The PlayStation 5 (PS5) DualSense controller is highly regarded for its advanced features, like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. If you want to enjoy these features while gaming on a PC, you connect the PS5 controller to your PC. The PS5 controller can be connected to your PC through several methods, including wired (USB) and wireless (Bluetooth) connections. This guide will walk you through each method step by step and highlight any additional software you may need for compatibility.

Methods to Connect a PS5 Controller to a PC

There are two primary ways to connect your PS5 controller to a PC:

1. Wired connection using a USB cable
2. Wireless connection using Bluetooth

Method 1: Wired Connection Using a USB Cable

A wired connection is the simplest and most stable way to connect your PS5 controller to your PC. Here’s how to do it:

Steps:

1. Get a USB-C cable – The PS5 DualSense controller uses a USB-C port. If you don’t already have a USB-C to USB-A or USB-C to USB-C cable, you’ll need one.
2. Plug in the USB cable – Connect one end of the USB-C cable to the top of the PS5 controller and the other end to an available USB port on your PC.
3. Let Windows detect the controller – Once plugged in, Windows will automatically detect the PS5 controller. You should see a notification that new hardware has been installed.
4. Test the controller – To confirm everything is working, open a game or go to your Windows settings:
   • Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
   • You should see the PS5 controller listed. Right-click on it and select Game controller settings to test your input.

This method works out of the box with many PC games, but if your game doesn’t recognize the controller, you may need to configure it in Steam or use third-party software (discussed later).

Method 2: Wireless Connection Using Bluetooth

If you prefer a wireless setup, connecting the PS5 controller via Bluetooth is an option. Keep in mind that the DualSense’s advanced features, like adaptive triggers, may not be available with a wireless connection on some games.

Steps:

1. Check for Bluetooth support – Make sure your PC has built-in Bluetooth or that you have a Bluetooth adapter.
2. Put the PS5 controller in pairing mode:
   • Press and hold the PS button and the Create button (the small button to the left of the touchpad) simultaneously until the light bar starts flashing.
3. Pair the controller with your PC:
   • On your PC, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
   • Click Add Bluetooth or other device and select Bluetooth.
   • Select “Wireless Controller” from the list of available devices. Once paired, the light bar on the controller will become solid.
4. Test the connection – Once connected, you can test the controller in a game or through Steam.

Configuring the PS5 Controller for PC Games

While most modern games support the PS5 controller, you may need to configure it for older games or software that doesn’t natively support DualSense.

Using Steam:

1. Open Steam and go to Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings.
2. Ensure the PlayStation Configuration Support option is checked.
3. Your PS5 controller should now be recognized in Steam games.

Using DS4Windows for Non-Steam Games:

If you’re playing non-Steam games that don’t recognize the PS5 controller, you can use third-party software like DS4Windows. Here’s how:

1. Download DS4Windows from the official website.
2. Install the program and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Once installed, DS4Windows will emulate an Xbox controller, allowing your PS5 controller to work with virtually any game that supports controllers.

Common Issues

• Controller not detected: Ensure the USB cable is securely plugged in or that Bluetooth is enabled and in range.
• Input lag: Using a wired connection can minimize latency, but if you’re using Bluetooth, make sure you’re not too far from your PC.
• Game not recognizing the controller: Make sure you’ve configured the controller correctly in Steam or are using DS4Windows for non-Steam games.

How do I connect my Overwatch PC to my PS5?

You can’t directly connect Overwatch on PC to your PS5 since they are different platforms. However, you can link your Battle.net account to both platforms for cross-progression. Here’s how:

1. Create or log in to your Battle.net account on a web browser.
2. Go to Account Settings > Connections.
3. Link your PlayStation account by selecting PlayStation and following the instructions.
4. Launch Overwatch 2 on your PS5 and log in to your linked Battle.net account to sync your progress between platforms.

This allows you to share progress, skins, and other items between PC and PS5.

How to put PS5 controller in pairing mode?

To put your PS5 controller in pairing mode:

1. Press and hold the PS button and the Create button (next to the touchpad) at the same time.
2. Hold them until the light bar starts flashing blue.

Your PS5 controller is now in pairing mode and ready to connect via Bluetooth.

In conclusion, connecting a PS5 controller to your PC is straightforward and enhances your gaming experience. Whether you choose a wired connection for stability or a wireless Bluetooth setup for convenience, the process is quick and easy. By configuring the controller through Steam or using tools like DS4Windows, you can enjoy seamless gameplay with support for most games. Now, you can take advantage of the PS5 controller’s comfort and advanced features while gaming on your PC.