Ps 5 controller an pc: How to connect a PS5 DualSense controller to your Windows PC — Mitspielen — Vampire Live in München

How to connect a PS5 DualSense controller to your Windows PC

By
João Carrasqueira

Updated Dec 20, 2022

Want to use your DualSense controller for PC games? Here’s how to get started.

Quick Links

Connecting the PS5 controller to your PC

Setting up your controller with Steam

Set up your controller using DS4Windows

Many would argue that the best way to play games on a PC is using a mouse and keyboard. This combination does offer a ton of control options thanks to the large number of keys on a keyboard, and using a mouse is a much better way to control first-person games and simulation titles. But controllers have their own advantages, being much simpler to use and designed to keep all the buttons and sticks right where you need them to be. You can use a controller with your PC, too, and while the Xbox Wireless Controller is often considered the best, you can also connect the PS5 DualSense controller to your PC if you want to.

The DualSense has a significantly different design from its predecessors. It’s a bit more ergonomic than the previous DualShock models, so it totally makes sense to use a controller you already have instead of buying a new one. And connecting the controller to your PC is very easy, too. It’s the setup process after that that may take a bit more work. If you recently got a PlayStation 5 and you want to connect the controller to your PC, here’s what you need to do.

Connecting the PS5 controller to your PC

There are two ways to connect the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller to your PC. The easiest is to simply plug in using the USB Type-C port on the controller and a USB port on your PC. You just need a USB cable, which you probably already have, whether it’s from your phone or another device.

If you want to go wireless, though, the PlayStation 5 controller also supports Bluetooth so that you can connect that way. Connecting a controller this way is still fairly straightforward. Here’s how it goes:

Open the Settings app on your PC and go to the Bluetooth & devices section (in Windows 11) or Devices (in Windows 10).
Click Add device at the top of the page.
Choose Bluetooth in the window that pops up to start searching for devices.
Enter pairing mode on the PlayStation 5 controller by holding the PlayStation and Share buttons at the same time until the lights around the touchpad turn on.
On your PC, the controller should appear as Wireless controller. Select it and wait for the connection to finish.

Now your controller is connected to your PC, but the experience isn’t exactly seamless from here. Windows is designed to specifically work with one kind of input based on the Xbox Wireless Controller, so that’s what most games support out of the box. Thankfully, there are solutions for this.

Setting up your controller with Steam

Steam is the most popular gaming platform on PC, and one of the great things it does is add support for various controllers that Windows doesn’t support very well out of the box. The PlayStation 5 DualSense is one of those controllers, and you can easily set it up using Steam’s own configuration tool. That also means you can probably use the controller with most of your games since Steam has a very extensive library of titles. In fact, even non-Steam games can work this way since you can add your own games to your Steam library. If you haven’t yet, you can download Steam here.

Support for these additional controllers isn’t enabled out of the box, though. You’ll need to go into the Steam settings to enable it:

Launch Steam and, from the main window, click Steam > Settings
Open the Controller tab on the side menu bar.
Click General controller settings.
Enable the PlayStation configuration support option in the window that pops up.
Click Back and then OK to close the Steam settings window. Now you’re ready to configure your PlayStation controller in a game.
Launch the game you want to play and press the PlayStation button on your controller. This will open the Steam controller configuration page, where you can assign any buttons and sticks to any action. You can even make use of the touchpad and the gyro sensor inside the DualSense, two things Xbox controllers don’t offer.
- Note: The controller configuration page may only work in Steam’s Big Picture mode. You can enter this mode before starting a game by clicking View > Big Picture Mode in the main Steam window.

Now, say you have a game installed from outside of Steam, such as from the Epic Games Store. You can still use this method to configure your PlayStation 5 controller. All you need to do is open Steam and click Games > Add a non-Steam game to My Library.

This will let you use the Steam configuration tool with almost any non-Steam game. However, there may be some exceptions, specifically Microsoft Store games. Because these games aren’t stored in user-accessible folders, they’re not as easy to add to your Steam library.

