Question:

How to fix PS5 controller connection issues on PC?

I am using the DS4 Windows app to connect my PS5 controller to my PC, but sometimes it loses its connection or switches between keyboard and controller inputs. This happens randomly and affects my gameplay experience. For example, when I play Far Cry 5, the game prompts me to press X or E alternately. Is this a common problem with PS5 controllers on PC? How can I solve it? Would switching to an XBX controller for PC make any difference?

Answer:

If you are a PC gamer who wants to use your PS5 controller to play your favorite games, you might encounter some connection issues that can ruin your gaming experience. These issues include losing connection, switching between keyboard and controller inputs, or having incorrect button mappings. In this article, we will explain why these issues happen and how you can fix them.

Why do PS5 controllers have connection issues on PC?

The PS5 controller, also known as the DualSense, is a wireless controller that uses Bluetooth technology to connect to devices. However, not all devices are compatible with the PS5 controller, especially older PCs that do not have Bluetooth support or have outdated drivers. To use the PS5 controller on PC, you need a compatible Bluetooth adapter or a USB cable.

Another reason why PS5 controllers have connection issues on PC is that most PC games are not designed to support the PS5 controller natively. This means that the games might not recognize the PS5 controller as a valid input device, or they might assign incorrect button mappings to the controller. To solve this problem, you need a third-party software that can emulate the PS5 controller as an Xbox controller, which is widely supported by PC games. One of the most popular software for this purpose is DS4 Windows, which allows you to customize the PS5 controller settings and profiles.

How to fix PS5 controller connection issues on PC?

To fix PS5 controller connection issues on PC, you need to follow these steps:

1. Update your PC drivers and software. Make sure that your PC has the latest Bluetooth drivers and Windows updates installed. This can improve the compatibility and stability of your PC and the PS5 controller. You can check for updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update on your PC.

2. Update your PS5 controller firmware. Make sure that your PS5 controller has the latest firmware version installed. This can improve the performance and functionality of your PS5 controller. You can check for updates by connecting your PS5 controller to your PS5 console and going to Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Software Update on your PS5.

3. Use a compatible Bluetooth adapter or a USB cable. Make sure that your PC has a Bluetooth adapter that supports Bluetooth 4.0 or higher, or use a USB cable to connect your PS5 controller to your PC. If you use a Bluetooth adapter, make sure that it is plugged into a USB 3.0 port or higher, and that it is not too far from your PS5 controller. If you use a USB cable, make sure that it is not damaged or loose.

4. Pair your PS5 controller to your PC. To pair your PS5 controller to your PC, you need to put your PS5 controller into pairing mode by pressing and holding the PS and Share buttons until the light bar flashes blue. Then, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices > Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth on your PC and select Wireless Controller from the list of devices. You should see a confirmation message that your PS5 controller is paired to your PC.

5. Use DS4 Windows to emulate the PS5 controller as an Xbox controller. To use DS4 Windows, you need to download and install the latest version from the official website: https://ds4windows.com/. Then, run the program and follow the instructions to set up your PS5 controller. You can customize the PS5 controller settings and profiles according to your preferences and the games you want to play. You can also enable the Hide DS4 Controller option in the Settings tab to prevent any conflicts between the PS5 controller and the PC games.

Would switching to an XBX controller for PC make any difference?

Switching to an XBX controller for PC might make some difference in terms of compatibility and convenience, but it might not be necessary if you follow the steps above to fix your PS5 controller connection issues on PC. The XBX controller for PC is an official Microsoft product that is designed to work seamlessly with Windows 10 and Xbox games. It has a built-in Bluetooth support and a USB-C port for easy connection. It also has a dedicated Xbox button that can launch the Xbox app and access your game library, friends list, and achievements. However, the XBX controller for PC is more expensive than the PS5 controller, and it might not have some of the unique features of the PS5 controller, such as the adaptive triggers, the haptic feedback, and the touchpad. Therefore, switching to an XBX controller for PC is a matter of personal preference and budget, but it is not a requirement to enjoy PC gaming with a controller.

Conclusion

The PS5 controller is a great device that can enhance your PC gaming experience with its innovative features and ergonomic design. However, it might have some connection issues on PC that can affect your gameplay. To fix these issues, you need to update your PC drivers and software, update your PS5 controller firmware, use a compatible Bluetooth adapter or a USB cable, pair your PS5 controller to your PC, and use DS4 Windows to emulate the PS5 controller as an Xbox controller. Alternatively, you can switch to an XBX controller for PC if you prefer a more compatible and convenient option, but it is not a necessity. By following these steps, you can enjoy PC gaming with your PS5 controller without any hassle. Happy gaming! 🎮