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After installing a PS5 system software update, first confirm the installed version under Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings. Then, if useful, review automatic-update and rest-mode preferences. Sony’s published guidance does not say that routine updates reset user settings, so treat these checks as optional—not as a required fix.
Confirm the PS5 update completed
- From the PS5 home screen, open Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings.
- Check the displayed system software version and whether an update is still available. Sony also identifies this menu as the place to check the current version in its PS5 setup guidance.
Menu labels can change between software revisions. If they differ on your console, follow the current Sony PS5 system software update instructions.
Did the PS5 update change your settings?
Sony’s published update and reset instructions do not establish that routine system software updates reset user preferences. There is no need to reset the console simply because you installed new software. If one feature behaves differently, check that feature’s setting and use the relevant troubleshooting guidance rather than assuming the update cleared your preferences.
Review automatic update preferences
In Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings, review whether the console should download update files automatically and whether it should install them automatically. These choices control future updates; they are not evidence that the update you just installed changed your settings. Sony’s automatic downloads and updates instructions explain the available controls.
#1 Best Overall
- Heighten Your Senses. Discover Deeper, highly immersive gaming experiences.
- Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback
- Chat online through the built-in microphone or connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
- Play on more devices Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth wireless technology so you can easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers, Android and iOS mobile phones.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range titles
Check rest-mode features if you use them
Open Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode to review what the console can do while in rest mode. Choose options according to how you use the PS5:
- Stay connected to the internet: useful when you want network availability or downloads while the console is in rest mode.
- Supply power to USB ports: useful when you want to charge a controller or power another connected USB device.
Sony notes that enabled rest-mode features affect power consumption. Its power-saving settings guidance describes the controls.
Rank #2
- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
If an update failed or something seems wrong
Start with the affected feature
If the update completed but a particular feature is not working as expected, check that feature’s setting and consult Sony’s Safe Mode options and troubleshooting guidance. Safe Mode includes distinct actions with different effects; read the on-screen description before selecting one.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Retry an update before considering recovery
For a failed update, Sony advises retrying the download. If an update through the console does not work, its Safe Mode update instructions describe updating through USB. This manual method requires a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT, a folder path named PS5/UPDATE, and an update file named PS5UPDATE.PUP. Follow Sony’s current instructions for obtaining and placing the official file; a USB drive is not needed for ordinary over-the-network updating or settings checks.
Rank #3
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
Know the data impact before restoring or resetting
Restore Default Settings and Reset PS5 are different actions. Sony says restoring default settings does not affect user or game data. Resetting the PS5 deletes user and game data and personalized settings. Reinstalling system software is a separate, destructive recovery option that also deletes console data. Consult Sony’s restore and reset guidance and understand the on-screen choice before proceeding.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Protect the console during installation
Do not interrupt a system software installation. Sony also warns: “Don’t install system software directly before or after a power outage.” Use only Sony’s official update file and the methods described in its PS5 update instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
- Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
- Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
- Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
- Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
Rank #4
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
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