Set up your controller using DS4Windows

Another option to get your PS5 (or PS4) controller working on your Windows PC is to use an app called DS4Windows. This is specifically designed to make third-party controllers, such as Sony’s DualShock 4 and DualSense, be recognized by the computer as Xbox 360 controllers (which are fundamentally the same as the latest Xbox controllers).

Setting things up is fairly easy. You simply need to download DS4Windows from GitHub and install it. The program will install some required drivers to make your PS5 controller recognized as an Xbox controller, which may require a reboot. But once you connect your controller again, you’ll be good to go. The controls on your controller will be automatically mapped to the equivalent on Xbox. Still, you can configure different profiles, so the buttons are mapped in the most comfortable way for you.

One thing to note is that if you’re trying to use DS4Windows in Steam games, you’ll need to disable both PlayStation and Xbox controller configuration support in the Steam settings in order for things to work normally.

That’s about all you need to know about connecting your PS5 controller to your PC. Whether you’re a bigger fan of the PlayStation controller designs or you simply want to use a controller you already have, this is a great way to get a similar experience to what Xbox controllers usually offer on Windows, and it can be a much better control method for some games.

If you’re looking to play the latest and greatest games on your PC, you may also want some new hardware that can handle them. Check out our list of the best gaming laptops if you want to buy a new one. And if you’d rather turn to cloud gaming, we have a more general list of the best laptops if you want something that’s not as heavy.

How to Connect and Use a PS5 Controller on Your PC

The PS5’s controller, the DualSense, is a fine piece of machinery with novel features that enable further immersion in video games. Due to the PS5 controller’s features and comfort, it has become a popular controller among gamers of every platform. One such platform is PC and luckily, the PS5 controller seamlessly connects to PC.

The DualSense controller can connect to your PC through wired and wireless connections, and doing so with either of these methods is relatively easy. Read on to find out how you can connect your PS5 controller to your PC.

Connecting the PS5 Controller to Your PC With USB

The easiest way to connect your PS5 controller to your PC is with a USB cable. Thankfully, Windows is capable of automatically detecting your controller, so you won’t have to deal with manually installing drivers for it.

You will need a USB-C to USB-A cable since the PS5 controller has a USB-C port. Of course, if your computer has a USB-C port, you can also use a USB-C to USB-C cable.

Connect the USB-C end of the cable to your PS5 controller.
Connect the USB-A end of the cable to your PC.
Windows will now notify you that it has detected the controller and your controller will light up.

That’s about it! Your controller is now usable, and you can go ahead and play your games. Although you can use the PS5 controller as it is now, it’s a good idea to update your PS5 controller through your PC since you’ve already hooked them up. Updating your PS5 controller’s firmware ensures that all the features are functional and up to date.

An outdated controller will still maintain its basic functions, but the immersive features of the PS5 controller require the latest firmware updates to work properly.

Connecting the PS5 Controller to Your PC With Bluetooth

If you don’t want to deal with wires and play from a distance, you can connect your PS5 controller to your PC through Bluetooth as well.

To do this, your PC must be equipped with Bluetooth. If your PC doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth, you can add Bluetooth to your PC with the help of a Bluetooth adapter.

Here’s how you can connect your PS5 controller to your PC through Bluetooth:

In Windows 10 or Windows 11, go to Settings.
Click on Add a device.
Select Bluetooth.
On your PS5 controller, hold the PS and Create buttons for three seconds until the controller starts flashing in blue. The Create button is the same as the Share button in DualShock 4 controllers.
On your PC, in the Add a device window, select your controller. Your controller will likely be under the name Wireless Controller. Once you select your controller, it will stop flashing and emit a steady blue light.
Click Done.

Note that your PS5 controller will consume battery when you use it wirelessly, and you’ll have to occasionally charge it to keep playing. Conversely, playing with a wired connection will charge your controller as you’re playing.

