A PS5 DualSense controller works on Windows over USB-C or Bluetooth. Wired is simpler and lower latency. Bluetooth is more convenient once paired, but it can be affected by adapter drivers and power-saving settings.
These steps apply to Sony DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you want to play PC games with a DualSense controller or fix pairing that does not work reliably.
Connect over USB
- Plug a USB-C cable into the top of the controller.
- Connect the other end to a USB port on the PC.
- Wait a few seconds for Windows to detect it.
- Press Windows key + R, type joy.cpl, and press Enter.
- Select the controller and open Properties to test buttons.
- In Steam, open Steam > Settings > Controller and enable PlayStation Configuration Support.
Most games see a wired DualSense as a standard controller. Steam can add better support for PlayStation layout, touchpad behavior, and supported features.
Connect over Bluetooth
- Hold the PS button and Create button together until the light bar flashes quickly.
- On Windows, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
- Turn Bluetooth on.
- Choose Add device > Bluetooth.
- Select Wireless Controller when it appears.
- Wait for the light bar to stop flashing and stay connected.
After the first pairing, pressing the PS button should reconnect the controller when Bluetooth is on and the controller is charged.
Fix pairing and connection problems
A DualSense can maintain only one Bluetooth connection at a time. If it is still paired to a PS5 or another device, disconnect it there or turn that device off before pairing with Windows.
Confirm the PC Bluetooth adapter works with other devices. If no Bluetooth devices pair, update the adapter driver rather than troubleshooting only the controller.
If wireless drops mid-session, open Device Manager, expand Bluetooth, open your Bluetooth adapter Properties, go to Power Management, and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
Advanced feature support
Windows and many non-Steam games support basic buttons and sticks. Full haptics and adaptive triggers depend on the game and software. Tools such as DualSenseX can extend support for some non-Steam games, while Steam’s controller support covers many Steam-launched titles.
Sources
- PlayStation Support – Use Your DualSense Controller on PC (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Connect a Bluetooth Controller to Windows (2025)
- Steam Support – DualSense Controller Configuration (2025)