How to Connect and Use a PS5 DualSense Controller on your Windows PC: A Comprehensive Guide

How to set up the DualSense controller in Steam?

Setting up your DualSense controller in Steam is a straightforward process, and it allows you to enjoy gaming with your PS5 controller on your PC. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you configure your DualSense controller in Steam:

1. Connect Your DualSense Controller:

• Make sure your DualSense controller is connected to your PC either through a wired USB connection using a USB Type-C to USB-A cable or via a Bluetooth connection.

2. Open Steam:

• Launch the Steam application on your PC. If you haven’t installed Steam, you can download it from the Steam website (https://store.steampowered.com/about/).

3. Access Steam Settings:

• In the Steam window, click on “Steam” in the top-left corner of the screen to open the dropdown menu.
• From the dropdown menu, select “Settings.”

4. Configure Your Controller:

• In the Settings menu, you’ll find a side menu bar. Click on “Controller” to access controller settings.
• Within the Controller settings, click on “General controller settings.”

5. Enable PlayStation Configuration Support:

• Look for the option labeled “PlayStation configuration support” in the window that appears.
• Enable this option by checking the box next to it.

6. Customize Your Controller:

• Optionally, you can click “Preferences” in the same window to further customize your controller settings. This allows you to change the controller’s name, enable or disable rumble, and configure the color and brightness of the LED strip around the touchpad.

7. Apply Changes:

• Click “Back” to return to the main Controller settings menu.
• Then, click “OK” to save and apply your changes.

8. Launch Your Game:

• Launch the game you want to play through Steam. Your DualSense controller should now be recognized and configured to work seamlessly with the game.

9. Access Steam’s Controller Configuration:

• While in the game, you can press the PlayStation button on your DualSense controller. This will open the Steam controller configuration page.

10. Customize Controls:

• From the Steam controller configuration page, you can assign any buttons and sticks to various in-game actions. This includes using the touchpad and the controller’s gyro sensor, providing you with a highly customizable gaming experience.

Note: The controller configuration page may work most effectively in Steam’s Big Picture mode. You can access this mode by clicking “View” in the main Steam window and selecting “Big Picture Mode.”

With these steps, you can easily set up your DualSense controller in Steam, enabling it to function seamlessly with a wide range of games available on the Steam platform. Enjoy your gaming experience with the comfort and unique features of your PS5 controller on your PC.

How to use the DualSense controller with non-Steam games?

Using your DualSense controller with non-Steam games can be done by adding your games to your Steam library, allowing you to configure the controller even outside the Steam platform. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

1. Open Steam:

• Start by launching the Steam application on your PC.

2. Add Non-Steam Game:

• In the Steam window, click on “Games” in the top menu bar.
• Select “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library” from the dropdown menu.

3. Choose Your Game:

• A window will appear with a list of programs available on your PC. This is where you select the non-Steam game you want to add.
• Click on the game you want to add, and then click the “Add Selected Programs” button at the bottom.

4. Configure Your Controller:

• Now that your non-Steam game is added to your Steam library, you can configure your DualSense controller as you would for any other Steam game.

5. Launch Your Game:

• Open the Steam application and select the non-Steam game you added to your library.

6. Access Steam’s Controller Configuration:

• While in the game, press the PlayStation button on your DualSense controller. This will open the Steam controller configuration page.

7. Customize Controls:

• From the Steam controller configuration page, you can assign buttons and sticks to in-game actions. You can also use the touchpad and the controller’s gyro sensor, providing you with a high degree of control customization.

By following these steps, you can use your DualSense controller with non-Steam games, allowing you to enjoy the unique features and comfort of your PS5 controller in a wide range of gaming experiences outside of the Steam platform.

How to setup the DualSense controller Using DS4Windows?

Setting up your DualSense controller using DS4Windows is relatively straightforward. DS4Windows is a tool that allows the DualSense to be recognized as an Xbox controller on your Windows PC, making it compatible with a wide range of games. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set it up:

1. Download DS4Windows:

• Visit the DS4Windows website (https://ryochan7.github.io/ds4windows-site/) to download the DS4Windows tool. Ensure that you download the latest version for optimal compatibility.

2. Install DS4Windows:

• Run the DS4Windows setup file that you downloaded in the previous step.
• Follow the installation instructions provided during the setup process.
• The installation will include necessary drivers and settings to make your DualSense controller work seamlessly.

3. Connect Your DualSense Controller:

• Once DS4Windows is installed, connect your DualSense controller to your PC using a USB cable or through a Bluetooth connection.

4. Configure DS4Windows:

• Launch DS4Windows on your PC.
• You should see your DualSense controller recognized in the DS4Windows interface.

5. Customize Profiles (Optional):

• DS4Windows allows you to customize controller profiles, including button mapping and sensitivity settings. This step is optional but can be useful if you want to configure the controller to your preference.

6. Configure Xbox Controller Emulation:

• To ensure compatibility with games that typically support Xbox controllers, you need to configure DS4Windows to emulate an Xbox controller.
• Open the settings within DS4Windows and navigate to the “Settings” tab.
• Check the box that says “Hide DS4 Controller.” This hides your DualSense controller from your PC to prevent conflicts with Xbox controller emulation.

7. Save Settings:

• After making these changes, save your settings within DS4Windows.

8. Test Your Controller:

• You can now test your DualSense controller with your PC games. DS4Windows will ensure that the controller is recognized as an Xbox controller, making it compatible with a wide range of games that support Xbox controllers.

9. Customize Controller Profiles (Optional):

• If you find that the default button mappings don’t suit your preferences for a specific game, you can customize controller profiles within DS4Windows. This allows you to tailor the controller to your liking.

That’s it! Your DualSense controller is now set up on your Windows PC using DS4Windows, and you can enjoy a seamless gaming experience with a wide selection of games that support Xbox controllers.