The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller has quickly become one of the most advanced and comfortable gaming controllers on the market. Its haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, sleek design, and ergonomic build make it a favorite not only for PlayStation gamers but also for PC enthusiasts. Many PC players, especially those who enjoy racing games, action titles, or third person adventures, prefer a controller over a keyboard and mouse for certain experiences.
But here’s the question, how do you actually connect a PS5 controller to a PC? At first glance, it might seem like a complicated process, especially if you’re not used to pairing devices or configuring drivers. The good news is that it’s simpler than most people expect. In fact, there are two main ways to do it, using a USB-C cable (wired connection) or using Bluetooth (wireless connection).
This guide will walk you through both methods in detail, with step by step instructions, illustrations you could use in a blog or tutorial, and troubleshooting tips if something doesn’t work the first time. Whether you’re planning to use Steam, Epic Games, or other PC platforms, this article will help you get your DualSense controller up and running without frustration.
Method 1: Connecting Your PS5 Controller to a PC with a USB-C Cable
The simplest and most reliable way to connect a PS5 controller to your PC is through a USB-C cable. This wired method ensures a stable connection, no input lag, and eliminates battery concerns.What You’ll Need:
- A PS5 DualSense controller
- A USB-C to USB-A or USB-C to USB-C cable (depending on your PC’s available ports)
- A Windows PC or laptop
Step by Step Instructions
1. Locate Your USB-C Cable- Use the charging cable that came with your PlayStation 5, or any compatible USB-C cable.
- Illustration suggestion, Image of a PS5 controller with a USB-C cable next to it.
- Plug the Cable into Your Controller
- Insert the USB-C end into the top port of your PS5 controller.
- Ensure the cable fits snugly and is not loose.
2. Connect the Other End to Your PC
- Plug the USB-A or USB-C end into your PC’s available port.
- For desktops, use a rear USB port for better stability.
3. Wait for Windows to Detect the Controller
- Windows 10 and Windows 11 usually recognize the PS5 controller automatically.
- A small notification should appear “Setting up device…” followed by “Device is ready”.
- Illustration suggestion, Screenshot of Windows notification showing “Device setup complete”.
4. Test the Controller
- Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
- Right click on the controller (it may appear as “Wireless Controller”) and select Game Controller Settings.
- Press a few buttons to check responsiveness.
5. Configure in Steam (Optional but Recommended)
- Launch Steam > Go to Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings.
- Enable PlayStation Configuration Support.
- Illustration suggestion, Screenshot of Steam Controller Settings with the PlayStation option checked.
Pros of Wired Connection
- No input lag
- Plug and play setup
- Continuous power (no battery drain)
Cons of Wired Connection
- Limited mobility due to cable length
- Requires a good quality cable to avoid disconnections
Method 2: Connecting Your PS5 Controller to a PC via Bluetooth
If you prefer gaming without wires cluttering your desk, Bluetooth pairing is the way to go. This method lets you connect your DualSense controller wirelessly, though it may introduce slight input delay compared to a wired setup.What You’ll Need:
- A PS5 DualSense controller
- A PC with Bluetooth capability (either built in or via a Bluetooth dongle)
- Windows 10 or Windows 11
Step by Step Instructions
1. Enable Bluetooth on Your PC- On Windows 10: Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices > Turn Bluetooth On.
- On Windows 11: Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Toggle Bluetooth On.
- Illustration suggestion: Screenshot of Bluetooth settings in Windows.
2. Put the PS5 Controller in Pairing Mode
- Hold down the PS button (center PlayStation logo) and the Create button (to the left of the touchpad) at the same time.
- Keep holding until the light bar starts flashing blue rapidly.
- Illustration suggestion, Close up photo showing finger placement on PS and Create buttons.
3. Search for Devices on Your PC
- On your PC, click Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth.
- A list of available devices will appear.
4. Select the Controller
- Choose “Wireless Controller” from the list.
- If prompted, confirm the pairing code.
5. Wait for Successful Pairing
- Once connected, the controller light bar will turn solid blue.
- Windows will display “Wireless Controller connected”.
6. Test the Controller
- Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
- Select Game Controller Settings to test inputs.
7. Configure in Steam
- Just like with the wired method, go into Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings.
- Check PlayStation Configuration Support.
Pros of Bluetooth Connection
- Wireless freedom
- Easy to set up once paired
- Works across most modern PCs
Cons of Bluetooth Connection
- Slight input lag possible
- Battery must be charged
- May face interference if too many wireless devices are nearby
Using the PS5 Controller with Steam
Steam is by far the most compatible platform for the PS5 controller. It automatically detects the DualSense and even allows you to customize button layouts, sensitivity, and configurations.How to Configure in Steam
- Open Steam and go to Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings.
- Enable PlayStation Configuration Support.
- Your controller should appear in the detected devices list.
- Test and calibrate as needed.
- Illustration suggestion, Screenshot of detected controller in Steam Big Picture Mode.
Using the PS5 Controller Outside of Steam (Epic, GOG, Xbox Game Pass)
Not every launcher natively supports DualSense. For example:- Epic Games Launcher: Many games detect it as an Xbox controller.
- GOG Galaxy: Similar to Epic works but may show Xbox button prompts.
- Xbox Game Pass for PC: Recognizes it as a generic controller.
Troubleshooting: Fixing Common PS5 Controller Connection Issues
Even with a straightforward process, sometimes things go wrong. Here’s how to fix them.Issue 1: Controller Not Detected via USB
- Try a different cable (not all USB-C cables transfer data, some are charge only).
- Use a different USB port on your PC.
- Update Windows drivers.
Issue 2: Bluetooth Pairing Fails
- Make sure your PC’s Bluetooth is on and working.
- Reset the controller by inserting a pin into the small reset hole on the back.
- Unpair old connections (sometimes the controller still remembers the PS5 console).
Issue 3: Controller Works but Buttons Are Wrong
- Enable PlayStation Configuration Support in Steam.
- Use DS4Windows to remap buttons.
Issue 4: Input Lag or Disconnection
- For Bluetooth: Reduce interference by keeping the controller close to your PC.
- For Wired: Use a high quality data cable.
Advanced Tips
- Firmware Updates: Sony occasionally releases firmware updates for the DualSense. Update it using your PS5 console for best performance.
- Audio via Controller: The PS5 controller supports a headphone jack. However, on PC this feature may not always work unless using specific drivers.
- Haptic Feedback & Adaptive Triggers: These advanced features are still limited on PC, though some games like Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition support them.
Conclusion
Connecting a PS5 controller to your PC is easier than many think. Whether you prefer the stability of a wired USB-C connection or the freedom of Bluetooth, the process is straightforward. Steam provides the best experience thanks to its robust controller support, while other platforms may require some tweaking.If you want a plug and play option, go wired. If you value convenience and mobility, go wireless with Bluetooth. Either way, once connected, your PS5 controller can bring a console like feel to your PC gaming sessions, making the transition seamless and enjoyable.