The PS5 marked Sony’s bold entrance into the latest generation of gaming. Yet, the true star of the show wasn’t the console itself, but the all-new DualSense controller. With its immersive haptic feedback, responsive adaptive triggers, and a suite of precision sensors, the DualSense stands as one of the most innovative gaming controllers to date.
Understandably, PC gamers might be eager to experience the DualSense’s cutting-edge features with their favorite titles. Fortunately, connecting your PS5 controller to your PC is remarkably straightforward. Whether you prefer the reliability of a wired connection or the freedom of wireless Bluetooth, the process is simple. Plus, you have the added bonus of customizing your controller’s settings for a personalized experience.
1. Connecting a PS5 Controller to a PC with a USB Cable
The absolute easiest way to hook up your PS5 controller to your PC is with a simple cable. This method offers true plug-and-play convenience – just connect the two, and you’re ready to rumble! Your computer will automatically recognize the controller and handle all the necessary drivers behind the scenes.
The PS5 controller uses a USB-C connection, so you’ll need a USB-C cable to make it happen. One important thing to note: not all USB-C cables are created equal. ensure your cable is a data cable and not just a charging cable. A charging-only cable might power up the controller, but it won’t let you actually use it for gaming. The same applies to allPS5 controllers.
2. Connecting a PS5 Controller to a PC with Bluetooth
If you’re looking to cut the cord and minimize cable clutter around your PC setup, the good news is the PS5 controller offers wireless connectivity via Bluetooth. There’s a catch: your computer needs to have Bluetooth capability. Many moderngaming motherboardshave Bluetooth built right in. If yours doesn’t, you’re able to easily add the functionality with an affordable Bluetooth adapter.
Here are the steps to connect your PS5 controller to your PC.
1. Enable Bluetooth on your PC
First things first, you need to enable Bluetooth on your computer. On Windows computers, go toSettings>Bluetooth & devices. Now, turn on the Bluetooth toggle.
2. Put DualSense in Pairing Mode
Press and hold the PlayStation button (located between the analog sticks) and the Create button (small button to the top-left of the touchpad) simultaneously. The light bar around the touchpad will start flashing rapidly, indicating pairing mode.
3. Add the PS5 Controller on your PC
Go to theBluetooth & devicessettings on your computer. Click onAdd deviceand selectBluetooth. Your PC should detect a device namedWireless Controller. Select it to initiate pairing. Once pairing is successful, the light bar on your controller will change to a solid color. Your PS5 controller is now ready to use.
3. Using PS5 Controller on PC with Steam
Steam is your key to unlocking the power of your PS5 controller on PC. Think of it as the bridge that lets you use your controller with almost any game in your library, even if the game wasn’t originally built for controller support. Steam’s controller support isn’t limited to the DualSense; it works with almost allPC controllers, even genericbudget gaming controllers.
But, Steam’s controller support doesn’t stop there. It also offers customization for your DualSense controller. Want to tweak the sensitivity of your touchpad? Remap your buttons to match your favorite control scheme? Steam lets you tailor the controller’s functions to perfectly suit your preferences. Here’s how to use your PS5 controller on PC with Steam:
Enable PS5 Controller Support in Steam
First, launch Steam and click on theSteammenu in the top-left corner. Then, chooseSettingsfrom the dropdown options. Once in the Settings menu, navigate to theControllersection. You’ll find aPlayStation Controller Supportoption—set it toEnabled in Games w/o Support.
This setting ensures your DualSense works with the widest range of games without causing conflicts in titles that already have built-in support for the controller.
Customize PS5 Controller Settings in Steam
With your PS5 controller connected, go to the Controller settings in Steam. Next toCalibration & Advanced, clickOpen. This will open a new window where you can personalize your PS5 controller.
Steam offers various customization options:
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
While connecting your PS5 controller to your PC is usually a seamless experience, you might occasionally run into some hiccups. Here’s a troubleshooting guide for the most common issues:
1. Controller Not Recognized
If you’re using a wired connection, ensure the USB cable is not damaged and is securely connected to both the controller and the PC. Try a different USB port and a different cable if the issue persists. If you’re using a wireless connection, outdated Bluetooth drivers can also cause connectivity issues. Update your Bluetooth driver to cross this out.
2. Intermittent Connection Drops
If you are experiencing issues with Bluetooth connectivity, you can try minimizing interference from other wireless devices such aswireless speakersor other Bluetooth devices. Also, it’s possible that some USB ports may not provide enough power to support your controller, in which case you may want to try connecting it to a different USB port, preferably one located at the back of your PC.
3. Input Lag or Unresponsiveness
Sony releases firmware updates for the DualSense controller from time to time. To avoid any issues, it is important to ensure that your PS5 controller is running the latest firmware. Additionally, if your controller’s battery is low, it might connect and then disconnect frequently. To fix this issue, make sure your controller has sufficient battery charge by connecting it to aPS5 controller charger.
4. Conflicts with Other Software
Third-party applications that manage game controllers or input might interfere with the DualSense. Close any such programs. Additionally, corrupted or conflicting drivers can sometimes cause problems. Try reinstalling the drivers from Device Manager.
