How to Install and Configure the Driver for Your PS5 Controller on PC

• Prerequisites for using a PS5 controller on PC: updating the DualSense
• Method 1: Using Steam to take advantage of native PS5 drivers
• Method 2: Using DS5Windows to emulate PS5 controller drivers

Do you want to configure a PS5 controller on your PC? In some cases, simply connecting your PS5 controller to your computer (via a USB cable or Bluetooth) will be enough for the controller to be recognized by Windows, thanks to the PS5 controller driver DirectInput. However, many current PC games are designed around Microsoft's XInput driver, which is adapted to Xbox accessories, thus limiting the use of the Sony DualSense.

In this article, we offer concrete solutions to bypass these limitations. What are the prerequisites for installing the DualSense on PC? How to ensure the compatibility of the controller with Windows? How to update your gaming peripherals software? Discover how to improve your gaming experience with your PlayStation accessories on PC.

Prerequisites for using a PS5 controller on PC: updating the DualSense

First of all, make sure that the software of your PS5 controller is up to date. This can help resolve any compatibility issues with your PC.

From a PS5 console

If you have access to a PS5, follow these steps to update your controller.

1. Connect your controller to the PS5 via a USB cable.
2. Go to the menu "Settings > Accessories > Controllers (General)".
3. Select "DualSense Wireless Controller Software" to check if an update is available, and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

From a PC

You do not need to go through a PlayStation 5 to update your controller. Here is the procedure on PC:

1. Download and install the DualSense Wireless Controller Software Updater.
2. Connect your controller to your PC via a USB cable.
3. Launch the program and follow the on-screen instructions to update the controller.

Method 1: Using Steam to take advantage of native PS5 drivers

Since November 2020, Steam has integrated native support for the DualSense controller, and supports its advanced features, such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Steam thus greatly simplifies the process of configuring and using the PS5 controller, and saves you from installing additional drivers.

For Steam games

Here is how to use your DualSense controller with your games on Steam:

1. Connect your DualSense controller to your PC via a USB cable or Bluetooth.
2. Launch Steam and go to the menu "Preferences > Controller > General Controller Settings" to select the PS5 controller.
3. Check the "PlayStation Configuration Support" box to automatically enjoy an optimal configuration of your controller for gaming on PC.

For non-Steam games

If you want to use your DualSense controller for games or applications that are not available on Steam, such as those from the Epic Games Store, for example, Steam also offers a solution.

1. Open Steam and go to "Games > Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library".
2. Select the executable of the game you want to add.
3. Launch the game via Steam, which will then automatically apply its "overlay" and the controller configuration you have chosen, allowing the use of the DualSense.

Method 2: Using DS5Windows to emulate PS5 controller drivers

If you are looking for an alternative to Steam, or if you want more advanced customization of your DualSense controller on PC, the DS5Windows utility is a great option. This third-party software allows for deep integration of the PS5 controller on PC, including for games that do not natively support it.

Step 1: Install drivers for DS5Windows

Before downloading DS5Windows, it is recommended to install or update certain drivers on your system.

• ViGEmBus Driver: the most important driver for DS5Windows, it allows the creation of virtual controllers.
• HidHide: it allows you to hide the PS5 controller in applications and software where you do not need it, avoiding accessory conflicts.
• The latest version of the .NET framework.
• Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable, in x64 or x86 version depending on your system architecture.

Step 2: Install DS5Windows

After installing the above drivers, you can proceed with the installation of DS5Windows itself, by following these steps.

1. Download DS5Windows from the official website.
2. Unzip the archive and launch the software.
3. Connect your DualSense controller to your PC via USB or Bluetooth.
4. Follow the instructions provided by DS5Windows to configure your controller. The software will automatically detect it, and allow you to customize button, trigger, and joystick assignments, as well as the light bar color.

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