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How to Pair PS5 Controller to PC

by Alexander Mar 14,2025

The Sony DualSense, renowned as the best PS5 controller, boasts impressive innovations, a comfortable grip, and excellent ergonomics, maximizing your PlayStation 5 gaming experience. Connecting it to a gaming PC, however, might seem daunting—a challenge many faced with the DualShock 4. Fortunately, the DualSense offers significantly improved PC compatibility, earning its place among the best PC controllers. Let's explore the simple connection process.

PS5 Controller and PC Setup

Items Needed:

  • Data-capable USB-C cable
  • (If needed) Bluetooth adapter for your PC

Connecting your DualSense to your PC requires either a data-capable USB-C cable (cheaper cables may only provide power, not data transfer) or a Bluetooth adapter if your PC lacks Bluetooth. The USB-C cable can be a C-to-C cable if your PC has a USB-C port, or a USB-C-to-A cable for connection via standard USB ports. If Bluetooth is missing from your PC, readily available Bluetooth adapters can be added—some install in a PCIe slot, others connect via USB.

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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 to the USB-C port on your DualSense controller.
  3. Wait for your Windows PC to recognize the DualSense as a gamepad.
DualSense recognized as gamepad

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 the DualSense controller off and disconnected, press and hold the PS button and Create button (next to the D-pad) simultaneously until the light bar under the touchpad blinks.
  5. Select your DualSense controller from the list of available Bluetooth devices on your PC.
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