How to Connect PS5 Controller to PC via Bluetooth: A Complete Guide

The PS5 DualSense controller is a wonder of contemporary engineering, with its haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and sleek ergonomic shape.

Though designed for the PS5, numerous PC gamers are now resorting to the PS5 controller for PC gaming due to its flexibility and superb build quality.

 In this comprehensive tutorial, we break down exactly how to connect PS5 controller to PC, via Bluetooth, from system specifications to troubleshooting instructions. 

If you're an experienced gamer or using it for the first time, this tutorial has all the information you require.

System Requirements for Using a PS5 Controller on PC via Bluetooth

Before you begin the process, ensure your PC meets the following requirements:

• Windows 10 or 11 (Bluetooth functionality may not work reliably on older versions).

• Bluetooth 4.0 or later – Integrated or USB Bluetooth dongle.

• The DualSense wireless controller (model CFI-ZCT1W or newer).

• Optional: A Steam account for native game support.

Enable Bluetooth on Your PC

The first and most important step to connect PS5 controller to PC:  Bluetooth needs to be enabled on your computer. 

If your machine lacks Bluetooth, consider purchasing a Bluetooth 5.0 USB adapter, which boasts faster pairing and more consistent connections.

How to Check and Enable Bluetooth:

1. Click the Start Menu and select Settings.

2. Go to Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.

3. Flip the Bluetooth switch to "On" if it's off.

4. Your PC is now ready to find and connect with new Bluetooth devices.

Put Your PS5 DualSense Controller Into Pairing Mode

1. In order to connect PS5 controller to PC, without wires, you must turn Bluetooth pairing mode on your controller:

2. Ensure that the controller is off.

3. Press the "Create" button (formerly Share) and the "PS" button at the same time.

4. Press and hold them for about 3-5 seconds, until the light bar begins flashing rapidly. This shows the controller is in pairing mode.

Pair the PS5 Controller with Your PC via Bluetooth

Now set the controller in pairing mode and enable the bluetooth on your PC, you can now complete the connection.

Pairing Process:

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.

2. Click on “Add Bluetooth or other device”.

3. Choose Bluetooth from the options.

4. In the list of available devices, you should see something like “Wireless Controller”. Click on it.

5. Wait a few moments for the pairing to complete. Once connected, the flashing light will become solid.

Congratulations — your PS5 controller is now connected via Bluetooth to your PC.

Testing the Controller Input

After pairing, it’s crucial to verify that the controller inputs are being correctly recognized.

Using Windows Game Controller Settings:

1. Press Win + R and type joy.cpl, then press Enter.

2. In the Game Controllers window, select Wireless Controller and click Properties.

3. Test the buttons, triggers, and joysticks to ensure each input responds appropriately.

Using the PS5 Controller with Steam

One of the best parts of using a PS5 controller on PC is Steam’s native support for the DualSense controller.

Enable Support in Steam:

1. Launch the Steam client.

2. Go to Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings.

3. Check the box for PlayStation Configuration Support.

4. Your controller will now be recognized with full button mapping, custom layouts, and compatibility with most titles.

Customizing Button Layouts in Steam:

• Open Big Picture Mode for easier navigation.

• Select your controller, and click “Define Layout” to map buttons.

• Save custom profiles for different games.

Non-Steam Games: Using DualSense with DS4Windows

For games that aren’t on Steam, use a tool like DS4Windows, which emulates an Xbox controller to improve compatibility.

How to Set Up DS4Windows:

1. Download DS4Windows from the official GitHub page.

2. Extract and run the DS4Windows executable.

3. Follow prompts to install the ViGEmBus driver.

4. Connect your PS5 controller (already paired via Bluetooth).

5. Customize profiles and button mapping as needed.
   

For titles not available on Steam, employ something such as DS4Windows, which mimics an Xbox controller to enhance compatibility.

Troubleshooting Bluetooth Connection Issues

Sometimes, the controller may fail to connect or lose connectivity during gameplay. Here’s how to fix it.

Common Problems and Solutions:

• Controller Not Showing in Devices:
  

• Make sure the controller is in pairing mode (flashing light).

• Restart Bluetooth on your PC.

• Restart your PC and try again.
  

