Best method to connect ps5 controller to pc?

usb-c cable is the no-fuss way, plug it in and windows sees it. for bluetooth hold the PS button and the create button together until the light bar starts flashing quickly, then add it from windows bluetooth settings like any other device. the part that actually decides whether it works in a game is steam. steam games pick it up natively, adaptive triggers and all in some. for stuff outside steam either add the game to steam as a non-steam game or use ds4windows, which makes it look like an xbox pad. the fancy haptics mostly only work wired.

wired is the one that just works - any usb-c cable into the pc and windows picks it up straight away, no pairing. for bluetooth hold the PS button and the small create button together until the light bar double-flashes, then it shows up as 'wireless controller' in windows bluetooth settings. the bit that catches people out is steam: if it's not being detected in games, open steam settings > controller and make sure playstation controller support is ticked, otherwise only steam itself sees it.