When released, the Sony DualSense controller was regarded as a tech marvel, thanks to its ergonomic design and innovative features that came with it. The haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, bluetooth, and much more only improved the gaming experience for gamers worldwide who got their hands on the next-gen PS5.
While primarily designed for the PS5, it is also a great option for PC gamers who want a controller that is out of the ordinary. Fortunately, connecting and using a PS5 controller on your PC is pretty straightforward and we will guide you through the process.
How to Connect Your PS5 Controller to PC
There are a few ways to connect your PS5 controller to a PC. However, before you start, there are a few things you will need, including:
- Data-Ready USB-C Cable: The DualSense controller doesn’t come with a USB-C cable if purchased as a standalone item, so you’ll need one that supports data transfer (not just power). You can use a USB-C to USB-A cable for traditional rectangular ports or a USB-C to USB-C cable if your PC has a USB-C port.
- Bluetooth Adapter for PC: If your PC doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth, you’ll need a Bluetooth adapter. These are available in various forms, including USB adapters or PCIe cards for internal installation.
How to Pair the PS5 Controller with USB
Now that you have a data cable, all you need to do is plug it into an available USB port on your PC. Then, connect the second part of the cable to the USB-C port on your PS5 controller. PC will recognize the DualSense controller as a gamepad and thanks to Windows built-in compatibility you will be ready to play games that support the PS5 controller on PC.
How to Connect the PS5 Controller to PC via Bluetooth
The first way is an easier one, but if you don’t like cables, then connection over bluetooth is a way for you. To establish this connection demands a bit more effort than previous and because of that, here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to connect the PS5 controller to a PC via bluetooth:
- Access your PC’s Bluetooth settings by pressing the Windows key, typing “Bluetooth,” and selecting Bluetooth & other devices.
- Click Add Bluetooth or other devices.
- Select Bluetooth in the pop-up window.
- On your DualSense controller (ensure it’s powered off), press and hold the PS Button and Create button simultaneously until the light bar under the touchpad starts blinking.
- On your PC, select your DualSense controller from the list of available Bluetooth devices.
Once paired, your DualSense controller will function wirelessly with your PC.
How to Use Your PS5 Controller on PC
Now that you have managed to connect the PS5 controller to the PC, it is time to start using it. However, it is not all that simple. Since most games require Steam or another client your controller needs to connect with Steam.
- Open Steam and go to Settings > Controller.
- Ensure PlayStation Configuration Support is enabled.
- Customize button layouts, sensitivity, and other settings as desired.
Many games on Steam will automatically recognize the DualSense and provide optimal controls.
While Steam offers the most seamless experience, you can still use your DualSense with non-Steam games.
- DS4Windows: This third-party application emulates the DualSense as an Xbox controller, allowing compatibility with a wider range of games. Download and install DS4Windows from the official GitHub repository.
- DirectInput: Some games support DirectInput, which is the standard input method for Windows controllers. However, compatibility might be limited.