---
title: DualSense setup — pair a PS5 controller with Vesper on Windows
description: Connect a DualSense wireless controller to Vesper on Windows over USB or Bluetooth, with notes on haptics, adaptive triggers, and other supported gamepads.
canonical: https://ps5emulator.net/setup/dualsense-on-pc
updated: 2026-10-13
---

# DualSense setup

USB is the simple route, Bluetooth is the tidy one, and both are supported.

## Facts (2026-10-13)

- **Connections:** USB or Bluetooth
- **Also supported:** Xbox and other Windows gamepads
- **Keyboard and mouse:** Work throughout the app
- **Recommended:** DualSense over USB

## Over USB

Plug the DualSense into your PC with a USB-C cable and let Windows recognise it. Vesper should show it in the status bar along the bottom of the launcher within a moment or two.

This is the connection we recommend. It adds the least latency, it charges the pad while you play, and it removes pairing as a variable when something is not working.

## Over Bluetooth

1. Open Windows Settings and go to Bluetooth and devices.

2. Hold Create and the PS button on the DualSense until the light bar flashes.

3. Choose Add device, then Bluetooth, and pick the wireless controller.

4. Start Vesper and confirm the pad appears in the status bar.

Bluetooth is fine for most play. For timing-sensitive titles such as [Demon's Souls](/game/demons-souls-ps5-emulator), a cable is the better choice.

## Haptics and adaptive triggers

DualSense support includes haptics and adaptive triggers, which matter more in some titles than others. [Astro Bot](/game/astro-bot-ps5-emulator) is the clearest showcase, and [Returnal](/game/returnal-ps5-emulator) maps alternate fire to a half-pressed trigger outright.

If you are using a different pad, those titles still play, but you lose the trigger behaviour rather than a cosmetic effect.

## Other controllers

Most Xbox and third-party gamepads that Windows recognises will drive the launcher and your games. Keyboard and mouse work everywhere in the app, so a pad is recommended rather than required.

For a pad that connects to Windows but does nothing in Vesper, see [the DualSense how-to](/howto/use-dualsense-on-windows).

## FAQ

### Does the DualSense work with Vesper on Windows 11?

Yes, over USB or Bluetooth, on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

### Do haptics and adaptive triggers work?

DualSense haptics and adaptive triggers are supported. How much they are used depends on the individual title.

### Can I charge the controller while playing on PC?

Yes. A USB-C connection both charges the pad and gives you the lowest-latency input.

### Do I need a controller at all?

No. Keyboard and mouse work throughout the app, though a gamepad suits most PS5 titles far better.

## Related

- [Use a DualSense on Windows](https://ps5emulator.net/howto/use-dualsense-on-windows)
- [DualSense](https://ps5emulator.net/words/dualsense-pc-controller)
- [Setup](https://ps5emulator.net/setup)
- [Astro Bot — PS5 emulator](https://ps5emulator.net/game/astro-bot-ps5-emulator)
- [Returnal — PS5 emulator](https://ps5emulator.net/game/returnal-ps5-emulator)

## Download

Free Windows app: [Download Vesper](https://ps5emulator.net/download)

Markdown mirror: https://ps5emulator.net/setup/dualsense-on-pc.md