You can now update the DualSense controller without a PS5 – here’s how
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If you use aPS5 DualSense controller on a PC, you can now updateSony’s clever pad even if you don’t own a PlayStation 5 console.
Sony has released a new firmware updater for theDualSensecontroller, which works onWindows 10(64-bit) orWindows 11PCs. You’ll need 10 MB or more of space, and a display resolution of 1024 x 768 or higher to use the application. As theDualSense controllercan’t update wirelessly, you’ll also require a free USB port.
Updating yourPS5DualSense controller is pretty straightforward. Simply download the ‘Firmware updater for DualSense wireless controller’ from Sony’swebsite, and follow the steps below.
Tools and requirements
How to update your PS5 DualSense controller on PC
1.Download the firmware updater applicationand save it to your desktop or other location
2.Run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructionsto install the app. You may be prompted to download additional software to run the app, but just follow the prompt.
- Launch the application.
4.Connect your DualSense controller to your PCusing a USB-C to USB-A cable or USB-C to USB-C cable and follow the on-screen instructions to begin the update.
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5.Do not turn off your PC or disconnect the USB cableduring the update process.
- When the update has been completed, a message will appear.Click ‘OK’ to finishthe process.
If you’ve already installed the firmware updater application, you can skip straight to step 3 the next time you want to update a DualSense controller.
It’s worth noting that you can only update one DualSense controller at a time and that Sony recommends always installing the latest update for its controllers as soon as they’re released. If you don’t, you could expose your controller to security risks and performance may be negatively affected.
Sony is ramping up its PC support
It’s pleasing to see that Sony is continuing to invest in PC support, and giving players a way to use its latest controller independently of the PS5 is a great step. The DualSense’s unique features aren’t utilized in every game, but a surprising number of titles do include support for the pad’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, likeMetro ExodusandGhostwire: Tokyo.
With Sony porting more PlayStation exclusives to PC in recent years – includingHorizon Zero Dawn,God of War, Days Gone, andUncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection– we’d be shocked if some of Sony’s first-party titles didn’t include native DualSense support in the future.
The next step for the DualSense, however, should be wireless support. Currently, you can only take advantage of thehaptic feedback and haptic triggersif you use a wired connection, which feels rather archaic in 2022. The DualSense can only be used wirelessly if your PC supports Bluetooth, too, which isn’t found in every setup. A wireless adapter, then, could fix this issue, similar to what we saw for theDualShock 4.
Adam was formerly TRG’s Hardware Editor. A law graduate with an exceptional track record in content creation and online engagement, Adam has penned scintillating copy for various technology sites and also established his very own award-nominated video games website. He’s previously worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor and once played Halo 5: Guardians for over 51 hours for charity. He is now an editor at The Shortcut.
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