Table of Contents

How to Connect Your PS5 DualSense Controller to Your PC Without an Adapter

The PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller is a fantastic piece of hardware, boasting haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and a comfortable ergonomic design. If you’re looking to use this advanced controller for gaming on your PC, you’ll be glad to know that it’s entirely possible to do so without needing a special adapter. This article will guide you through the process of connecting your PS5 controller to your PC, covering both wireless (Bluetooth) and wired (USB) options.

Connecting Your DualSense Controller via Bluetooth

The most popular and convenient method to connect your DualSense to your PC is via Bluetooth. This allows for a seamless wireless experience, giving you freedom of movement while gaming. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Preparing Your Controller for Pairing

Ensure your controller is off. If it’s on, you can hold down the PlayStation button for about 15 seconds until it turns off. The light bar will also power down.
Activate pairing mode. Simultaneously press and hold the PS button (the PlayStation logo button) and the Create button (located to the left of the touchpad). The light bar around the touchpad will start to blink rapidly with a blue light. This indicates that your controller is in pairing mode and is discoverable by Bluetooth devices.

Setting Up Bluetooth on Your PC

Open your PC’s Bluetooth settings. Press the Windows key, type “Bluetooth”, and select Bluetooth & other devices from the search menu. Alternatively, you can find this in the Settings app under the “Bluetooth & devices” section (in Windows 11) or Devices (in Windows 10).
Click “Add device”. This button is often at the top of the settings window.
Select “Bluetooth”. In the pop-up window, choose Bluetooth to initiate a device search.
Select the “DualSense Wireless Controller”. Your PC should now discover your controller. It will typically appear as “DualSense Wireless Controller” on the list of available devices. Click on it to start the pairing process.
Pairing Complete. Once pairing is complete, the light bar on your DualSense controller will become a solid color, typically white or a color specified in any settings you’ve configured. You should now be able to use your PS5 controller wirelessly with your PC games.

Connecting Your DualSense Controller via USB Cable

If you prefer a wired connection, or your PC doesn’t have Bluetooth, connecting your DualSense using a USB cable is just as easy. This is also the method that provides the most stable connection and is PlayStation’s official method of support. Here’s how to do it:

Wired Connection Steps

Plug in the USB Cable. Connect the USB Type-C end of your charging cable into the port on the DualSense controller.
Connect to your PC. Plug the other end (usually a USB Type-A end) into any available USB port on your PC.
Automatic Recognition. Windows should automatically recognize your controller and install any necessary drivers. Your controller is now ready to use. The light bar will illuminate with a solid color, usually orange during charging when plugged.
Check in Game Controller Settings To confirm everything is working you can go into the “Game Controllers” Settings (search for this from the Windows Start menu), select the controller and click the “Properties” button. This will let you test buttons and inputs to make sure everything is being recognized.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

If you encounter any issues with your connection, here are a few things to check:

Bluetooth Interference: Make sure there are no other Bluetooth devices interfering with the signal. Move away from devices such as microwaves, and other Bluetooth emitting devices
USB Port: Try using a different USB port on your computer.
Controller Battery: Ensure your controller is charged. A low battery can cause connection problems.
Update Drivers: Check your PC for any pending driver updates for your Bluetooth adapter or USB ports.
Restart Everything: Try restarting your PC and the controller. This often fixes simple connection glitches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about connecting your PS5 controller to a PC, offering additional insights and solutions:

1. Can I use all DualSense features on PC?

Yes, most games that support controllers on PC will be able to recognize your DualSense and will utilize button inputs, the analog sticks, and the D-pad. Specific features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers may or may not be fully supported, depending on the game. Some games may have explicit support for these features, while others may offer basic rumble functionality.

2. Is it better to connect via Bluetooth or USB?

Both methods have their advantages. Bluetooth offers wireless freedom, while USB provides a more stable connection with no lag or potential interference. Choose what works best for your specific setup and preferences. For competitive gaming, a wired connection is often preferred to avoid any latency.

3. Will my PC recognize the controller automatically?

Yes, in most cases, your PC will automatically recognize the DualSense controller and install any necessary drivers, particularly if you are using Windows 10 or 11. However, you may need to install additional drivers for more advanced functionality such as haptic feedback or adaptive trigger support, depending on your game.

4. What if my controller is not being recognized?

If your controller isn’t being recognized, first try restarting your PC and the controller. Ensure you have the latest drivers, your USB cable is functioning correctly, or the bluetooth pairing is correct. Also make sure that the PS5 controller is not connected to another device like a console or phone. If the problem persists, consider checking for driver updates or running troubleshooting utilities in Windows.

5. Can I use the controller on PC games via Steam?

Yes, Steam supports the DualSense controller. You may need to enable “PlayStation Configuration Support” within Steam’s controller settings for the best compatibility. This setting can also be found by opening Steam, go to “Steam” in the top left corner, select “Settings”, then go to the “Controller” tab. There you’ll find the option to enable PlayStation controller support.

6. Can I connect multiple DualSense controllers to my PC?

Yes, you can connect multiple DualSense controllers, either through Bluetooth or USB, depending on your PC’s capabilities and your game’s supported modes. However, make sure your PC has enough Bluetooth receivers or USB ports for each controller.

7. Can I use my PS5 controller on older Windows versions?

While it’s officially supported for Windows 10 and 11, you may be able to get it working on older versions. You might have to manually install drivers and troubleshoot compatibility issues. For the best experience, it is recommended to be on the latest version of Windows.

8. Can I use the DualSense controller on macOS or Linux?

Yes, the DualSense can connect via Bluetooth on macOS and Linux, however you will need to install third-party drivers and or make modifications to the operating system for it to be recognized and function correctly. There may also be limited support in terms of controller features.

9. How do I turn off the PS5 controller when it’s connected to the PC?

To turn off the controller, press and hold the PlayStation button for 15 seconds. The LED light bar on the controller will switch off, indicating it’s no longer powered on. If you disconnect the cable or the Bluetooth connection, the controller should also turn off, but there is a small delay in this.

10. Do I need any third-party software to use my PS5 controller?

Generally, no. Windows is usually able to natively detect the controller and install the basic drivers. However, for certain games, third-party software or Steam configurations may be necessary to access advanced features like the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

11. Can I use the PS5 controller on my Android phone?

Yes, the DualSense controller can be connected to your Android phone via Bluetooth. Put your controller in pairing mode as described earlier, then select it from your Android device’s Bluetooth menu.

12. How do I charge the DualSense controller when connected to PC?

The controller can be charged while connected to the PC via USB. Ensure your PC is on and has power. The light bar will pulse orange while charging. You can also use a separate power adapter and USB cable to charge the controller when not connected to the PC.

13. What if my Bluetooth connection is unstable or has lag?

Bluetooth interference or having other devices connected can cause lag or instability. Move away from other Bluetooth devices, or try switching the controller to wired mode (USB). If this is still a problem, consider updating your PC’s Bluetooth drivers.

14. Can I remap buttons on the DualSense for PC games?

Yes, you can remap buttons using Steam’s controller settings, or third party software like DS4Windows. This is useful if a particular game has a control scheme you don’t like.

15. Does the DualSense work with all PC games?

While the DualSense works with most PC games, some older games might not have native support. You may need to use third-party software to emulate Xbox controller inputs for compatibility. Check your game’s controller settings and compatibility before use.

By following the guidance and answering these frequently asked questions, you should be well equipped to use your PS5 controller to enjoy the best of PC gaming, without needing to purchase any additional adapters.

How do I connect my PS5 controller to my PC without adapter?