Xbox controllers work on Windows with almost no setup: plug in USB or pair over Bluetooth or the Xbox Wireless Adapter. PS5 DualSense controllers connect by USB-C or Bluetooth and work best through Steam Input, which maps buttons and prompts for most games. Wired connections give the lowest latency and avoid pairing issues.
Both console controllers are excellent on PC. The setup differs slightly.
Connection options
| Controller | USB | Bluetooth | Dongle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Wireless Controller | USB-C | Yes (recent models) | Xbox Wireless Adapter |
| PS5 DualSense | USB-C | Yes | No official PC dongle |
Xbox controller setup
- Plug in with USB-C, or hold the pair button and add it in Windows Bluetooth settings.
- Most PC games show Xbox button prompts natively.
DualSense setup
- Connect with USB-C, or hold Create plus PS until the light flashes and pair in Bluetooth settings.
- In Steam, open Settings, Controller, and enable PlayStation controller support.
- Use Steam Input per game to remap buttons.
Which to choose
Xbox controllers are the easiest on Windows. DualSense offers haptics in supported games. For fighting games, consider a fight stick.
Reduce lag further with our input lag guide, and pick a keyboard layout for games that need one. Browse controllers.
Common questions
Do DualSense haptics work on PC?
Some PC games support DualSense haptics and adaptive triggers, often only over a USB connection. Check each game.
Why does my controller not show up in a game?
Enable Steam Input for that controller type in Steam settings, or check whether the game supports controllers natively.
How do I fix stick drift?
Increase the deadzone in Steam or game settings as a workaround. Persistent drift is a hardware fault; check the warranty.