Connect your PS5 controller to your PC using Bluetooth or a USB cable

Your PS5 controller (DualSense) works with Windows PCs and can connect in two ways: wirelessly through Bluetooth or with a USB-C cable plugged directly in. Bluetooth is more convenient once it's set up, but the cable method works immediately without any pairing steps. Both methods let you use the controller in games and applications that support gamepads.

The controller will work with most games right away, though some older games may not recognize all of its features. You may need to configure button mapping in certain games if they were built for Xbox controllers. The process takes just a few minutes either way.

Key Takeaways

  • A USB-C cable connection works instantly with no setup, while Bluetooth requires pairing once but gives you wireless freedom afterward.
  • Windows 10 and Windows 11 both recognize the PS5 controller automatically once connected, with no driver installation needed.
  • Most modern games detect the controller, but some games built for Xbox controllers may need you to remap buttons manually.
  • If Bluetooth pairing fails, try putting the controller in pairing mode by holding the PlayStation and Create buttons together for three seconds.

Connect with a USB-C cable (fastest method)

Plug the USB-C cable into the port on the bottom of your PS5 controller and connect the other end to any USB port on your PC. Windows will recognize the controller immediately — you do not need to install anything. Open a game or controller testing tool and the buttons should respond right away.

This method is the fastest if you are setting up for the first time or if Bluetooth is giving you trouble. The only downside is the cable limits your movement, so it works best if you are sitting close to your PC. You can leave the controller plugged in while playing, or unplug it once you have finished.

Connect via Bluetooth (wireless method)

Hold the PlayStation button and the Create button together on your PS5 controller for about three seconds until the light on the back starts blinking white. This puts the controller into pairing mode. On your PC, open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, and click "Add device." Select "Bluetooth" from the menu that appears.

Your PC will search for nearby Bluetooth devices. When you see "Wireless Controller" in the list, click it to pair. The light on the controller will stop blinking and turn solid once pairing is complete. From now on, the controller will connect automatically when you turn it on near your PC.

If the controller does not appear in the Bluetooth list, make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your PC settings. Some PCs have a physical Bluetooth switch or keyboard shortcut to enable it — check your PC's manual if you are not sure. Try the pairing process again after Bluetooth is confirmed to be on.

Test your controller connection

Once connected, you can test whether your PC recognizes the controller. On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, then select "Connected devices." Your controller should appear in the list. You can also test it in any game that supports gamepads.

If you want to see which buttons are working before opening a game, use the built-in controller testing tool. Search for "joy.cpl" in the Windows search bar and open it. Click your controller in the list, then click "Properties" to see a diagram of the controller with buttons lighting up as you press them. This confirms everything is working correctly.

Fix button mapping if games do not recognize your controller

Some games, especially older ones, were built only for Xbox controllers and may not recognize PS5 button names. If a game shows Xbox button labels (like "Press A") but you have a PS5 controller, you will need to remap the buttons. Most games have a controller settings menu where you can reassign each button to match what the game expects.

Open the game's settings or controls menu and look for "Controller" or "Gamepad" options. You should see a way to remap buttons — the game will ask you to press each button on your controller and assign it to the action you want. This takes a few minutes but only needs to be done once per game. After remapping, the controller will work normally in that game.

If a game does not have a remap option built in, you can use third-party software like DS4Windows or Rewasd to create a custom profile for that specific game. These tools let you map PS5 buttons to Xbox button names so the game thinks you are using an Xbox controller. Most people do not need this unless they play very old games.

Disconnect or unpair your controller

To disconnect a wired controller, simply unplug the USB-C cable. To disconnect a Bluetooth controller, go to Settings, Bluetooth & devices, find your controller in the Connected devices list, click it, and select "Remove device." The controller will no longer connect automatically to your PC.

If you want to pair the controller with a different device (like your PS5 console again), you can unpair it from your PC first using the steps above. The controller will then be available to pair with another device. You can also pair one controller with multiple devices — it will just connect to whichever device you turn it on near.

Troubleshoot connection problems

If your controller is not connecting via Bluetooth, first try the wired method with a USB-C cable to confirm the controller itself is working. If it works wired but not wireless, the problem is with Bluetooth pairing. Restart your PC and try pairing again from the beginning — sometimes a fresh start clears up connection issues.

Make sure your PC's Bluetooth is actually on. Some laptops have a physical switch or keyboard shortcut (often Fn plus a key with a Bluetooth symbol) that turns Bluetooth off. Check your PC's manual or search online for "[your PC model] turn on Bluetooth" if you are not sure. You can also check the Windows Settings to confirm Bluetooth is enabled.

If the controller pairs but then disconnects after a few seconds, try moving closer to your PC — Bluetooth has a range limit and walls or other devices can interfere. You can also try unpairing the controller completely, restarting your PC, and pairing it again from scratch. If problems continue, update your PC's Bluetooth drivers by going to Device Manager, finding Bluetooth devices, right-clicking your Bluetooth adapter, and selecting "Update driver."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my PS5 controller on PC games that were made for Xbox?

Yes, but the game may show Xbox button labels instead of PS5 button names. Most modern games let you remap buttons in the settings menu. Older games may not have this option, so you might need to use third-party software like DS4Windows to create a custom profile that translates PS5 buttons to Xbox button names.

Will my PS5 controller work on my PS5 console after I connect it to my PC?

Yes. You can pair the same controller with both your PS5 and your PC. It will connect to whichever device you turn it on near. If you want to switch it back to your PS5, just press the PlayStation button while holding the controller near your console and it will reconnect.

Do I need to install drivers for the PS5 controller on Windows?

No. Windows 10 and Windows 11 both recognize the PS5 controller automatically through built-in drivers. You do not need to download or install anything — just connect it and it will work.

What should I do if my Bluetooth controller keeps disconnecting?

Try moving closer to your PC, as Bluetooth has a limited range. If that does not help, unpair the controller completely, restart your PC, and pair it again. You can also try updating your PC's Bluetooth drivers through Device Manager. If the problem continues, use a USB-C cable instead, which provides a stable wired connection.

Can I charge my PS5 controller while it is connected to my PC?

Yes. If you are using a USB-C cable, the controller charges while connected. If you are using Bluetooth, you can plug in a USB-C cable to charge without disconnecting the wireless connection — the controller will stay paired and usable while charging.