Do you want to connect your PS5 controller to your PC? Then we have good news for you – it is possible. You can connect the DualSense to the PC with a cable or via Bluetooth. We explain both options to you.
Connect the PS5 controller to the PC via cable
This connection method is certainly the easiest. To connect the PS5 controller to the PC, you need a USB-C to USB-A cable (view on Amazon) or a USB-C to -C cable (view on Amazon). This depends on the existing interfaces on your PC. The PlayStation 5 comes with a corresponding cable. However, if you buy the controller individually, the cable is not part of the package. That was almost it. You now have to connect the cable to the correct interfaces and you can get started.
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Connect PS5 controller to PC via Bluetooth
To connect the PS5 controller to the PC via Bluetooth, you need Either a Bluetooth adapter or one is already integrated into your motherboard (view on Amazon). In order to connect it, you have to open the menu item “Bluetooth and other devices” in the system settings in Windows. Simply press the Windows key and enter “Bluetooth”, you should then get the menu item to choose from.
Then click on the plus symbol or “Add Bluetooth or other device”. In the following menu, the first menu item is “Bluetooth”, select it. Your PC will then search for available devices.
On the PS5 controller you have to Hold the PlayStation and Share buttons at the same timeuntil the LEDs around the touchpad start flashing quickly. After a few seconds you should see the “Wireless Controller” as an available device on your PC. Click on the menu item to end the pairing process.
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You can then use the DualSense controller on the PC via Bluetooth. However, not all games will automatically recognize the PS5 controller. This uses the DirectInput driver and many PC games are designed for Microsoft's XInput driver. That's why the PS5 controller is only usable to a limited extent without a certain level of support. Luckily, Steam can help you out, which brings us to the next point.
Set up the PS5 controller with Steam
Because Steam supports the PS4 and generic PC controllers, setting up the PS5 controller is pretty easy. As soon as you have connected the PS5 controller to your PC, open Steam. Open “Settings”, then “Controller”. The PS5 controller should be listed there. Important: The DualSense is listed there with a different name.
Click on the controller menu item and you can then Readjust key assignment. After you have completed your key assignment, you can save and name the config. Your PS5 controller should then also work with your Steam games.
If you want to use the features of the PS5 controller on the PC, you have to use the Dualsense via the Steam beta client, because the controller is supported there. Vibration, trackpads, LEDs and even the gyroscope sensor of the PS5 controller are used. Only the adaptive triggers are currently not working.
This is how you get to the Steam beta client:
In the Steam menu, click on the Steam symbol at the top left. Select “Settings”. Go to the “Accounts” tab in the new window. Click on the “Change” button in the “Beta participation” section. Select “Steam Beta Update” in the drop-down menu. and confirm it with “Ok”. Restart Steam, Steam should automatically download an update.
To make sure it worked, you can check it in Steam options:
Connect the PS5 controller to your PC. Open the Steam settings. Open the “Controllers” window. Select “General controller settings”. If there are no problems, Steam will show you the DualSense under “Detected controllers” and you should can already operate the open window with it.
Use the PS5 controller with games outside of Steam
If you also have the PS5 controller, for example with your games from the Epic Games Store If you want to do this, you will also have to use Steam for help. Open Steam and click on the “Games” tab, then you must select the menu item “Add non-Steam game to my library…”. Important: This only works if you are logged in as an admin.
A list of all your programs will then appear on the computer. In most cases you can select and add the game you want there. You can then play the game you want with the PS5 controller; Steam acts as a kind of intermediary.
Update PS5 controller on PC
If you don't have your PS5 at hand, you can also update your PS5 controller on your PC. Sony's firmware updater Works with Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11 operating systems. To do this, proceed as follows:
Download the firmware updater and install the app on your PC. Follow the installation instructions. It may also happen that you have to download additional software. After installing, start the app. Now connect your controller to the PC using a USB cable and follow the app's instructions. Make sure that you do not switch off your PC or remove the USB cable during this. Once the firmware update is complete, a message will appear. Then select “Ok” to complete the process.
