How To Connect a PS5 Controller to a PC

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.

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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. Make sure 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 all PS5 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 modern gaming motherboards have Bluetooth built right in. If yours doesn’t, you can 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 to Settings > 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 the Bluetooth & devices settings on your computer. Click on Add device and select Bluetooth. Your PC should detect a device named Wireless 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.

Adding the DualSense controller with Bluetooth

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 all PC controllers, even generic budget 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 the Steam menu in the top-left corner. Then, choose Settings from the dropdown options. Once in the Settings menu, navigate to the Controller section. You’ll find a PlayStation Controller Support option—set it to Enabled in games w/o Support.

Enabling controller support for PlayStation in Steam

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 to Calibration & Advanced, click Open. This will open a new window where you can personalize your PS5 controller.

Customizing PS5 controller settings in Steam

Steam offers various customization options:

Button Remapping: Change the function of each button.
LED Color: Adjust the color and brightness of the light bar.
Touchpad and Gyro Settings: Fine-tune sensitivity for aiming or in-game actions.
Calibration: Ensure accurate input from joysticks and triggers.

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 as wireless speakers or 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 a PS5 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.