Using and Customizing Your PS5 Controller With Steam

Steam is an icon of PC gaming, but that doesn’t mean that Steam is all about keyboards and mice. In fact, Steam natively adds controller support for all video games played on it. You can use this feature to calibrate and customize your PS5 controller for games that you play on Steam.

This means that even if you’re playing a non-Steam game, you can easily add the non-Steam game to your Steam library and enjoy the controller support provided by Steam. Here’s how you can connect your PS5 controller to Steam:

Connect your PS5 controller to your PC.
Launch Steam.
Inside Steam, go to the Steam menu.
Click on Settings. The Settings window will open.
In the Settings window, select Controller.
Click on General Controller Settings.
Navigate with your controller and enable PlayStation Configuration Support.

You should be able to see your controller’s name under Detected Controllers as PlayStation 5 Controller.

With Steam, you have access to many settings for your PS5 controller. You can set a shutdown timer so that the controller turns off after a period of inactivity, you can disable force feedback, and of course, you can change your PS5 controller’s light color. Here’s how you can set a shutdown timer:

Go to Controller Settings in Steam.
Select 15 Minutes under Controller shutdown time. This is the default value.
Select the time that suits you best.

As mentioned before, you can also disable controller vibrations entirely through Steam:

Hover on PlayStation 5 Controller in Detected Controllers.
On the right, select Preferences.
Change Rumble Preference. Changing this to Off will disable controller vibrations.

Typically, the light emitted by the PS5 controller is perceived as a signal, but you can turn it into an aesthetic feature by changing the color to what you like. Here’s how you can do that through Steam:

Hover on PlayStation 5 Controller in the Controller Settings page.
Select Preferences.
Change Player Slot LED to On.
Adjust the Controller Light Color to your preferred color. Your controller’s color should change in real-time.
Select Submit.

Setting up your controller for use on Steam will ensure that your controller is compatible with all Steam games. Once you’ve set up your controller, you can use Steam’s Big Picture mode to smoothly navigate through the Steam interface with your PS5 controller.

The popular PlayStation 5 controller is not a piece of hardware exclusive to the PS5 console, and you can use it to game on your PC as well.

Fortunately, connecting the PS5 controller to a PC is relatively easy, and having read this article, now you know how to connect your controller to your PC with a USB cable or wirelessly through Bluetooth.

If you’re looking to customize and calibrate your PS5 controller on PC, then it’s a good idea to hook it up with Steam. Steam allows you to connect and calibrate different controllers, including your PS5 controller, on PC. With all that being said, now’s the time to connect your PS5 controller to your PC and enjoy gaming!

How to use the PS5 DualSense controller on PC?

How do I connect a PlayStation 5 controller to a Windows computer?

If you ever want to play on a computer with
with PlayStation controllers
5 DualSense, you don’t
must face difficulties. Despite the obvious advantages of the pair
mouse-keyboard in most traditional games, among which are shooters
first-person, some genres are much better suited to controllers, and
Sony’s offer is a great option.

PS5 controller
DualSense included in
list of best controllers for
computer, very convenient to use, and also just nice to go out
the framework for using the console with a brand new gamepad. Some computer games
play better with a joystick than with a mouse and keyboard, especially when the computer is assembled in the living room and
does not offer a full-fledged computer desk.

Sony gamepads, in addition to the traditional wired circuit, offer
wireless connection, but your computer must support Bluetooth,
and for a wired connection, you’ll need a USB-C to USB-A cable. If
USB-C ports are available on your computer, you
you can use the classic USB-C to USB-C, without adapters.

While you are using a PlayStation 5 controller on your computer, it is important
remember that its main feature, adaptive triggers, will not work with most computer
games. However, Metro Exodus:
The Enhanced Edition just received an update, among other things
offering and support for adaptive triggers with DualSense full feedback, hence we
could expect more support for new joysticks in the computer world
games.

A minor update came to Steam that allowed users to
customize the lighting of the DualSense controllers, a minor feature, but a nice one. You can
turn the backlight on and off, you can assign it to turn on only in that
when multiple controllers are connected to the computer. But we are still
looking forward to support for haptic communication and adaptive DualSense triggers, like on the PlayStation 5.

