The PS5 DualSense controller is Sony’s latest and greatest gaming peripheral, and many users are eager to see its unique features in action outside the realm of PlayStation. Thankfully, with the right tools and tweaks, you can enjoy the PS5 DualSense controller with your Xbox Game Pass PC games on Windows 11 or Windows 10. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step.
Also see: Play PC Game with PS5, PS4 or Xbox Controller in Windows 11
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Step 1: Connecting the PS5 DualSense controller to your PC
Your first step is to establish a connection between the DualSense and your PC. If you have already paired or connected your PS5 controller to your PC, you can skip this step. Otherwise, there are two primary methods:
Bluetooth connection:
- On your PC, navigate to the system tray, right-click the Bluetooth icon, and choose “Open Settings”.
- In the Bluetooth settings, choose “Add device”.
- On the DualSense controller, simultaneously press and hold the PlayStation button and the Share/Clip button until the controller’s lightbar starts blinking. This means it’s in pairing mode.
- On your PC, select “Bluetooth” from the add device menu. The DualSense controller should appear as a device. Click on it to pair.
Handy guide: How to Reinstall Bluetooth Driver in Windows 11
USB connection:
- Use a USB-C cable to connect the DualSense controller directly to a USB port on your PC.
- Once connected, your PC should recognize the device automatically.
Step 2: Using Steam to configure the PS5 controller
Even if you aren’t using Steam for your gaming, it’s a fantastic tool for configuring the DualSense controller:
- In the Steam client, click on Steam at the top left corner of the window, then select Settings.
- Navigate to “Controller” > “General Controller Settings”.
- Ensure the “PlayStation Configuration Support” option is checked. This will allow Steam to recognize and configure the DualSense for a variety of games.
- You can test and further customize the controller’s inputs in this menu.
Useful tip: Use Wireless Controller as Mouse/Keyboard in Windows 11
An alternate route: DS4Windows
DS4Windows is a popular tool that tricks your PC into thinking your DualSense is an Xbox controller, providing wide compatibility with most PC games, including Xbox Game Pass titles:
- Download DS4Windows from the official website and extract the files.
- Run the DS4Windows application. The first time you run it, it will ask you where you want to save the profiles and settings; the default choice is fine for most users.
- Under the “Controllers” tab, your DualSense should be listed. Here, you can customize button mappings, tweak touchpad settings, and more.
- Once set, DS4Windows will run in the background, ensuring any game you play perceives the DualSense as an Xbox controller.
Related resource: Controller Not Working with Dolphin Emulator (Fix)
Step 3: Using the PS5 controller in Xbox Game Pass on PC
After following the above steps, your DualSense controller should work seamlessly with Xbox Game Pass games:
- Launch the Xbox Game Pass PC app.
- Choose your desired game and click “Play”.
- Most games should recognize the DualSense and respond to its inputs. However, keep in mind that in-game button prompts might still correspond to Xbox controller buttons.
Troubleshooting with Xbox Game Pass and Steam:
Sometimes, even after configuring through Steam, an Xbox Game Pass game may not recognize the DualSense. Here’s a workaround:
- In Steam, click on the “Games” menu and choose “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library”.
- A list of applications on your PC will appear. Locate and select the Xbox Game Pass game that you’re trying to play. If it doesn’t appear in the list, you might need to manually browse for its executable (.exe) file.
- Once added, go back to Big Picture Mode and launch the game from there. Steam will treat the game as one of its own, ensuring that the controller settings carry over.
Linked issue: Fix: “Failed to Add New Steam Library Folder”
Addressing advanced features
The DualSense’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are standout features. Unfortunately, they aren’t universally supported on PC:
- For haptic feedback, games need to have specific support or patches. Keep an eye on game updates and patch notes.
- Some third-party tools or mods might add support for these features in specific games. Community forums and sites like Reddit can be valuable resources in this regard.
- If your DualSense disconnects frequently, try resetting the controller using the tiny button at the back. Re-pair it with your PC afterward.
- To avoid input lag, ensure there are no other devices causing interference. If you’re using Bluetooth, keep the controller close to the PC.
- If you are using DS4Windows, always use the latest version. Outdated versions might lack support for newer games or Windows updates.
Read next: How to Allocate More RAM to a Game in Windows 11 or 10
Do I need both Steam and DS4Windows to use my PS5 controller on PC?
No, users don’t necessarily need both Steam and DS4Windows to use the DualSense controller with Xbox Game Pass on PC. The two options serve different purposes and are provided to offer flexibility based on user preferences. Here’s a breakdown:
- Steam Configuration:
- Steam has a built-in configuration for various controllers, including the DualSense. If you’ve already got Steam installed and are familiar with it, this can be a convenient way to set up and map your controller for general use on PC.
- However, Xbox Game Pass PC games are run outside of the Steam environment. While Steam can help in recognizing and setting up the DualSense for many PC games, it doesn’t directly influence how the controller works with Xbox Game Pass titles.
- DS4Windows:
- DS4Windows emulates the DualSense as an Xbox controller, which is natively supported by most PC games, including those on Xbox Game Pass.
- By running DS4Windows, your computer essentially believes the DualSense is an Xbox controller, allowing for broad compatibility, including with Xbox Game Pass games.
What does this mean for users?
If you want to use the DualSense for games on Xbox Game Pass PC, DS4Windows is the more direct and effective solution.
If you are also interested in using the DualSense for other PC games or platforms (like Steam), then you might want to set up through Steam’s controller configurations as well.
Conclusion
The PS5 DualSense controller, with its avant-garde features, is a joy to use. With these guidelines, whether you prefer Steam or DS4Windows, you can seamlessly incorporate the DualSense experience into your Xbox Game Pass PC gameplay.
This fusion not only showcases the flexibility of modern gaming hardware but also hints at a future where boundaries between gaming platforms might blur further. As technology progresses, such integrations might become the norm, allowing gamers to experience the best of all worlds without the constraints of platform-specific hardware.
