How to Connect PS5 Controller to PC

How to Connect PS5 Controller to PC

Updated on February 27, 2024

Welcome to your ultimate guide on connecting your PS5 controller to your PC! Whether you're an avid gamer looking to enhance your gaming experience or simply prefer the ergonomic design of the PS5 controller for your PC gaming sessions, you've come to the right place. Our comprehensive guides are designed to walk you through every step of the process - from connecting your controller via Bluetooth or USB cable, to updating your controller's firmware for optimal PC use.

We haven't forgotten about your favorite gaming platforms, either. You'll find tailored instructions for configuring Steam and the Epic Games Store to work seamlessly with your PS5 controller. Plus, we'll show you how to customize your controller settings to suit your gameplay style, manage power settings effectively, and troubleshoot any connection issues that arise.

Our friendly and encouraging tone will keep you motivated, ensuring that you feel confident and well-equipped to make the most out of your PS5 controller on PC. Let's dive in and unlock the full potential of your gaming setup!

Table of Contents:

  1. Diving into the world of gaming, one of the first steps for enhancing your PC gaming experience with your PS5 controller is initiating a wireless connection. Let's start with the simplest method that requires no cables.

    How to Connect Your PS5 Controller to PC Via Bluetooth

    1. Enable Bluetooth on Your PC
      • Click on the Start menu and select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. Then, toggle on the Bluetooth option.
    2. Put Your PS5 Controller into Pairing Mode
      • Press and hold the Create button and the PS button on your PS5 controller simultaneously until the light bar starts to flash, indicating it's in pairing mode.
    3. Pair Your PS5 Controller with Your PC
      • Go back to the Bluetooth settings on your PC and click on Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth. Select your PS5 controller from the list of devices and wait for it to connect.
    4. Confirm the Connection
      • Once connected, the light bar on your PS5 controller will stop flashing and remain a steady color. You can now use your PS5 controller to play games on your PC wirelessly.
  2. For gamers who prefer a more stable and straightforward connection or those who might be facing Bluetooth connectivity issues, connecting via USB cable offers a reliable alternative. This method not only ensures a seamless connection but also charges your controller during those long gaming sessions.

    How to Connect Your PS5 Controller to PC Using a USB Cable

    1. Prepare the USB Cable and PS5 Controller
      • Locate a USB-C cable (for the PS5 controller) and ensure it is not damaged.
      • Check that your PS5 controller has enough battery life for the connection process.
    2. Connect the USB Cable to Your PC and Controller
      • Insert the USB-C end of the cable into the port on your PS5 controller.
      • Connect the other end of the USB cable to a USB port on your PC.
    3. Wait for the PC to Recognize the Controller
      • Once connected, wait a moment for Windows to detect the PS5 controller and install drivers automatically.
      • If a notification appears indicating that the device is set up and ready to go, your controller is successfully connected.
    4. Verify the Connection and Begin Gaming
      • Navigate to 'Devices and Printers' in the Control Panel to see if the PS5 controller is listed under 'Devices'. If it is, the connection is successful.
      • You can now start using your PS5 controller for gaming on your PC. Enjoy!
  3. After successfully connecting your PS5 controller to your PC, it's essential to keep the controller firmware up to date. This ensures optimal performance and compatibility with PC games, enhancing your gaming experience further.

    How to Update Your PS5 Controller Firmware for PC Use

    1. Connect Your PS5 Controller to Your PC
      • Insert one end of a USB-C cable into your PS5 controller and the other end into a USB port on your PC.
    2. Download and Install DS4Windows
      • Visit the official DS4Windows website, download the latest version of the software, and follow the installation prompts.
    3. Begin the Firmware Update Process
      • Open DS4Windows, navigate to the 'Settings' tab, and click on 'Controller/Driver Setup'. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your PS5 controller's firmware.
    4. Disconnect and Reconnect Your Controller
      • Unplug the USB-C cable from both the controller and the PC, then reconnect it.
  4. Now that your controller is connected and updated, configuring it for use with popular gaming platforms like Steam becomes the next step. Steam's controller support includes custom configuration options, making it a hub for your gaming adventures.

    How to Configure Steam to Use PS5 Controller

    1. Connect Your PS5 Controller to PC
      • For a wired connection, use a USB-C cable to connect your PS5 controller to your PC's USB port.
      • For a wireless connection, hold down the Create and PS buttons on your controller until the light bar starts to blink, indicating it's in pairing mode. Then, go to your PC's Bluetooth settings and select the controller to pair it.
    2. Launch Steam and Enter Big Picture Mode
      • Open the Steam client on your PC. Click on the 'View' menu, and select Big Picture Mode from the dropdown list.
    3. Configure Controller Settings in Steam
      • In Big Picture Mode, go to 'Settings' > 'Controller Settings'. Enable support for the PS5 controller by checking the box next to 'PlayStation Configuration Support'.
      • Your PS5 controller should now be detected by Steam. You may need to customize the button layout or adjust other settings based on your preference under the 'Controller Configuration' section.
    4. Test the Controller
      • Navigate to your Steam Library and launch any game that supports controller input. Test out the PS5 controller's functionality to ensure that all buttons and triggers are responding as expected.
  5. While Steam is widely used, Epic Games Store has also become a popular platform for PC gamers. Integrating your PS5 controller for use with games from the Epic Games Store adds to the versatility of your gaming setup, allowing for a broader range of game libraries.

