05 August 2023 , 16:00
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PC players looking to switch from keyboard and mouse to a controller have a host of options, but if you're looking to use your PS5 DualSense, we've got you covered.
If you own a PS5 or you're just a fan of the DualSense then you may have thought about how to use a PS5 controller with your gaming PC. The go-to option for most PC gamers who want to use a controller is an Xbox Wireless Controller, but if you're more familiar with a PS5 controller then you'll be glad to know that you can actually use the PS5 DualSense both wired and wirelessly with most gaming PCs.
The key difference between using a PS5 controller and an Xbox controller is the layout, and you're more likely to perform better in games when using a controller you're familiar with. You can also take advantage of the haptic feedback on the PS5 controller when using it with a PC giving you that extra level of immersion when compared to using the standard mouse and keyboard input.
How to connect PS5 controller to PC with a cable
If you want to connect your PS5 controller to your PC using a wired connection, it's a super simple process – and one of the key benefits is the lack of latency. In order to do this you need a USB-C to USB cable. Plug the PS5 controller into the PC and it should work straight away.
How to connect PS5 controller to PC wirelessly
The PS5 controller also supports Bluetooth so as long your laptop or PC does too then you can use it wirelessly. When first connecting your controller it will register inputs as if it is an Xbox Wireless controller so will require some configuration in order to work as intended using Steam.
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Connecting your PS5 controller to PC
- Open the Settings on your PC and navigate to the 'Bluetooth & devices' section on Windows 11 (or the 'Devices' section on Windows 10)
- Choose the 'Add device' option at the top of the page
- Select 'Bluetooth' to start searching for the controller
- Hold the PlayStation and Share buttons on the PS5 controller at the same time to enter pairing mode. The lights around the touchpad should turn on.
- Select the 'Wireless controller' option from the list of devices and it should pair your controller and PC.
Setting up your controller with Steam
- Launch Steam and click 'Steam' in the top left and navigate to 'Settings'
- Click on the 'Controller' tab from the side navigation menu
- Click 'General controller settings'
- Tick the 'PlayStation configuration support' option in the pop-up window
- Close the 'Steam Settings' window
- Launch the game you want to play and then press the PlayStation button on your PS5 controller to open the Steam Configuration page
- Configure the controller to your liking – you can even make use of the touchpad which isn't an option with an Xbox wireless controller.
To configure your controller for games which aren't on Steam, you'll have to add them to your Steam library. This can be done via 'Games > Add a Non-Steam Game to my library'. Then follow steps six and seven as above.