How to Connect a PlayStation Controller to a PC

Gaming Beyond the Console

For decades, PC gaming was heavily dominated by the keyboard and mouse. While that setup remains objectively superior for first-person shooters and strategy games, there are entire genres—such as racing games, platformers, and sports titles—that are simply better experienced with a traditional gamepad in your hands.

If you already own a Sony PlayStation 4 (DualShock 4) or PlayStation 5 (DualSense) console, you do not need to spend extra money buying a dedicated PC controller. Both of these controllers are packed with advanced Bluetooth technology, allowing them to connect seamlessly to any modern Windows 11 PC.

Whether you want to play the latest Steam releases or emulate classic childhood games, connecting your PlayStation controller takes only a few minutes.

Method 1: Connecting via a Wired USB Cable

If your desktop PC does not have Bluetooth built into its motherboard, or if you simply prefer the absolute zero-latency reliability of a wired connection (which is crucial for competitive fighting games), using a cable is the easiest method.

1. Locate a compatible USB cable. For a PS4 DualShock controller, you need a Micro-USB to USB-A cable. For a PS5 DualSense controller, you need a modern USB-C to USB-A (or USB-C to USB-C) cable.
2. Plug the small end of the cable into the top of the PlayStation controller.
3. Plug the other end into a free USB port on your Windows 11 PC. (Avoid using unpowered USB hubs; plug it directly into the motherboard at the back of the case for the best results).
4. Windows 11 will automatically chime to acknowledge the new hardware. The controller will light up and is immediately ready to use.

Bonus: Keeping the controller plugged in via USB also charges the internal battery while you play.

Method 2: Connecting Wirelessly via Bluetooth

If you want to sit back on your couch and play PC games on your television, a wireless Bluetooth connection is essential.

Step 1: Put the Controller into Pairing Mode

Before Windows can see the controller, you must force the controller to broadcast its Bluetooth signal.

• On a PS4 DualShock Controller: Press and hold both the PlayStation Button (the round logo button in the centre) and the Share Button (the small button to the top left of the touchpad) simultaneously for about three to five seconds. The light bar on the back will begin flashing rapidly in short bursts.
• On a PS5 DualSense Controller: Press and hold both the PlayStation Button (centre) and the Create Button (top left, above the D-Pad) simultaneously for three to five seconds. The blue lights around the touchpad will begin pulsing rapidly.

Step 2: Connect it to Windows 11

1. On your PC, click the Start Menu and open the Settings app (the gear icon).
2. In the left-hand menu, click on Bluetooth & devices.
3. Ensure the main Bluetooth toggle switch is turned On.
4. Click the large Add device button at the top.
5. In the black pop-up window, click Bluetooth.
6. Windows will begin searching for nearby devices. Within a few seconds, you should see “Wireless Controller” or “DualSense Wireless Controller” appear in the list.
7. Click on that name to pair it.

The rapidly flashing lights on the controller will turn solid, indicating a successful connection.

Crucial Note for Steam Gamers

While Windows 11 can easily connect to a PlayStation controller, actually using it in a game is slightly more complicated. This is because most PC games are programmed specifically for Microsoft’s own Xbox controllers (using an API called XInput), and they do not natively understand the inputs from a Sony PlayStation controller.

Thankfully, the massive PC gaming platform Steam solves this problem automatically.

1. Open the Steam application on your PC.
2. Click on Steam in the absolute top left corner of the window, and select Settings.
3. In the left sidebar of the Settings menu, click on Controller.
4. Ensure the toggle switch next to Enable PlayStation Controller Support is turned On.

Steam will now run quietly in the background, automatically translating the signals from your PlayStation controller into Xbox signals that every PC game understands perfectly.