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"Pairing PS5 Controller to PC: A Step-by-Step Guide"

by Isaac May 04,2025

The Sony DualSense is hailed as the best PS5 controller due to its innovative features, comfortable grip, and ergonomic design, enhancing your gaming experience on the PlayStation 5. While connecting the DualShock 4 to best gaming PCs was a challenge, the DualSense boasts significantly improved PC compatibility, making it a top contender among the best PC controllers. Here's a straightforward guide on how to connect it to your PC.

Sony DualSense Controller

Items Needed to Pair PS5 Controller with PC

  • Data-ready USB-C cable
  • Bluetooth adapter for PC (if your PC lacks Bluetooth)

Connecting your DualSense to a PC can be a bit tricky because the controller doesn't come with a USB cable when purchased standalone, and not all PCs have Bluetooth. To pair your DualSense with a PC, you'll need a USB-C cable that supports data transfer. This can be a USB-C-to-C cable if your PC has a USB-C port, or a USB-C-to-A cable for traditional USB ports.

If your PC doesn't have Bluetooth, you can easily add it with a Bluetooth adapter. There are various options available, from those that fit into a PCIe slot to simple USB plug-and-play models.

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How to Pair the PS5 Controller to PC over USB

USB Connection

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

Bluetooth Connection

How to Pair the PS5 DualSense Controller to PC over Bluetooth

  1. Access your PC’s Bluetooth settings by pressing the Windows key, typing "Bluetooth", and selecting Bluetooth & other devices from the menu.
  2. Click Add Bluetooth or other device.
  3. Choose Bluetooth in the pop-up window.
  4. On your DualSense controller (ensure it's disconnected and 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 starts blinking.
  5. On your PC, select your DualSense controller from the list of available Bluetooth devices.
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