PS5 Controller Not Charging When Connected to PC? 9 Fixes

Your PS5 controller not charging when connected to PC can be frustrating, especially when the controller works during gameplay but the battery still runs low.

The good news is that you don’t always need a new controller. A faulty USB-C cable, an underpowered USB port, or a temporary connection problem may be responsible.

In this guide, you’ll learn nine practical ways to troubleshoot DualSense charging problems on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Quick Answer: Why Is My PS5 Controller Not Charging on PC?

A PS5 DualSense controller may fail to charge from a computer because of:

• A damaged or incompatible USB-C cable

• A USB port that isn’t providing enough power

• USB power-saving behavior

• A loose or dirty charging port

• Outdated controller software

• A temporary controller malfunction

• A worn-out battery or damaged charging hardware

Start here: Try another USB-C cable and connect the controller directly to a different USB port on your computer. These two checks can quickly help identify the problem.

If your PS5 controller is not charging when connected to a PC, start by checking the USB-C cable, USB power supply, and controller charging port.

PS5 Controller Charging Problems: Quick Diagnosis

Problem	Possible Cause	First Thing to Try
Controller connects but won’t charge	Cable or USB power issue	Try another USB-C cable
Controller charges on PS5 but not PC	Computer USB power delivery	Change the PC USB port
Charging stops when PC sleeps	USB power-saving behavior	Keep the PC awake for testing
Controller charges only at certain angles	Loose cable or damaged connector	Inspect cable and port
Controller won’t charge anywhere	Battery or hardware problem	Test another compatible charging source
Controller isn’t detected by Windows	USB connection or software issue	Reconnect and check Device Manager

1. Try a Different USB-C Cable

A faulty USB-C cable is one of the first things worth checking.

Some cables are designed primarily for charging, while others support both charging and data transfer. PlayStation recommends trying a compatible charging-and-data cable when troubleshooting controller charging problems.

How to test:

1. Disconnect your DualSense controller from your PC.

2. Find another reliable USB-C cable.

3. Connect the cable directly to your computer.

4. Leave the controller connected for several minutes.

5. Check whether it begins charging.

If the second cable works, the original cable may be damaged or incompatible.

Tip: Choose a USB-C cable from a reputable manufacturer that supports charging and data transfer.

2. Connect the Controller to a Different USB Port

Not every computer USB port provides the same charging experience.

A damaged, loose, or low-power port may cause intermittent charging.

Try these steps:

1. Unplug your controller.

2. Connect it to another USB port.

3. On a desktop PC, test a rear motherboard USB port.

4. Avoid USB hubs and docking stations during troubleshooting.

5. Wait a few minutes and check the charging behavior.

If the controller charges from one port but not another, the problem may be related to the computer rather than the controller.

3. Check Whether Your PC Is Supplying USB Power

Some computers reduce or disable USB power when they enter sleep mode.

This means your controller might charge while Windows is active but stop charging when the computer sleeps.

To test this:

1. Connect the controller to your PC.

2. Keep the computer powered on and awake.

3. Allow the controller to charge for a short period.

4. Check whether charging stops after the PC enters sleep mode.

On Windows 11, you can review sleep settings under:

Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen, sleep & hibernate timeouts

Menu names may vary by Windows version.

For troubleshooting, temporarily prevent the computer from sleeping while plugged in.

If this solves the issue, review your computer manufacturer’s USB charging and sleep settings.

If you’re also experiencing connectivity problems on Windows 11, check our Windows 11 Wi-Fi Option Disappeared troubleshooting guide for additional network troubleshooting steps.

4. Disable USB Selective Suspend Temporarily

Windows includes USB power-management features that help conserve energy.

On some computers, these settings can contribute to USB connection problems.

You can temporarily test whether USB selective suspend is involved.

Steps:

1. Open Windows Search.

2. Search for Edit power plan.

3. Click Change advanced power settings.

4. Expand USB settings, if available.

5. Open USB selective suspend setting.

6. Temporarily select Disabled.

7. Apply the change and reconnect the controller.

This option is not available on every Windows computer.

Important: This is a diagnostic step, not a guaranteed charging fix. Re-enable the setting afterward if it makes no difference.

5. Inspect the Controller’s USB-C Charging Port

Dust, debris, or physical damage inside the USB-C port can interrupt charging.

Look closely at the controller’s charging connector.

Check for:

• Visible dust or lint

• Bent or damaged connector parts

• A loose USB-C cable connection

• Charging that starts and stops when the cable moves

Turn off and disconnect the controller before inspecting it.

If you see loose debris, carefully remove it using a soft, dry brush. Do not insert metal objects or liquids into the charging port.

If the connector appears damaged, professional repair may be necessary.

6. Update Your PS5 Controller Software on PC

Sony provides the PlayStation Accessories application for Windows computers.

It can update compatible DualSense controller device software.

Outdated software is not necessarily the cause of a charging problem, but updating can help eliminate a software-related issue.

Steps:

1. Visit the official PlayStation controller support website.

2. Find the PlayStation Accessories application for PC.

3. Download and install it.

4. Connect your DualSense controller using a compatible USB-C cable.

5. Follow the application’s instructions to check for updates.

Keep the controller connected during the update process.

