How to use the PlayStation Link PC Driver

Take full advantage of your PlayStation Link™ devices from your Windows PC. Update your devices, adjust your audio settings, and quickly switch audio connections. All you have to do is insert your PlayStation Link™ USB adapter into your PC. 

About the PS Link Driver

The PlayStation Link™ PC Driver lets you update your PS Link devices and adjust their audio settings without a PlayStation®5 console. 

The PS Link Driver is different from the app, PlayStation Accessories. The PS Link Driver supports PS Link devices, which run on PlayStation Link™ wireless technology. PlayStation Accessories supports non-PS Link devices, such as the DualSense® wireless controller and DualSense Edge™ wireless controller.

Always update the firmware of your PS Link device to the latest version.

PS Link Driver system requirements

To install and use the PS Link Driver, you need a Windows PC that meets the following system requirements.

OS

Windows 10 or Windows 11
Storage space20 MB or more
Display resolution1280 x 800 or higher

Your PC also needs: 

  • an internet connection for installation 
  • available USB ports for your PS Link USB adapter and a USB cable for when you want to update your devices. Check to make sure your PC has ports that are compatible with the USB cable.

Supported PS Link devices

The PS Link Driver supports the following PS Link devices. Here's what you can do with each type of device:

Device type

Firmware update

Adjust audio settings

PULSE Elite™ wireless headset

PULSE Explore™ wireless earbuds

PlayStation Link™ USB adapter

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How to install the PS Link Driver

To install the PS Link Driver, you need an internet connection for your Windows PC. 

  1. Insert your PS Link USB adapter into an available USB port on your Windows PC.
    The PS Link Driver automatically installs*. You’ll receive a Windows notification when the installation is complete. 
  2. Open the quick menu of the PS Link Driver from the Windows notification.
    You can also right-click on the PS Link icon when it appears in the system tray.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  • When you connect your PS Link device to your Windows PC with a PS Link connection, the device settings appear in the quick menu.
  • Open the quick menu at any time from the system tray. You can also quickly press the PS Link button three times on your PS Link device.
  • If you insert a new, standalone PS Link USB adapter into your PC, you need to pair and connect it to your PS Link device.

*The PS Link Driver is being rolled out gradually. If the driver does not automatically download, please try rebooting your PC. If the PS Link icon still doesn't appear in the system tray, manually run a Windows update and then reboot again.

What's on the screen

After installing the PS Link Driver and connecting your PS Link device to your Windows PC, the quick menu shows the settings for your device.

A. PS Link device name
The name of your currently connected device. 

B. PS Link device battery level 

C. Volume
Control the volume of your connected PS Link device.

D. Microphone
Mute or unmute the mics on your PS Link device. 

E. Sidetone Volume 
Control the volume of your voice that you hear in your PS Link device.

F. EQ Presets
Rename or reset EQ presets. 

G. Firmware*
Check your current firmware* version.

H. Disconnect
Disconnect your PS Link device from your PC without turning off your device.

*“Firmware” is the same as “device software”, which is the term used for PS Link device software updates on the PS5® console and PlayStation Portal™ remote player. 

  • Settings for your device appear only when you’re connected to your Windows PC with a PS Link connection. It won’t appear if you connect to your PC with Bluetooth or a wired connection.

How to switch audio connections

From your Windows PC, you can switch your PS Link device to a different PS Link audio connection, such as from your PS5 console.

  • Disconnect
    In the quick menu, select Disconnect to disconnect your PS Link device from your PC. 
  • Connect
    When you disconnect your device from a PS Link connection, press the PS Link button on the adapter inserted in your PC. Your device connects to your PC.
    You can also connect through the notification that appears on the Windows UI if they are activated on your PC settings. 

For specific instructions on how to switch audio between your PS Link devices, see:

  • If you have trouble with switching audio between PS Link connections, make sure your devices have been paired. 
  • If you connect your PS Link device to your PC with a wired connection, the PS Link connection deactivates.

How to update your PS Link device

You can update your PS Link device to the latest firmware without connecting to a PS5 console. When updates are required for your PS Link device, you'll receive a Windows notification. Follow the on-screen instructions to update.

If an update is available but not required for your PS Link device, you can manually update it.

  1. Make sure your PS Link USB adapter is inserted into your Windows PC and your PS Link device is connected to it.
  2. Open the quick menu.
  3. Next to Firmware, select Update available.
    If you’re updating your USB adapter, select the Update Now notification.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Make sure your PS Link device stays connected to the PC with a USB cable and has enough battery to complete the updates. Do not turn off the PC or disconnect your device during the update.
  • If firmware updates are available for both your USB adapter and PS Link device, update your adapter first.
  • Make sure your PC has ports that are compatible with the USB cable.

Updates for PS Link Driver
See the current version and all updates for PlayStation Link PC Driver. 

How to troubleshoot your PS Link Driver or PS Link device

If the quick menu of the PS Link PC Driver doesn’t display:

  1. Remove your PS Link USB adapter from your Windows PC.
  2. Insert your adapter back into your PC.
  3. Reboot your PC, and then check if you can access the quick menu.


If your PS Link device isn’t working properly:

  • Make sure your PS Link USB adapter and PS Link device are updated to the latest firmware version. 
  • Try resetting your PS Link device.
  • Clear all PS Link connections from your USB adapter. You’ll need to re-pair and connect your PS Link device(s) and USB adapter after resetting.

Important notices

This page is subject to change without notice.

The illustrations and screen images may vary from the actual product.

Information about system functionality, names of menu items, and screen images published on this site may vary depending on the OS version of the Windows PC that you're using, as well as the versions of the device software and driver installed on your computer.

SIE strongly recommends always installing the latest update for your PS Link device firmware as soon as possible after the update is released. Failure to do so might expose your device to security risks and/or might compromise the proper functioning of your device.

Intellectual property notices

For registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. and Sony Group Corporation, visit the link below. 

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