Fix PS5 DualSense Controller Not Detected on PC

Your PC is failing to recognize your DualSense controller, or your games simply refuse to register your inputs. This usually happens because Windows needs a specific Steam configuration to bridge the gap between the PlayStation controller and your game library, or your PC's Bluetooth driver has become unresponsive.

Why this happens

Windows recognizes the hardware, but many games lack native DualSense support without Steam translation. If you are using Bluetooth, a corrupt or outdated radio driver often prevents the PC from completing the handshake with the controller.

Steps

1. 01
   Connect your controller via a USB-C cable to see if Windows detects the hardware immediately.
2. 02
   Open Steam and navigate to Steam > Settings > Controller, then click Show Advanced Settings and enable PlayStation Controller Support.
3. 03
   To pair via Bluetooth, unplug the USB cable and hold the Create button and the PS button simultaneously for 5 seconds until the light bar double-flashes.
4. 04
   Go to Windows Bluetooth Settings, select Add Device > Bluetooth, and click on Wireless Controller once it appears in the list.
5. 05
   If the controller does not show up, open Device Manager, right-click your Bluetooth adapter, select Uninstall Device, and check Delete the driver software.
6. 06
   Restart your PC to allow Windows to reinstall a clean driver automatically, then attempt the Bluetooth pairing process again.

Still not working?

If the controller still won't pair, check if your PC's Bluetooth radio is actually compatible with the DualSense or if you are using an older USB Bluetooth dongle that lacks sufficient bandwidth. Ensure your Windows is fully updated, as outdated Bluetooth stack versions frequently cause pairing failures with modern controllers.

Frequently asked questions

Does enabling Steam Input affect other controllers?

No, enabling PlayStation Controller Support in Steam specifically maps DualSense inputs to act like a standard controller for your games without breaking compatibility for Xbox or generic pads.

Will I lose my controller settings if I uninstall the Bluetooth driver?

No, uninstalling the driver through Device Manager only removes the software interface for the Bluetooth hardware. Once you restart your PC, Windows automatically restores the driver, and you can re-pair your devices as normal.