How To Connect a PS5 Controller to Windows PC

When Sony launched the PS5, the most talked-about feature of the new console wasn’t its performance or games—it was the all-new DualSense controller, which set a new benchmark thanks to its fantastic design, ergonomics, and haptics. Naturally, if you own a PS5, you might also want to use the controller with your PC. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to connect your PS5 controller to your PC without any issues.

Connect Your PS5 Controller With PC

Before we begin, there are a few things worth noting. Since Microsoft owns Windows, the OS natively supports only Xbox controllers. This means that while you can connect the DualSense controller to a Windows PC, the buttons and features don’t work.

Fortunately, the awesome PC community—and Steam—have already come to the rescue. A few years back, Steam added native input support for the DualSense controller, allowing you to play any game on the platform using it.

If the games you play aren’t available on Steam, there’s a tool called DS4Windows. It automatically maps the controller buttons to a layout Windows recognizes, allowing you to use your DualSense controller without needing to configure anything manually.

1. Connect DualSense to PC

There are two ways to connect your PS5 controller to a PC: wired or wireless. For a wired connection, all you need is a USB-C to USB-A, or a USB-C cable (depending on your PC’s ports). If you prefer going wireless, Bluetooth is the way to go. Here is how:

1. Open the Settings app on your PC.
2. Navigate to Bluetooth & Devices.
3. Click Add Device and select Bluetooth.
4. Hold down the PS button + Create button on the controller until the light bar starts flashing.
   
5. Select Wireless Controller from the list of available devices.

2. Use the PS5 Controller With Steam

Connecting your PS5 controller via Steam is super easy. Here is how:

1. Open Steam on your PC.
2. Go to Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings.
   
3. Check the box for PlayStation Configuration Support.
   
4. Your controller should now appear as a PlayStation 5 Controller.

And that’s it. Your DualSense controller can now play any game on your PC. We also recommend switching to the Big Picture mode, which is controller-friendly.

3. Use PS5 Controller With DS4 Windows

If you like to play games using an emulator or can’t add your titles to Steam, DS4Windows is a great alternative. However, it does require a bit of setup. Here’s how to get started:

1. Go to the DS4Windows GitHub page and scroll to the Assets section.
2. Download the latest .zip file.
   
3. Head back up the page and install both .NET 8 Desktop Runtime x64 and .NET 8 Desktop Runtime x86—these are required for the app to run properly.
   
4. Open File Explorer, navigate to where the DS4Windows file is located, and extract its contents.
   
5. Also, extract the .NET files if you haven’t already.
6. Open the extracted DS4Windows folder and double-click the .exe file.
   
7. When prompted, select Program Folder.
8. Install the ViGEmBus Driver using the app, then click Finished.
   
9. Navigate to the Settings tab, then click on Device Options.
10. Select the DualSense option.
    
11. If you haven’t already, connect your PS5 controller to your PC.
12. Click the Start button to begin using your controller.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

While we cannot account for every problem that may occur, here are solutions to some common problems.

• Controller not recognized: Try using a different USB port or cable. You may also want to restart Steam or DS4Windows.
• Input lag: If Bluetooth feels sluggish, switch to a wired connection for a more responsive experience.
• Game doesn’t detect controller: For non-Steam titles, ensure DS4Windows is running, and your controller is correctly mapped.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Whether you’re connecting your PS5 controller to play modern AAA titles or retro classics, there’s a solution for everyone. Both Steam support and DS4Windows are easy to set up and can help you get the most out of your controller on PC.