DualSense Adaptive Triggers Not Working on PC? 3 Easy Fixes

Missing that sweet tactile feedback on your PC games? There is nothing worse than a DualSense feeling like a standard gamepad when you know it can do so much more.

But don’t stress! I have troubleshot these issues extensively, and usually, it is just a quick setting tweak away.

Here are 3 easy fixes to restore that next-gen immersion instantly. Let’s get you back in the game and level up your controller knowledge!

Prerequisites: Official Firmware Updates and Wired USB-C Connection

Before we start tweaking settings or downloading mods, we must ensure your hardware is speaking the same language. The DualSense is complex tech.

Windows does not natively understand every feature of the Sony controller out of the box. The most critical first step is updating the device itself.

Sony provides a specific tool called “Firmware updater for DualSense wireless controller”. This software patches bugs that block trigger signals.

Using outdated firmware is the number one reason for adaptive triggers failing. It creates a communication mismatch between the game and the hardware.

Download the updater from the official PlayStation website. Connect via USB and follow the prompts. It takes five minutes but prevents hours of headaches.

Once updated, you must use a wired connection. While Bluetooth works for basic buttons, it lacks the bandwidth for advanced haptic data streams.

Windows Bluetooth drivers often default to basic input protocols. These protocols strip away the audio-based signals required for adaptive resistance.

Using a cable also provides a significant performance advantage. A wired connection ensures the lowest possible input delay for competitive gaming.

If you suspect your cable is causing issues or delays, you can quickly verify performance using our gamepad latency test tool.

Stable data flow is vital. Once wired, you can verify if the PC detects the analog input correctly by running a gamepad trigger pressure test.

If the pressure values respond on that test but not in-game, we know the hardware is fine. Here is a quick compatibility breakdown for your setup.

Keep that USB-C cable plugged in. Even if you prefer wireless gaming, troubleshooting these advanced features requires a direct line to your PC.

Solution A: Restoring Native Triggers by Disabling Steam Input

Steam Input is a fantastic tool for general compatibility. It acts as a universal translator, converting your DualSense signals into standard XInput.

However, this translation layer often strips away the rich data needed for adaptive triggers. The game simply thinks you are using an Xbox controller.

To fix this, you must bypass the middleman. By disabling Steam Input, you allow the game code to communicate directly with your DualSense hardware.

This direct line of communication is essential for the specialized haptic feedback instructions to reach your triggers without being filtered out.

Note that this method only works for games with native DualSense support. If the game does not support it, the controller may stop responding entirely.

Step-by-Step: How to Disable Steam Input

Follow this simple process to restore your trigger functionality. We strongly recommend using a wired USB-C connection for this process.

• Open your Steam Library and locate the specific game you want to play.
• Right-click the game title in the sidebar and select Properties from the menu.
• Navigate to the Controller tab on the left side of the window.
• Find the dropdown menu labeled “Override for [Game Name]”.
• Change the setting from “Use default settings” to Disable Steam Input.
• Close the window, plug in your controller, and launch your game.

Once the game launches, you should immediately feel the difference. The in-game prompts should also switch from Xbox ABXY icons to PlayStation symbols.

If you want to verify that your controller is sending analog data correctly, try our Gamepad Trigger Pressure Test.

This tool visualizes the raw input from your L2 and R2 buttons. If you see granular pressure values, the native driver is functioning correctly.

You can also check if the sophisticated vibration motors are active by running our Controller Haptic Actuators Test.

Troubleshooting Native Support

If your controller stops working after this change, the game likely lacks native support. In this case, you will need to re-enable Steam Input.

Additionally, remember that many games only enable adaptive triggers over a wired connection. Bluetooth often lacks the bandwidth for these features.

Supported Games List: Identifying Titles with Built-In DualSense Features

One of the most common reasons users believe their adaptive triggers are broken is simply playing a game that does not support them naturally.

Unlike standard vibration, which translates easily between controllers, adaptive triggers require specific code implemented by the developer.

If a game was not built with the DualSense API, the triggers will function like standard analog buttons. You will not feel resistance or recoil.

Crucially, the vast majority of supported games require a wired USB connection to enable these advanced features on PC.

Bluetooth bandwidth often limits the controller to basic inputs. This means you sacrifice advanced haptics for wireless convenience in most titles.

For a deeper dive into connection trade-offs, read our guide on wired vs wireless controllers to see how latency impacts performance.

Below is a list of popular PC titles that natively support DualSense adaptive triggers. Check this list to verify if your game is compatible.

If your game is listed above but triggers still feel limp, check the in-game settings. Developers often include a toggle to disable trigger effects.

Another common conflict is Steam Input. If Steam is managing your controller, it often emulates a generic Xbox gamepad to ensure compatibility.

This emulation strips away unique DualSense data. You must disable Steam Input for the specific game in your library properties to fix this.

