Method 1: Wired (Simplest)

  1. 1

    Use a USB-C to USB-A (or USB-C to USB-C) cable

    The PS5 DualSense uses USB-C. Connect to your PC with a USB-C cable. A USB-C to USB-A adapter works if your PC does not have a USB-C port.

  2. 2

    Windows installs drivers automatically

    Windows 10 and 11 recognise the DualSense automatically — no driver download needed. The controller is ready to use within seconds of plugging in.

  3. 3

    Open a game and test

    Most PC games recognise the DualSense as an Xbox controller input (the standard for PC games). Launch any game and the controller should work. Some games show PlayStation button prompts; others show Xbox prompts regardless — functionality is the same.

Method 2: Bluetooth (Wireless)

  1. 4

    Put controller in pairing mode

    Hold the PS button and the Create button (the small button to the left of the touchpad) simultaneously for about 3 seconds until the light bar starts flashing blue rapidly. This puts the controller in Bluetooth pairing mode.

  2. 5

    Open Bluetooth settings on Windows

    Settings → Bluetooth and devices → Add device → Bluetooth. Windows searches for nearby devices.

  3. 6

    Select Wireless Controller

    The PS5 controller appears as Wireless Controller. Click it to pair. The light bar turns solid white when connected.

Steam usersSteam has excellent DualSense support. In Steam → Settings → Controller → enable PlayStation Controller Support. Steam will show PlayStation button prompts in supported games and you can customise the controller layout per game in the Steam Input settings.

If the Controller Is Not Working in a Game

  • Make sure no other controller is connected that might conflict
  • Try DS4Windows (free software) — it emulates the DualSense as an Xbox controller for games that do not natively support PlayStation controllers
  • Check the game's control settings and make sure controller input is enabled

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — Steam has native DualSense support including haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support in some games. Enable PlayStation controller support in Steam Settings → Controller. Many Steam games show PS button prompts when DualSense is connected via Steam.
Common causes: PC Bluetooth power saving turning off the adapter, interference from other devices, or the controller going to sleep. In Device Manager → Bluetooth → your Bluetooth adapter → Properties → Power Management → uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Also keep the controller charged — low battery causes connection instability.