How to Connect a PS5 Controller on PC

How you game is unique to you. Some people are experts at mouse and keyboard, while others prefer the console or hand-held experience. What if you could combine the best of both worlds? If your hardware includes a Bluetooth connection, you can likely use a PS5 controller on PC. Learn more about how to do so, why you might want to and more.

Can the PS5 Controller Connect to a PC?

According to PlayStation itself, yes — the PS5 DualSense controller will work with a PC with Bluetooth. If your computer doesn’t have Bluetooth or the response is slow, ensure you have a cable with a USB connection on one end and a USB-C on the other.

How to Connect PS5 Controllers on PC via Bluetooth

Luckily, the process is quite simple.

1. Ready the Controller

To start, make sure the player indicator on your controller isn’t on. If it is, hold the PS button down until it turns itself off. Make sure there are no wires plugged into the controller, as well.

2. Open the Bluetooth Settings on Your PC

Next, open your computer’s Bluetooth settings. Click the Windows logo at the bottom of your screen or click the Windows key on your keyboard and navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices.

Then, hit Add device. If a window appears asking what kind of device you want to add, click Bluetooth.

3. Activate Pairing on Your Controller

It’s finally time to get to pairing. Do so by holding down the PS and Create buttons — the latter is on the top left. The light bar on the controller should start to blink.

4. Select the PS5 Controller on Your PC

If all has gone well, the PS5 controller should show up as a selectable option on your computer. Click it and you’re ready to go.

Didn’t Work?

If those steps didn’t work, PlayStation says you should try resetting the controller. Do so first by ensuring the PS5 console is off and no cables are attached. Then, use something the size of a pin to press the reset button inside the tiny hole on the back of the controller next to the Sony logo.

Hold this for about five seconds and try connecting again. If the Bluetooth connection still doesn’t work, you may just want to use a wired one instead.

Connecting a PS5 Controller via USB

This process is even easier than the Bluetooth one. All you need to do is plug the USB end of a cable into your PC and the USB-C end into your controller. If this doesn’t work, ensure the cord you’re using can transmit data — some are only able to move power.

Why Use a PS5 Controller With Your PC?

If you’re used to a mouse and keyboard, getting used to any controller might be hard. However, there are many benefits to switching from the standard Xbox controller to a PS5 one. For one, the DualSense controller offers adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, which allow for a more immersive and seamless experience. The newness of the technology also means it could be incredibly responsive, improving your aim in shooters or jumps in platformers.

Can You Use a PS5 Controller on Steam?

When these features first came out, Sony fans were disappointed to learn those features didn’t exactly mesh with Steam. Now, there are nearly 10,000 games on the platform that support the controller, with plenty utilizing these exciting additions.

However, the program might recognize your PS5 controller as an Xbox one, which can be annoying when you’re learning the buttons of a new game and it shows you the wrong prompts. To remedy this, open the software and navigate to the top left, where it says Steam. Click it and go to Settings > Controller > General Controler Settings. Ensure the slider that says Enable Steam Input for Playstation controllers is to the right and you should be ready to game.

Alternatives for the PS5 Controller

Though the PS5 controller is a fantastic option for your PC setup, you may not be able to connect it or the button layout might not be to your liking. If you’re looking for an alternative, check out these five swaps for the DualSense.

1. Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons

Nintendo has dominated the gaming sphere for years for a good reason. While it dealt with some flack for the noticeable drift the Nintendo Switch controllers sometimes get — which thankfully has fixes — there’s no denying the console is a favorite to many. If that sounds like you, try seeing if your skills improve when you switch to the Joy-Cons.

2. Xbox Controller

PC gamers have loved the Xbox controller for their sessions for a long time now. The offset analog sticks are a large difference from the PS5 controller but a familiar sight to Nintendo gamers. Most games are ready for Xbox controls anyway, so why not pick up one of these in a style or color that catches your eye?

3. Bionik Neoglow Wireless Controller

If you’re searching for a controller that combines the function of a Switch device with RGB lights to match your PC, look no further than the Bionik Neoglow. This awesome piece of tech has a clear case that allows the colors to saturate it and gives you a look at the internals. It can function with a wired connection and wirelessly.

4. 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller With Charging Dock

The 8BitDo option gives you a sleek controller and a convenient charging dock that also displays your device. It also offers 2.4g, Bluetooth and USB-C connections, so you can game on your PC however you want. Another feature gamers may love is the controller turns on and off when you undock or dock it, so you won’t have to worry about charging it before playing.

5. DualShock 4 Wireless Controller

Having issues with the PS5 controllers? Why not try the generation back? Many have said they find this controller easier to hold. Plus, the older nature of the technology may mean developers have worked out more of the kinks regarding computer and game compatibility.

Make Computer Gaming a Breeze With the PS5 Controller on PC

Using hand-held devices to game is a lot easier for many than a mouse and keyboard. If you grew up on Sony, try out your PS5 controller on PC. Doing so just might reinvigorate your gaming sessions.