To connect a PlayStation (P) controller, such as the PS4 DualShock 4 or the PS5 DualSense, to a PC, there are two main methods: wired connection via USB and wireless connection via Bluetooth.
Wired Connection
- Use a USB cable (Micro-USB for PS4 or USB-C for PS5) to connect the controller to the PC.
- The PC should automatically recognize and configure the controller.
- The controller light will glow steadily once connected and ready to use.
Wireless Connection via Bluetooth
- On the controller, press and hold the Share button and the PS button at the same time until the light bar starts flashing to enter pairing mode.
- On your PC, enable Bluetooth and go to Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth.
- Select the controller from the list and pair it.
- Once connected, the light bar will show a steady light.
Additionally, some games and platforms like Steam allow you to configure and customize controller settings once connected. This applies generally to PS4 and PS5 controllers and requires Windows 10 or newer for best compatibility. Xbox controllers can also connect similarly, typically with simpler plug-and- play support on Windows PCs. If a wireless connection is problematic, a wired USB connection is a reliable alternative. This summary is based on recent detailed guides and videos on connecting PlayStation controllers to PCs.