How to Connect a PS5 Controller to Your Computer

Connect Your PS5 Controller Using Bluetooth or USB

A PS5 controller connects to your computer through either Bluetooth wireless or a USB cable. Bluetooth is faster to set up once and lets you move freely; USB requires a cable but works when ready without pairing. Most computers recognize the controller as a standard gamepad once connected, so it works with Steam, Epic Games, and most other platforms without extra software.

The controller will show up in Windows as "Wireless Controller" and in macOS as "PS5 Controller" or "DualSense". Your computer may ask you to confirm the pairing the first time. After that, the controller reconnects automatically when you turn it on and your computer is nearby.

Key Takeaways

Bluetooth pairing takes about two minutes the first time and then reconnects automatically; USB requires a cable but works when ready with no setup.
On Windows, hold the PS button and Share button together for three seconds to enter pairing mode, then select the controller from your Bluetooth settings.
On macOS, the same button combination works, but you may need to confirm the pairing in System Preferences under Bluetooth.
Most games recognize the PS5 controller as a standard gamepad; Steam and Epic Games detect it without drivers or configuration.
The controller battery drains faster over Bluetooth than USB, so use the cable for long gaming sessions if battery life matters.

Bluetooth Pairing on Windows

Put your PS5 controller into pairing mode by holding down the PS button (the center button with the PlayStation symbol) and the Share button (to the left of the touchpad) at the same time for about three seconds. The light bar on the back of the controller will flash white, which means it is ready to pair.

Open Windows Settings, go to Devices, then select Bluetooth & other devices. Click Add device and choose Bluetooth. Your computer will scan for nearby devices. When you see "Wireless Controller" in the list, click it. Windows will confirm the pairing, and the light bar will stop flashing and stay solid white.

Once paired, the controller reconnects automatically the next time you turn it on and your computer is in range. If it does not reconnect, go back to Bluetooth settings and click the controller name, then select Connect.

Bluetooth Pairing on macOS

Hold the PS button and Share button together for three seconds until the light bar flashes white. Open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer macOS versions), then go to Bluetooth. Wait a few seconds for your computer to scan. When "PS5 Controller" or "DualSense" appears in the list, click it.

macOS will ask you to confirm the pairing. Click Pair or Connect depending on your macOS version. The light bar will become solid, and the controller is ready to use. Like Windows, it will reconnect automatically on future sessions.

USB Cable Connection

Plug the PS5 controller into your computer using a USB-C cable — the same cable that charges the controller. Windows and macOS recognize it when ready as a gamepad with no setup required. The light bar will glow white, and the controller is ready to use right away.

USB connection is useful if Bluetooth is not working, if you want to avoid battery drain during long sessions, or if you prefer a wired setup. You can still use the controller wirelessly after you unplug it, since the pairing remains saved on your computer.

Using the Controller in Games and Applications

Steam detects the PS5 controller automatically. Open a game, go to the controller settings if the game has them, and choose PlayStation or DualSense as your input device. Most games that support gamepads will recognize it without any configuration.

Epic Games, GOG, and other platforms also recognize the controller as a standard gamepad. Some older games may not support it, but most games released in the last five years do. If a game does not detect the controller, check the game's settings menu for input or controller options and select PlayStation or gamepad mode.

The PS5 controller's touchpad, motion controls, and haptic feedback work in games that are built to use them. In games that do not support these features, the controller functions as a regular gamepad with two analog sticks, four face buttons, and shoulder buttons.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If the controller does not appear in your Bluetooth list, make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your computer settings. Restart the controller by holding the PS button for ten seconds until the light bar turns off, then try pairing again. If your computer has Bluetooth disabled in the BIOS or UEFI, enable it there first.

If the controller pairs but then disconnects, move closer to your computer — Bluetooth range is typically 30 feet but can be shorter through walls or near other wireless devices. If disconnections continue, try the USB cable instead. You can also unpair the controller and pair it again: go to your Bluetooth settings, find the controller, and select Remove or Forget, then repeat the pairing steps.

On Windows, if the controller appears in Bluetooth but your game does not detect it, open Settings > Devices > Connected devices and confirm the controller shows as connected. Restart the game. On macOS, restart your computer if the controller pairs but games do not recognize it.

Battery and Charging

The PS5 controller battery lasts roughly 12 hours over Bluetooth with typical use. Bluetooth drains the battery faster than USB because the wireless radio is always active. If you play for more than a few hours at a time, use the USB cable to keep the controller charged while you play.

Charge the controller by plugging the USB-C cable into the port on the bottom of the controller. A white light bar means it is charging; the light turns off when the battery is full. You can use the controller while it is charging over USB.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Windows 10 and later, and all recent versions of macOS, recognize the PS5 controller as a standard gamepad without drivers. Plug it in or pair it over Bluetooth, and it works when ready.

Can I use the PS5 controller on multiple computers?

Yes. The controller can be paired to several computers. When you turn it on, it will try to reconnect to the last computer it was paired with. To switch to a different computer, put the controller into pairing mode again and pair it with the new computer.

Why does my PS5 controller keep disconnecting from my computer?

Bluetooth disconnections usually happen because the controller is too far away, or another wireless device is interfering. Try moving closer to your computer or switching to USB. If the problem continues, unpair the controller and pair it again from scratch.

Can I use the PS5 controller's special features like haptic feedback in games on my computer?

Only if the game is built to support it. Games made for PlayStation 5 that also release on PC often include haptic feedback and motion control support. Older games and games not designed for the PS5 controller will not use these features, even though the controller is connected.

Is Bluetooth or USB better for gaming on my computer?

Bluetooth is more convenient once it is paired, but USB is more reliable and does not drain the battery. For short sessions, Bluetooth is fine. For long gaming sessions or if you experience disconnections, use USB.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.