1. Check the PC and controller

Charge the controller before the first attempt and keep it near the computer. Check its specifications: some wireless accessories use a proprietary receiver instead of Bluetooth.

If you used the controller on another device, prevent that device from immediately taking back the connection. Do not delete unrelated PC peripherals; identify the controller you actually want to add.

2. Put DualSense into pairing mode

1. Disconnect its USB cable. If the player indicator is lit, hold PS until it turns off.
2. Hold the Create and PS buttons together until the light bar flashes.
3. Keep the controller nearby while Windows searches.

For another controller, follow its manufacturer’s button combination. The button that turns a controller on does not always make it discoverable. Pairing mode is what allows the PC to find it for the first connection.

3. Add the controller in Windows

1. Open Quick Settings from the network, sound and battery area of the taskbar.
2. Enable Bluetooth and open device management using its arrow.
3. Choose the controller among the newly discovered devices and complete pairing.
4. Wait for confirmation before closing the panel.

The displayed name may be generic. If several controllers are nearby, put only the one you need into pairing mode. This avoids choosing the wrong device solely because its name looks familiar.

4. Check controls in the game

Open a game that supports controllers and try simple menu actions: movement, confirm and back. Then check the sticks and buttons in a situation where an incorrect input will not have serious consequences.

DualSense support depends on the game and connection. Sony specifies that haptic feedback on PC requires USB in compatible games. A successful Bluetooth connection therefore does not guarantee every PS5 feature.

If Windows detects the controller but the game ignores it, check the game’s compatibility information and control settings. Try a second compatible game before changing drivers or buying an accessory.

If it is missing or disconnects

First repeat pairing mode and search again. If Windows has no Bluetooth control, check whether the PC actually includes Bluetooth and recognises its adapter. The Bluetooth troubleshooter in Get Help can guide diagnosis.

For a previously paired controller that will not reconnect, check its charge and make sure it has not reconnected to a console. If necessary, remove only that controller’s pairing in Windows and start again.

Testing with a USB cable that supports data lets you compare the two connections. Working over USB but not Bluetooth does not by itself mean the controller needs replacement: the pairing or PC may be responsible.

Sources and scope

Prepared from official documentation checked on 20 October 2026. Windows labels can change between versions. This guide does not claim hands-on testing on every PC.

• Microsoft — associer un appareil Bluetooth (French source)
• Microsoft — résoudre une connexion Bluetooth (French source)
• PlayStation — DualSense sur PC (French source)