How to update the PS5 controller on PC

what to know

  • Install the PS Firmware Updater on your PC.
  • Plug in the PS5 controller via USB-C.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to update the firmware.

This article explains how to update the PS5 controller using a PC. I'll also cover some troubleshooting if you run into any issues.

Your PS5 controller needs regular updates to benefit from quality-of-life improvements and performance upgrades. Launching the PS5 controller update via PC may require a few extra steps compared to doing it on your PS5, so let's cover that.

  1. Download the PS5 Firmware Update app from the PlayStation website.

  2. Run the application and select your language, then accept the license agreement and install it.

    On some computers, depending on whether you are running the application as an administrator, you may need to click an option to allow the application to use the computer.

  3. Connect the controller to your PC using a USB-C cable and launch the app.

  4. Once the application detects the controller, click Update Now .

    If the application shows that the controller has been updated, you don't need to do anything else.

  5. Wait for firmware update. This should only take a minute or so.

    Do not exit the application or unplug the controller while updating.

  6. Click OK to complete the update process.

  7. The PlayStation Firmware Updater should now display a message indicating that the controller is up to date.

    If it doesn't appear, repeat the process until it does.

  8. You can now safely close the app or unplug the controller. The controller is now updated and ready to use.

If a PS5 firmware update for your PC isn't working, it can be stressful, but there's no need to worry. Here's a quick look at a possible solution to the problem.

  • Check if the cable is connected . If your PC does not detect the controller, check that the cable is securely connected to the PC and controller. If possible, use a different cable to narrow down the problem. This can also cause problems if your PS5 controller won't charge.
  • Check your internet connection . You need to be online to download the PS5 controller update on your PC. Make sure your internet connection is working.
  • Confirm you need to update . Even if it feels like a long time, your controller may not need an update. If an app says it's up to date, believe it.
  • Restart the computer . This is a predictable solution, but restarting your computer often solves many problems.

The PS5 controller doesn't need to be updated very often, but it's useful to keep it up to date. Doing so means your controller will continue to function normally. Sony occasionally rolls out updates that address security issues, but also makes sure the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers on the controller work with the latest games. This may not be necessary if everything is working fine with your game, but it's a good idea to update (or at least check) your controller occasionally.