How to connect and use a PS5 controller on your PC

The PS5 controller, the DualSense, is a great piece of equipment with new features that allow for greater immersion in video games. Thanks to its features and comfort, the PS5 controller has become a popular controller among gamers on all platforms. One of those platforms is the PC, and luckily the PS5 controller connects seamlessly to the PC.

The DualSense controller can connect to your PC via a wired or wireless connection, and it’s relatively easy to set up using either method. Read on to learn how to connect your PS5 controller to your PC.

Connecting the PS5 controller to your PC via USB

The easiest way to connect your PS5 controller to your PC is to use a USB cable. Fortunately, Windows is able to detect your controller automatically, so you don’t need to manually install drivers for it.

You’ll need a USB-C to USB-A cable because 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.

1. Connect the USB-C end of the cable to your PS5 controller.
2. Connect the USB-A end of the cable to your PC.
3. Windows will now let you know that it has detected the controller and your controller will turn on.

That’s all it’s about! Your controller is now usable and you can play your games. Although you can use the PS5 controller as it is now, it is advisable to update your PS5 controller through your PC since you have already connected them. Updating your PS5 controller firmware ensures that all functions are working and up to date.

An old controller will retain its basic functions, but the PS5 controller’s immersive functions require the latest firmware updates to work properly.

Connect the PS5 controller to your PC using Bluetooth

If you don’t want to mess with cables and play remotely, you can also connect your PS5 controller to your PC via Bluetooth.

To do this, your PC must be equipped with Bluetooth. If your PC does not have built-in Bluetooth, you can add Bluetooth to your PC using a Bluetooth adapter.

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

1. In Windows 10 or Windows 11, go to Settings.
2. Click on Add a device.
3. Choose Bluetooth.
4. On your PS5 controller, hold down the PS and Create buttons for three seconds until the controller starts flashing blue. The Create button is the same as the Share button on DualShock 4 controllers.
5. On your PC, in the menu Add a Device select your controller. Your controller is probably under the name wireless controller.

   

   When you select your controller, it will stop flashing and emit a solid blue light.

6. Click on Finished.

Remember that your PS5 controller consumes battery power when it’s being used wirelessly, and you’ll need to charge it from time to time to continue playing. Conversely, if you’re playing with a wired connection, your controller will charge while you play.

Use and customize your PS5 controller with Steam

Steam is a PC gaming icon, but that doesn’t mean 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 the games you play on Steam.

This means that even if you’re playing a game that isn’t on Steam, you can easily add that game to your Steam library and take advantage of the controller support that Steam provides. Here’s how you can connect your PS5 controller to Steam:

1. Connect your PS5 controller to your PC.
2. Launch Steam.
3. In Steam, go to the section Steam menu.
4. Click on Settings. The Settings window will open.
5. In the Settings window, select Controller.

   

6. Click on General controller settings.
7. Navigate with your controller and activate PlayStation configuration support.

   

You should see your controller name in the heading Controllers are identified as PlayStation 5 controller.

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

1. Go to Controller settings on Steam.

   

2. Choose 15 minutes under Controller downtime. This is the default value.
3. Choose the time that suits you best.

As mentioned earlier, you can also completely disable controller vibrations through Steam:

1. Apply with mouse PlayStation 5 controller in Controllers are identified.
2. On the right, select Preferences.
3. Change Rumble Preference. Changing this value to Off Disable controller vibration.

Generally, the light emitted by the PS5 controller is seen as a signal, but you can turn it into an aesthetic feature by changing the color to suit your taste. Here’s how you can do it through Steam:

1. Apply with mouse PlayStation 5 controller in Controller Settings page.
2. Choose Preferences.
3. Change LED slot player in On.

   

4. Fix it Bright controller color in your favorite color. Your controller’s color should change in real time.
5. Choose Pass on.

Configuring your controller for use with 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 the Steam interface with your PS5 controller.

Play on your PC with the PlayStation 5 controller

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

Fortunately, connecting the PS5 controller to a PC is relatively easy. After reading this article, you now know how to connect your controller to your PC using a USB cable or wirelessly via Bluetooth.

If you want to customize and calibrate your PS5 controller on PC, it’s a good idea to connect it to Steam. Steam allows you to connect and calibrate different controllers, including your PS5 controller, on the PC. That said, it’s time to connect your PS5 controller to your PC and play!