Please note that the controller’s 3.5mm jack is not yet
supported on computers, so connect a headset or headphones
will have to directly into the computer connector, you could use a pair
wireless headphones as an alternative. However, if you want
use Sony gamepads,
here’s how to connect a PS5 controller
DualSense to PC.

How to connect PS5 DualSenes controller on Steam?

Steam,
the most popular digital game store on the PC platform, app
supports the DualSense controller on the computer, and the gamepad becomes a great choice for
switching to Big Picture Mode when Steam is streaming to TV instead of
monitor.

First, open Steam and look in the upper left corner.
Go to the following Steam menu — Settings — Controller — General controller settings. Connect
DualSense via wired or wireless connection (see below,
how to connect via Bluetooth.
After connecting, Steam will show that you have a standard controller connected and
prompts you to set it up. If not, click on the device and select «Detect
layout».

From here you can assign buttons as you see fit.
For example, the touchpad can be mirrored as a button, just make sure
triggers (R2 and L2) are displayed as
analog input, not a button.

(Image credit: HowTablet)

your preferences, save and name the device (probably the most
the appropriate name would be DualSense).
Also make sure to select the PlayStation 4 controller section, which will toggle the hints
in games on the PlayStation buttons.

Support must be enabled in the controller settings menu.
general controller configuration and PlayStation configuration. Look for the checkbox next to
corresponding field.

After these manipulations, your DualSense will work in all Steam games, just make sure that
The Steam overlay is active, otherwise the controller may not be recognized.

Connecting DualSense to PC via USB

(Image credit: Sony)

You will need a USB-C to USB-A cable as the PlayStation 5 controller uses
USB Type-C port instead
the usual micro USB,
as on DualShock 4.

Simply connect the wire to the controller and then to the appropriate
connector on the computer, the operating system will detect the controller automatically.
If USB-C ports are available on your computer, you
You can use a USB-C to USB-C cable.

PS5 DualSense to PC via Bluetooth

(Image credit: Sony)

DualSense can be connected to laptop and PC using
wireless Bluetooth,
if the wires don’t look good in your living room. You should check that the computer
had an integrated Bluetooth receiver,
a characteristic feature of many laptops that is rarely available to desktop
computers. If not, you could use inexpensive USB Bluetooth dongles. They are like flash drives.

To connect the PS5 DualSense controller wirelessly,
press and hold the PS center button and the Create button for three
seconds until the light bar in the center of the controller flickers.

Now you need to go to the Bluetooth settings on your computer. In Windows 10, use the notification bar icon in the lower right corner of the screen. The Action Center will open, at the bottom of which you will find «Bluetooth», and there select «Wireless Controller».

If the system asks for a pairing code, enter 0000. The DualSense can then be connected via Bluetooth to your computer. No more wires!

Are PS5 controllers compatible with PC?

If you’ve managed to get your hands on a shiny new PS5 console but still want to play certain games on your PC, you might be wondering if you can use your new DualSense PS5 controller…

When the PS5 was first released, it was pretty hard to get one due to the increasingly common act of «scalping» that a few unscrupulous people used to make some quick cash. Luckily, it’s getting easier to get hold of them now if you’re fairly organized.

Save

While you wait for more games to come to the PlayStation 5 with exciting new features Sony promised you might like the idea of using your new DualSense controller for the games you normally play on PC to get used to the weight, size and functions.

However, this has not always been possible with some console controllers in the past, so is it possible with the PS5 controller?

Can I use a PS5 controller on a PC?

If you’ve managed to get your hands on the elusive PS5 but want to use the controller to play certain games on your PC, that’s good news, as it’s not only absolutely possible, but pretty easy.

While the benefits of using a mouse and keyboard are clear, especially in FPS games, other genres simply work better with a controller, and Sony’s DualSense controller is a great choice to use.

