Sony has quietly rolled out a welcome update for PC gamers who also happen to own PlayStation’s first-party audio gear. 
With the release of a dedicated PlayStation Link driver for Windows 10 and Windows 11, headsets such as the Pulse Elite and earbuds like the Pulse Explore can now deliver a much fuller feature set on PC than they ever could before.
Until now, these audio devices technically worked when plugged into a computer, but functionality was barebones and lacked the polish seen on PS5. That gap has finally narrowed. According to Sony’s official support documentation, the PS Link USB adapter will automatically trigger the driver installation the first time it’s connected. Once installed, users gain access to options like volume control directly through the operating system, microphone muting, sidetone (which lets you hear your own voice in the headset to avoid shouting), EQ presets, and even firmware updates – all from within the PC environment.
While the driver isn’t as advanced as the companion apps offered by audio specialists like Razer or SteelSeries, the move represents a significant step forward. Most importantly, EQ presets allow gamers to quickly switch between different audio profiles. You might choose a bass-heavy mode for cinematic single-player adventures, a clarity-focused profile for competitive shooters, or stick to the balanced standard option. Having that flexibility on PC, in addition to PlayStation, finally makes these headsets feel like true cross-platform gear rather than accessories locked to one console.
Battery monitoring support is also included, solving a long-time frustration for those who had no way of checking charge levels without reconnecting to a PS5. While it’s true that this should arguably have been available from launch – and some fans have pointed out the rollout is slower than expected – it’s still progress in the right direction. The update confirms that Sony is willing to invest in PC compatibility, which aligns with its broader strategy of bringing more of its ecosystem to Windows users alongside its growing library of PC game ports.
Not everyone is thrilled, though. Early adopters of the Pulse Explore earbuds continue to report issues with connectivity and sound quality. For them, the new driver is unlikely to fix hardware-level concerns. Still, for those who already enjoy the performance of their PlayStation audio gear, the PC software support finally makes the headsets and earbuds more versatile and future-proof.