• Lag or Input Delay:
  

• Keep your controller close to the Bluetooth antenna.

• Disconnect unused Bluetooth devices.

• Use a Bluetooth 5.0 adapter for better bandwidth.
  

• Controller Disconnects Randomly:
  

• Go to Device Manager > Bluetooth > Wireless Controller > Power Management.

• Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”

Benefits of Using the PS5 Controller on PC via Bluetooth

The DualSense controller offers a premium gaming experience, even on PC:

• Wireless freedom without clutter.

• Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in supported games.

• Precision analog sticks for FPS and racing games.

• Rechargeable battery with up to 12 hours of gameplay.

• Support across platforms like Windows, Steam, Epic Games, and more.

Which PC Games Have PS5 DualSense Support?

Certain PC games now natively have DualSense support for features such as adaptive triggers and haptics, particularly when playing through Steam or the Epic Games Launcher.

Some Popular PC Games Featuring DualSense Support:

• Death Stranding Director’s Cut

• Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition

• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

• Spider-Man Remastered

• Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

Note: Full haptic support is generally best achieved with a USB-C cable, but developers are slowly adding support to Bluetooth connections.

Using the PS5 Controller with Emulators on PC

The DualSense is also perfect for playing retro or console games via emulators.

Popular Emulators That Support DualSense:

• RPCS3 (PS3 emulator)

• PCSX2 (PS2 emulator)

• Yuzu and Ryujinx (Switch emulators)

• Dolphin (GameCube/Wii)

To ensure compatibility, configure the input settings within each emulator, or use DS4Windows for a seamless experience.

Using the PS5 Controller with Cloud Gaming Services

Thanks to Bluetooth pairing, your PS5 controller can be used with cloud gaming platforms like:

• Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud)

• NVIDIA GeForce NOW

• Amazon Luna

• Steam Link

• Shadow PC

Simply pair the controller, launch the respective app, and enjoy console-like gameplay on your PC.

Step-by-Step: Connect PS5 Controller to PC Using USB

You can connect the PS5 controller to PC as it will ensure maximum performance and compatibility using a USB. It will be ideal for gaming both competitive and casual.

Why Opt for a Wired Connection?

Stable Connection: A wired connection removes possible wireless interference, ensuring a stable gaming experience.

Low Latency: USB connections have very little input lag, essential for action-packed games.

Plug-and-Play: The majority of PCs detect the controller immediately without extra software.

What You Need

• PS5 DualSense Controller

• USB-C to USB-A Cable: Commonly included with the PS5. Alternatively, a USB-C to USB-C Cable if your PC supports it.

• Windows 10 or 11 PC
  

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Controller Not Recognized:

• Ensure the USB cable is functional and supports data transfer.

• Try connecting to a different USB port.

• Restart your PC and reconnect the controller.
  

Input Lag or Unresponsiveness:

• Use a direct USB connection instead of hubs or extensions.

• Close background applications that might interfere with controller input.
  

Controller Disconnects Randomly:

• Check for loose cable connections.

• Update your PC's USB drivers.

Maximizing Your Gaming Experience

• Firmware Updates: Update your controller's firmware through the PS5 console to maintain optimum performance.

• Game Compatibility: Certain PC games are not compatible with the advanced features of the DualSense such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Check game settings or forums for compatibility details.

• Audio Output: Audio output can be done using the headphone jack of the DualSense controller. After plugging in, make it the default sound device in your PC's sound settings.

Connecting the PS5 Controller to PC via USB: A Detailed Walkthrough

To make a connection between the USB connection between your ps5 controller to pc is  a simple process but is very crucial to optimize gaming processes.

1. Select the Right USB Cable

To start, it’s vital to have the correct cable:

• The PS5 DualSense controller uses a USB Type-C port.
  

• You will need either:
  

• A USB-C to USB-A cable (for PCs with standard USB-A ports),

• Or a USB-C to USB-C cable (for PCs with USB-C ports).

2. Power On Your PC

Make sure the computer is booted up and logged in fully before plugging in the controller. This will allow Windows to recognize new hardware and automatically install drivers.

3. Connect the DualSense Controller

• Step A: Insert the USB-C end of your cable into the top port of the DualSense controller. It should click gently into place and sit firmly.
  