If you are unsure if your hardware is actually capable of producing resistance, you can verify the motors using our Gamepad Controller Haptic Actuators Test.

Solution B: Forcing Adaptive Triggers in Unsupported Games with DualSenseX

If your game does not natively support the PlayStation 5 controller features, do not worry.

You can still force those adaptive triggers to work using a powerful community tool called DualSenseX (DSX).

DSX allows you to emulate different controller types and, most importantly, assign custom trigger modes to any game.

It bridges the gap between Sony’s hardware and the Windows environment.

Before we dive into the setup, it is helpful to understand why tools like this are necessary.

The PC gaming landscape is shifting, with more players moving away from traditional mouse and keyboard setups.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up DualSenseX

Getting DSX running is straightforward. This software translates standard vibration signals or audio cues into resistance on your L2 and R2 buttons.

Follow these steps to get started:

• Download the Software: You can purchase the newest version of DualSenseX on Steam or find the older, free version on GitHub.
• Connect via USB: For the best data bandwidth and lowest latency, plug your controller in with a high-quality USB-C cable.
• Select Controller Emulation: In the main dashboard, set the “Controller Emulation” to Xbox 360. This ensures maximum game compatibility.
• Configure Triggers: Navigate to the “Adaptive Triggers” tab. Here you can choose modes like “Bow,” “Machine Gun,” or “Resistance.”

Once you have selected a profile, the triggers will remain active regardless of what is happening in the game.

This creates a tactile experience even in older titles that were never designed for the PS5.

Testing Your Configuration

After applying your settings in DSX, it is crucial to verify that the controller is responding correctly before launching a game.

You want to ensure the motors are engaging without delay.

You can verify the rumble integration by running a Gamepad Controller Vibration Test.

If DSX is set to “Audio to Haptics,” the triggers should react to the vibration test signals.

If you experience input lag while running this software alongside a heavy game, you might want to check your connection speed.

A quick check on our Gamepad Latency Test can help you determine if the software overhead is affecting your reaction times.

Remember that DSX requires the “Vigembus” driver to function properly.

If the triggers are silent, check the settings menu in the app to ensure all drivers are installed and up to date.

Customizing Trigger Profiles and Audio-Based Haptics

Unlock the full potential of your controller by diving into third-party software.

While native support is growing, tools like DualSenseX (DSX) offer the best customization.

These applications allow you to manually configure the adaptive triggers. You can set them to mimic the recoil of a machine gun or the tension of a bow string.

Audio-based haptics are another game-changing feature. This technology translates low-frequency game audio into physical vibrations in your hands.

Setting up these features can impact your battery life. The more intense the mechanical resistance and vibration, the faster your controller will drain.

To get audio haptics working on your PC, you often need to route audio through a virtual cable. This lets the software “hear” the game and vibrate the motors.

Steps to Enable Audio Haptics in DualSenseX

• Download and install the VB-Audio Virtual Cable driver to split your audio signals properly.
• Open DualSenseX and navigate to the “Audio Haptics” tab in the main settings menu.
• Select your output device (headphones) and the input device (VB-Cable) to sync the vibration.
• Adjust the frequency cutoff sliders so only deep bass sounds trigger the rumble motors.
• Run a Gamepad Controller Vibration Test to ensure the motors are responding to the sound.

Customizing trigger profiles is strictly about immersion. You can create a “Rigid” profile that makes the triggers feel like hard, clicky buttons.

Competitive players often turn these features off for faster reaction times.

This is similar to how users customize Xbox Series X|S controller vibration on PC for performance.

Experiment with the “Gallop” or “Pulse” modes in your software. These cyclic patterns are excellent for racing games or automatic weapons.

Always remember to save your profiles. Having distinct setups for shooters versus racing games will save you time when switching genres.

Ready to Feel the Game?

Getting your DualSense triggers working on PC might feel like a boss battle, but you have got this handled now.

Remember to keep that firmware updated via the official Sony app and stick to a wired USB-C connection for the best results.

Don’t forget to disable Steam Input for games that support the controller natively. It is the secret key to unlocking those features.

Now that your hardware is dialed in, jump back into the lobby and enjoy that next-gen feedback!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do DualSense adaptive triggers work over Bluetooth?

Generally, no. Native adaptive trigger support usually requires a wired USB-C connection to transmit the complex haptic data.

Which PC games support DualSense adaptive triggers?

Titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Spider-Man Remastered, and Returnal have native support. Check PCGamingWiki for a full compatibility list.

Why is Steam Input blocking my trigger effects?

Steam Input often emulates an Xbox controller. This translation process strips away unique PlayStation signals like resistance and haptics.

Do I need DS4Windows for adaptive triggers?

Not for native games! DS4Windows can actually interfere with native support. Only use it for older games that do not recognize the controller.