The PS5 Company The DualSense controller is pretty enjoyable to use, and it’s always nice to get a little more value out of controllers that you’ve basically spent a lot of money on. It’s also fun to play PC games using a gamepad rather than a mouse and keyboard, especially if your equipment isn’t in an office or game room.

If your laptop or desktop computer supports Bluetooth, the PS5 controller can be used both wired and wireless. If you want to use a wired controller that allows you to charge while you play, you’ll need a USB-C to USB-A cable. You can also use a USB-C to USB-C cable if your computer has a USB-C input.

Next, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need to do to get your PS5 DualSense Controller configured for use with your PC.

How to use the PS5 DualSense controller with Steam

par, the most popular PC marketplace and game launcher, supports the PS5 DualSense controller when you launch the app, and it’s the perfect choice to use the Steam TV-friendly Big Picture Mode if your setup turns on a TV in the living room or bedroom, such as .

To get started, open Steam and go to the top left corner. Click Steam, then Settings, then Controller, then General Controller Settings. Use a cable or wireless connection to pair your DualSense. Steam will detect that you have a controller connected and may require you to set it up after pairing. If not, select Detect Layout from the device menu.

You can then assign specific buttons to whatever you want. For example, a touchpad can be displayed as a button, but triggers must be displayed as an analog input, not as a button.

After you’ve finished customizing the buttons to your liking, save your preferences and name them whatever you want. Also, be sure to tell your PC that it’s a PlayStation controller, as this will make it easier to see PlayStation button hints in games that support it.

Then enable general controller configuration support and PlayStation configuration support in the controller settings menu. A checkmark should appear next to the corresponding field.

Your DualSense PS5 controller should now work in all your Steam games, but make sure it’s loaded with the Steam overlay or it won’t work properly.

How to connect a DualSense controller to a computer via Bluetooth

If you don’t want to use cables, DualSense can communicate with your PC via Bluetooth. If your PC or laptop doesn’t have a built-in Bluetooth receiver, you can easily get an inexpensive Bluetooth USB dongle wherever you buy your PC or PS5.

Press and hold the PS button and the Create button for three seconds until the light bar in the center of the DualSense controller flashes to connect the PS5 DualSense controller via Bluetooth.

After that, you will need to go to your PC’s Bluetooth settings. In Windows 10, go to the bottom right corner of the screen and click the speech bubble icon on the taskbar. This will open the Action Center where you can select «Bluetooth» and then «Wireless Controller».
If you are asked to enter a pairing code, simply enter «0000». Your PS5 DualSense controller should now be paired with your PC via Bluetooth, allowing you to play the game wirelessly.

Other top controllers for PC

If you’re just looking for your options and don’t necessarily already have a PS5 or a DualSense controller, there are still some great options when it comes to choosing a controller for PC gaming.

Here are some more controllers we liked on Steam:

Xbox Elite 2 Wireless Controller Series

Series 2 exudes elegance in every sense. Seemingly endless customization options offer you unparalleled control over your gaming experience. Being able to adjust all parts of the controller, including the d-pads, paddle shifters, and joystick stiffness, helps a lot.

The most notable difference between Series 2 and Series 1, which also performed well, is the addition of a handy compact carrying case that also doubles as a charging station for the controller’s new 40-hour battery pack. .

SKUF Instinct Pro

Outside of Sony and Microsoft, SCUF offers some of the best premium controllers available. And if you want to avoid the two main players in the console business, Instinct Pro is the best option.

The

Instinct Pro has more customization options than just about any other controller on the market, although of course the more complex you get, the higher the price goes.

The

Scuf is my personal favorite, but priced might not be much better than its biggest competitors.

Enhanced PowerA Spectra Infinity

If you’re on a budget, the current Spectra controller is comparable to the Xbox Series X controller | S, except for the brighter LEDs. Despite the low price, this is a rather fashionable controller.

The

Spectra side illumination adds character, and the trigger locks are perfect for shooters. Unfortunately, the Spectra doesn’t have wireless connectivity, which is essential in these days of wireless entertainment.