• Step B: Insert the other end of the cable (USB-A or USB-C) into a free port on your PC. Insert it into a direct port on the motherboard (typically located on the rear of a desktop tower or along the sides of a laptop) to prevent interference or power delivery problems from USB hubs.

4. Let Windows Install Drivers Automatically

Once connected, Windows 10 or Windows 11 will detect the device and attempt to install necessary drivers. This usually occurs within a few seconds.

• You may see a notification popup saying “Setting up device” or “Installing device driver software.”

• Within a minute, the message should change to “Device is ready to use.”

Tip: You don’t need to download any special drivers for basic use—the required HID-compliant game controller driver is built into Windows.

5. Visual Confirmation from Controller

Once the controller is powered and recognized:

• The light bar near the touchpad will light up, typically in white or blue, indicating it's successfully connected.

• The controller is now powered via USB and ready to communicate with the PC.
  
  

If there’s no light at all, double-check the cable, the USB port, or try using a different computer to isolate the problem.

6. Check in Device Manager (Optional)

For users who want to confirm detection on a deeper level:

1. Press Win + X and choose Device Manager.

2. Expand the Human Interface Devices section.

3. Look for entries like:

• HID-compliant game controller

• Wireless Controller

4. Right-click and choose Properties to ensure the device is functioning properly.

This step is particularly helpful if you're experiencing issues with detection in specific games or third-party software.

Verifying the Connection and Testing Inputs

Once you've connected the controller physically, the next critical step is to verify that it's recognized properly by the operating system and ensure all inputs are functional. This is also a crucial step to connect PS5 controller to PC.

1. Open the Game Controllers Panel

This legacy Windows feature is still the fastest way to check the input responsiveness of game controllers.

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.

• Type joy.cpl and press Enter.

• This opens the Game Controllers settings window, also known as the Game Devices Control Panel.
  
  

2. Locate the PS5 Controller on the List

You should see an entry that reads:

• "Wireless Controller" or sometimes just "Controller (HID-compliant game controller)"

 If you see the entry listed but it says “Status: Not Connected,” try unplugging the controller and plugging it back into a different USB port.

3. Test Button Inputs and Joysticks

• Select the Wireless Controller entry.

• Click Properties.

This opens a live input test screen showing:

• A button press visualizer (each button flash lights when pressed).

• A joystick test grid for both left and right sticks.

• Trigger pull indicators.

Begin testing:

• Press each face button (X, Circle, Square, Triangle) and ensure the corresponding lights flash.

• Move both analog sticks and observe smooth movement across the axis grid.

• Press L1, R1, L2, R2, and the Options/Share buttons to ensure full detection.

• Push in L3 and R3 (press down the sticks) and ensure those clicks register as button presses.

4. Test the Touchpad (Optional)

While the touchpad isn't fully utilized in many PC games, some drivers or software can detect it.

• Slide your finger across the touchpad.

• If supported, you’ll see corresponding pointer or coordinate changes in the input test.

5. Calibrate the Controller (If Necessary)

If your controller exhibits drift or inaccurate inputs:

• Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

• Right-click on Wireless Controller > Game Controller Settings > Properties.

• Click on the Settings tab and select Calibrate.

• Follow the on-screen instructions to recalibrate joystick axes and triggers.
  
  

This is especially useful if you're using the controller for precision-heavy games like shooters or racing sims.

6. Set as Default (If Multiple Controllers Are Detected)

If you have multiple controllers or devices connected:

• Open the Game Controllers panel via joy.cpl.

• Select Wireless Controller and click "Set as Default" to prioritize it.

Doing this ensures games don’t mistakenly use an older or disconnected controller by default.

Conclusion: Experience Next-Gen Gaming on Your PC

By pairing your PS5 DualSense controller with Bluetooth, you open up a universe of immersive, wireless gaming without the requirement for adapters or drivers in most situations. 

From immersing yourself in AAA games, old-school games, or competitive eSport, when you connect PS5 controller to PC, it offers precision, comfort, and flexibility.

Maximize your PC gaming experience with the correct settings, software such as DS4Windows, and a robust Bluetooth connection. Have the best of both worlds: next-gen console hardware and the capabilities of PC gaming.

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