The PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller has garnered praise for its innovative features and improved ergonomics. As a result, many PC gamers are interested in using the DualSense controller with their computers. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of connecting and using the DualSense controller with a PC.
Table Of Contents
What You Will Need
Before you begin, gather the following items:
- A DualSense controller
- A USB-C to USB-A cable or a Bluetooth adapter (if your PC does not have built-in Bluetooth)
Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting the DualSense Controller to a PC
Follow these steps to connect your DualSense controller to your PC:
Step 1: Update your PC
Ensure that your PC is running the latest version of Windows 10. This will help ensure compatibility and reduce potential issues.
Step 2: Connect the DualSense controller via USB or Bluetooth
USB Connection
- Plug the USB-C end of the cable into the DualSense controller.
- Plug the USB-A end of the cable into an available USB port on your PC.
- Your PC should automatically recognize the controller and install any necessary drivers.
Bluetooth Connection
- On your PC, open the Settings app and navigate to “Devices.”
- Click “Add Bluetooth or other device,” then select “Bluetooth.”
- On your DualSense controller, press and hold the PlayStation button and the Create button (formerly the Share button) simultaneously for a few seconds. The controller’s light bar will start blinking, indicating it is in pairing mode.
- On your PC, the controller should appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices as “Wireless Controller.” Click on it to pair the controller with your PC.
Step 3: Configure the DualSense controller for use with PC games
While some PC games may natively support the DualSense controller, others may require additional software or configuration to work correctly. The following software options can help improve compatibility and functionality:
Steam
Steam has built-in support for the DualSense controller, making it an excellent option for playing games in your Steam library.
- Open Steam and navigate to “Settings” from the top-left menu.
- Click on “Controller” and then “General Controller Settings.”
- Check the “PlayStation Configuration Support” box to enable DualSense support.
- You can now customize the controller’s button mapping and other settings for individual games through the Steam interface.
DS4Windows
DS4Windows is a third-party software that allows you to use the DualSense controller with PC games that do not natively support it. The software emulates an Xbox 360 controller, which has broader compatibility with PC games.
- Download the latest version of DS4Windows from the official GitHub repository (https://github.com/Ryochan7/DS4Windows/releases).
- Extract the downloaded ZIP file and run the “DS4Windows.exe” file.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to install the necessary drivers and configure the software.
- Once installed, DS4Windows will automatically detect your connected DualSense controller and emulate an Xbox 360 controller. You can customize button mapping and other settings within the DS4Windows interface.
In summary, using the DualSense controller with a PC is a straightforward process that can enhance your gaming experience. By connecting the controller via USB or Bluetooth and using Steam or DS4Windows, you can enjoy the improved ergonomics and features of the DualSense controller with your favorite PC games.
