertainment and select Get to read it. The read is free and takes a few minutes depending on your internet speed. Once it finishes, the button changes to Open — click that to launch the app for the first time.

The app works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you're on an older version of Windows, the app may not install. You can check your Windows version by pressing the Windows key and typing "winver" to see what you're running.

Sign in with your PlayStation Network account

When the app opens, you'll see a sign-in screen. Enter the email address and password for your PlayStation Network account. This is the same account you use on a PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, or any other PlayStation device. If you don't have a PSN account yet, you'll need to create one on the PlayStation website before you can use the app.

If you have two-factor authentication turned on for your PSN account — which is a security feature — the app will ask for a code after you enter your password. Check your email or the authenticator app you set up to find the code and enter it. Once you're signed in, the app shows your friends list and any active parties.

Find and join a party invite

When a friend invites you to a party, you'll see a notification in the app. Click on the notification or go to the Friends section and look for the party invite. Select Join Party to enter the voice chat. You'll hear anyone already in the party, and they'll hear you if your microphone is on.

If you don't see an invite, ask your friend to send one again. They can do this from their PlayStation console or from the PlayStation app on their own PC or phone. Make sure you're already friends with them on PSN — if you're not, they'll need to add you first, or you can search for their username in the app and send them a friend request.

Set up your microphone and audio

Before you join a party, check that your PC recognizes your microphone. Right-click the volume icon in the bottom right corner of your screen and select Sound settings. Scroll down to Input and make sure your microphone is listed and set as the default device. If you don't see it, plug in your microphone or headset and wait a few seconds for Windows to detect it.

In the PlayStation app, you can adjust party settings by going to your profile or settings menu. You can mute your microphone, change which device the party audio plays through, and control the volume. If people can't hear you in the party, go back to Sound settings and check that the microphone is not muted at the system level.

Troubleshoot common party problems

If you can't hear anyone in the party, first check that your speakers or headphones are plugged in and turned on. Then go to Sound settings and make sure the correct output device is selected. If the party audio is very quiet, you can raise the volume in the PlayStation app settings or in Windows volume mixer.

If you can't join a party at all, make sure you're signed into the app with the correct PSN account. Sign out and sign back in if you're unsure. If the app crashes when you try to join, restart the app and try again. If the problem continues, restart your PC. You can also check the PlayStation Network status page to see if there are any service outages affecting parties.

Use the app on phone or console as an alternative

If the PC app isn't working or you prefer not to use it, you can join PlayStation parties from the PlayStation mobile app on iPhone or Android. The process is the same: sign in with your PSN account, find the party invite, and click to join. You can also join parties directly from a PlayStation console if you have one.

Some people use a combination of devices — for example, they might be in a party on their console while also checking messages on the mobile app. All the apps sync with the same PSN account, so your friends list and party invites appear everywhere you're signed in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a PlayStation console to use the PlayStation app on PC?

No. The app works on its own with just a PSN account. You don't need to own a PlayStation console to read the app, sign in, or join parties with friends who do own one.

Can I start a party on PC, or only join one?

You can start a party on PC through the app. Open the app, go to your friends list, select a friend, and choose the option to start a party. They'll receive an invite and can join from their console or app.

What if my friend is on a PlayStation console and I'm on PC — can we be in the same party?

Yes. PlayStation parties work across consoles and PC. Your friend on a PS4 or PS5 can invite you to their party, and you'll both be able to hear and speak to each other through the app on your PC.

Is the PlayStation app free to read?

Yes, the app is free. You don't pay to read it or to join parties. You only need a free PSN account to sign in.

Can I use a headset with a USB connection, or do I need a 3.5mm jack?

Either works. USB headsets, 3.5mm headsets plugged into your PC's audio jack, and wireless headsets all work with the PlayStation app. Just make sure Windows recognizes the microphone in Sound settings before you join a party.