How to Pair PS5 Controller to PC

Author: Dylan Mar 16,2025

The Sony DualSense is widely considered the best PS5 controller, boasting impressive innovations, a comfortable grip, and excellent ergonomics for an optimal PlayStation 5 gaming experience. However, connecting it to a gaming PC might seem daunting, given past challenges with the DualShock 4. Fortunately, the DualSense offers significantly improved PC compatibility, making it a top contender among the best PC controllers. Below, we'll guide you through the simple connection process.

DualSense Controller

Items Needed:

  • A data-capable USB-C cable (some cheaper cables only provide power). You'll need a USB-C to USB-C cable if your PC has a USB-C port, or a USB-C to USB-A cable for standard USB ports.
  • A Bluetooth adapter for your PC (if Bluetooth isn't already built-in).

Connecting your DualSense to your PC requires either a data-transferring USB-C cable (not all USB-C cables support data transfer) or a Bluetooth connection. Since the DualSense doesn't include a cable, and not all PCs have built-in Bluetooth, you'll need to acquire the necessary equipment. Bluetooth adapters are readily available; some install in a PCIe slot, while others simply plug into a USB port.

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Connecting via USB:

Connecting via USB
  1. Plug the USB cable into an available port on your PC.
  2. Connect the other end of the cable to the USB-C port on your DualSense controller.
  3. Wait for your Windows PC to recognize the DualSense as a gamepad.
DualSense recognized

Connecting via Bluetooth:

  1. Access your PC's Bluetooth settings (Press the Windows key, type "Bluetooth," and select "Bluetooth & other devices").
  2. Select "Add Bluetooth or other device."
  3. Choose "Bluetooth" from the pop-up window.
  4. With your DualSense controller powered off, press and hold the PS button and the Create button (next to the D-pad) simultaneously until the light bar under the touchpad begins to blink.
  5. Select your DualSense controller from the list of available Bluetooth devices on your PC.