I suggest using QEMU/KVM with automatic USB redirection, I updated my Dualsense yesterday that way with no problems. iirc automatic USB redirection is available on VirtualBox too.
this post was submitted on 24 Dec 2025
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just setup a fresh windows 10 vm with qemu. unfortunately im having the exact same issue. it opens, i connect the controller, it closes/crashes
Try passing through a whole USB controller (chipset) instead of using USB emulation.
I'd try passing through a single USB port first though, as the above has some requirements to work that your system may not meet, but it's the best solution if you need it regularly.
Hold up... There's a PC app that can update the firmware without plugging it back into the PS5? 😮
Can I get a link? And will this also allow me to check the battery level?
A quick search led me here, which looks like what OP is using based on the screenshots: https://controller.dl.playstation.net/controller/lang/en/2100004.html
Nice. And it does have a battery meter 😃
I remember banging on updating controller firmware using Windows VMs (in my case, with XBox controllers) and didn't get it working after some time, though theoretically it should be possible.
Just using an Internet-connected console is all it takes, so if you know anyone that has one, that's probably a more convenient route.
I kind of wish places like GameStop would offer this as a service or let people do it, since they have demo consoles sitting there anyway (or did last time I was in one).
It'd be nice if Sony and Microsoft went out of their way to support fwupd, but I suppose in Microsoft's case it's a direct competitor (with Steam on Linux) and in Sony's case, probably niche enough that they don't see much point. Sony's trying to make money on selling access to make games for their console, not selling controllers.
I'm not familiar with this app, but have you tried running it under Linux with WINE instead of in a Windows VM?
Wine does not have system level USB access.
No firmware updates or low-level communication will work.
That's why no-one is running the official razer, corsair, logitech etc. mouse/keyboard whatever programs on linux.
it tried doing that at first but it requires .net 8 to even run and to be honest im not familiar enough with wine to be able to install multiple programs to the same wine prefix
Winetricks is your friend and makes that stupid easy. Gui program that let's you just click to install common things like .net or vc++
The app is most likely disconnecting and reconnecting the controller or making it connect as another device through the process the moment that happens the device is not passed back through or not as the fully same device so apps fail.
This is similar to things like VR and boom microphones
Could you pass through a USB port or a hub instead of the device itself?
Got win 11 in qemu going to try ipdsting after yhe Holidays