    How to Use Your PS5 Controller with Epic Games Store

    1. Connect Your PS5 Controller
      • Plug the USB-C end of your PS5 controller's charging cable into the controller, and the other end into a USB port on your PC. Alternatively, you can connect the controller via Bluetooth.
    2. Enable Controller Support in Windows
      • Press Win + I to open Settings. Navigate to Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. Turn on Bluetooth, then click 'Add Bluetooth or other device' and choose 'Bluetooth'. Select your PS5 DualSense controller from the list.
    3. Configure in Epic Games Launcher
      • Open the Epic Games Launcher. Go to Settings by clicking on your profile name at the bottom left. Scroll down to the 'Desktop Settings' section. Ensure the 'Use Generic Gamepad Controller Support' option is checked.
    4. Test Your PS5 Controller
      • Launch any game from the Epic Games Store that supports controller use. You should be able to use your PS5 DualSense controller without any issues. If the controller is not working as expected, ensure you've followed all steps correctly and the game you're playing has controller support.
  6. Having mastered connection and configuration, delving into customization allows for a truly personalized gaming experience. Adjusting the settings of your PS5 controller on your PC lets you tailor the functionality to match your gaming preferences.

    How to Customize PS5 Controller Settings on PC

    1. Connect Your PS5 Controller
      • Connect the PS5 controller to your PC via USB cable or through Bluetooth.
      • Wait for your PC to recognize the device before proceeding.
    2. Install DS4Windows
      • Download DS4Windows from its official repository on GitHub.
      • Extract the downloaded file and run the DS4Windows.exe to start the installation process.
      • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
    3. Customize Controller Settings
      • Launch DS4Windows and select the 'Profiles' tab.
      • Click 'New' to create a new profile, or select an existing profile to customize.
      • Adjust the settings as per your preference, including button mapping, stick sensitivity, and more.
      • Click 'Save' to apply the changes.
    4. Test the Configuration
      • Open any PC game that supports controller input.
      • Use the PS5 controller to navigate the game, verifying the effectiveness of the customized settings.
  7. As you enjoy your gaming, managing the power settings of your PS5 controller becomes crucial for uninterrupted playtime. This includes understanding how to efficiently charge your controller and adjust settings to extend battery life during your gaming sessions.

    How to Manage Power Settings for Your PS5 Controller on PC

    1. Connect Your PS5 Controller to Your PC
      • Press and hold the PS button and the Create button on your controller until the light bar begins to flash, indicating it's in pairing mode.
      • On your PC, navigate to Bluetooth settings and select the option to add a device. Choose your PS5 controller from the list of available devices to connect.
    2. Customize Power Saving Settings on Your PC
      • Navigate to the Control Panel on your PC, and select 'Hardware and Sound', then 'Power Options'. Choose the power plan that best suits your usage, or create a custom plan for more granular control.
      • Ensure that the settings for 'Turn off the display' and 'Put the computer to sleep' are configured to your preference to prevent the controller from being disconnected due to inactivity.
    3. Use Third-party Software for Advanced Management
      • Download and install a reputable third-party application that offers PS5 controller support, like DS4Windows or Steam for enhanced power management features including adjusting idle time before sleep, and monitoring battery life.
      • Follow the specific instructions provided by the software to optimize power usage settings based on your personal gaming habits and preferences.
  8. Even with all the right setups, encountering connection issues can be a frustrating hurdle. Developing a troubleshooting strategy becomes the final step in ensuring a smooth gaming experience, allowing you to quickly resolve any connectivity problems that arise.

    How to Troubleshoot Connection Issues with Your PS5 Controller on PC

    1. Check the Bluetooth Connection
      • Press Windows + I to open Settings. Navigate to 'Devices' > 'Bluetooth & other devices' to check if Bluetooth is turned on.
      • If your PS5 controller is listed under 'Other devices', remove it and then try reconnecting.
    2. Connect via USB Cable
      • Connect your PS5 controller to your PC using a USB cable. Windows should automatically recognize the device.
      • Check if the controller is now working with your PC. If it does, it indicates a possible issue with the Bluetooth connection.
    3. Update Controller and Bluetooth Drivers
      • Press Windows + X and select 'Device Manager'. Expand 'Bluetooth' and right-click on your Bluetooth adapter to 'Update driver'.
      • Similarly, update your PS5 controller driver by expanding 'Human Interface Devices', right-clicking on 'HID-compliant game controller', and selecting 'Update driver'.
    4. Reset Your PS5 Controller
      • Use a small tool to press the reset button located on the back of the controller near the L2 shoulder button. Hold for about 5 seconds.
      • After resetting, attempt to connect the controller to your PC again via Bluetooth or USB.
    5. Troubleshoot Your PC's Bluetooth
      • Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter in Windows by pressing Windows + I to open Settings, then navigate to 'Update & Security' > 'Troubleshoot' > 'Additional troubleshooters' > 'Bluetooth'.
      • Follow the prompts to diagnose and fix any detected Bluetooth issues.
We hope this guide has provided you with all the necessary information to successfully connect your PS5 controller to your PC, regardless of the method or platform you prefer. From Bluetooth connections to firmware updates, and from customizing your controller settings to troubleshooting common issues, we've aimed to cover every aspect to ensure a seamless gaming experience. Should you have any further questions or need additional assistance, don't hesitate to seek out more resources or reach out to the gaming community for support. Happy gaming!

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