Official resource: PlayStation controller support

7. Check Windows USB Device Detection

If your controller isn’t detected properly, checking Windows Device Manager may help identify a USB connection problem.

However, remember that Windows recognizing a controller does not automatically prove that its battery is charging.

Steps:

1. Right-click the Windows Start button.

2. Select Device Manager.

3. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.

4. Check for USB devices showing a warning symbol.

5. Disconnect and reconnect the DualSense controller.

6. Observe whether any device entry changes.

If Windows reports a USB device error, restart the PC and install relevant Windows or computer manufacturer updates.

Avoid uninstalling unrelated USB devices, especially if you depend on USB input devices.

For another common Windows hardware issue, see our Headset Microphone Not Working Windows 11 guide for microphone permissions, device detection, and driver troubleshooting.

8. Reset Your DualSense Controller

A controller reset can help when the device is behaving unexpectedly.

Sony provides a physical reset button on the back of the DualSense controller.

How to reset it:

1. Disconnect the controller from your PC.

2. Turn off the controller.

3. Locate the small reset hole on the back.

4. Use a suitable pin or similar tool to press the reset button for at least five seconds.

5. Reconnect the controller using a USB-C cable.

6. Test the charging behavior again.

A reset is mainly intended for controller connection and operation issues. It will not repair a physically damaged battery or charging port.

Official resource: DualSense controller troubleshooting

9. Test Another Charging Source

If your PS5 controller still isn’t charging from your PC, test whether it can charge from another compatible source.

You can try:

• A PS5 console

• Another computer

• A compatible USB charging source

Use a suitable USB-C cable and allow enough time to observe charging behavior.

If the controller charges normally elsewhere, the issue is more likely related to your computer’s USB port, power delivery, or settings.

If it fails to charge from multiple compatible sources using different working cables, the controller may have a battery or charging hardware problem.

Sony notes that some USB devices and chargers may not charge the DualSense controller successfully.

How to Tell If Your PS5 Controller Is Charging

The DualSense controller has a light bar that can indicate charging status in certain conditions.

When charging through a PS5 console in rest mode, the light bar slowly blinks orange. Once charging is complete, the light turns off.

However, charging indicators may behave differently when the controller is connected to a PC.

Do not rely only on the light bar.

If possible, compare the controller’s battery level before and after charging using a compatible battery-status display or reconnect it to your PS5 to check its battery status.

Can You Charge a PS5 Controller While Playing on PC?

Yes. Sony supports using a DualSense controller with a Windows PC through a USB Type-C connection, including playing while charging with a suitable connection.

However, actual charging depends on the cable, USB power availability, and controller condition.

If your controller works in a game but the battery doesn’t gain charge, test the cable and USB power separately.

Official resource: PlayStation accessories for PC

When Should You Replace Your USB-C Cable or Controller?

Don’t replace the entire controller before checking the inexpensive and easy-to-test possibilities.

Situation	Recommended Action
Charging works with a different cable	Replace the faulty USB-C cable
Charging works from another PC	Investigate your computer’s USB ports
Charging stops when the PC sleeps	Review USB power and sleep settings
Charging connector is physically damaged	Seek professional repair
Controller fails with multiple cables and power sources	Contact PlayStation Support

Recommended Accessory: USB-C Charging and Data Cable

If your current cable is unreliable, a quality USB-C charging-and-data cable is a reasonable replacement.

Look for:

• USB-C compatibility with DualSense

• Charging and data-transfer support

• Durable connectors

• A practical cable length for your gaming setup

Recommended USB-C Cable: If your current cable is faulty, consider a reliable USB-A to USB-C cable that supports both charging and data transfer.

[Check USB-C Charging & Data Cable on Amazon]

Make sure the cable supports data transfer and is compatible with your PC’s USB port.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no additional cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my PS5 controller not charging when connected to PC?

Possible causes include a faulty USB-C cable, insufficient USB power, a damaged charging port, or controller hardware issues. Start by testing another cable and USB port.

Why does my PS5 controller work on PC but not charge?

A working USB connection doesn’t necessarily confirm that the controller’s battery is receiving enough power. Try another cable, USB port, and compatible charging source.

Can Windows 11 stop a PS5 controller from charging?

Windows power-management behavior can affect USB devices, especially when a computer enters sleep mode. However, not every charging problem is caused by Windows.

Does a PS5 controller need a special USB-C cable?

A compatible USB-C cable is required. A reliable charging-and-data cable is a good choice for PC use, especially when you also need a wired controller connection.

Can I update my DualSense controller on Windows 11?

Yes. Sony provides the PlayStation Accessories application for compatible Windows computers.

How do I know if my PS5 controller battery is damaged?

If the controller fails to charge through several known-working cables and compatible power sources, battery or charging hardware damage becomes more likely. Contact PlayStation Support for diagnosis.

Final Thoughts

If your PS5 controller is not charging when connected to a PC, begin with the simplest checks: replace the USB-C cable, change the USB port, and test whether the computer is supplying power.

If those steps don’t work, review USB power settings, update the controller software, and try another charging source.

Most importantly, identify whether the problem comes from the computer or the controller before spending money on replacement accessories.