Windows 10: "Couldn't connect" bluetooth errors with Dualsense controller

Hello, I have been trying to connect my PS5 dualsense controller to my PC via bluetooth. Every time I try to connect it, I always get the same error, "Couldn't connect. Try connecting again.". My controller used to work like a charm, and now it doesn't anymore and I keep getting this error message. I have tried every troubleshooting method in the books, and nothing has worked.

:)

 

Dualsense controller not working over Bluetooth

Hello Martin.



Thank you for your suggestions.



I deleted all devices that are named Dualsense or Wireless controller from HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\BTHPORT\Parameters\Devices



Restarted a PC. But it is still there in the list.



BUT



After resetting the controller tried to add a bluetooth device again and now it showed up in the list so I paired it successfully, finally.

Maybe it resets Bluetooth MAC as well.. Maybe registry edits erased MAC from the memory and it now can be recognised as a new device, didn't test it enough. Either way one of that was a working fix.



Thank you!

 

Dualsense controller not working over Bluetooth

Hi, Mavak Norton

Welcome to the MicroSoft Community.



I'm sorry for the bad experience and impression you had with Windows 11. I understand your frustration with the DualSense controller issue. The problem appears to be related to the way Bluetooth devices are managed by Windows. As you have tried the standard approaches (removing the device from Devices and Printers, deleting from Device Manager), we have to look for other ways to solve this issue.

Here’s a method that might work:

1. Reset your DualSense controller: To do this, you’ll need a thin object like a paperclip. Look for a small hole on the back of the controller near the L2 button. Insert the paperclip into the hole and press the button inside for about 5 seconds. After releasing the button, the controller should be reset.
   
2. Remove the controller from the registry:
   

• Before proceeding, please note that editing the registry can cause serious problems if not handled correctly. Make sure you follow the steps carefully:
  
• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “regedit” and press Enter.
  
• In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\BTHPORT\Parameters\Devices
  
• Under Devices, you’ll see several keys named with long alphanumeric strings. These represent all the Bluetooth devices ever paired with your computer.
  
• Click on each key and look at the ‘Name’ field on the right. Find the one that corresponds to your DualSense controller (it might be listed as a “Wireless Controller”) and delete it.
  
• After deleting the key, close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.
  

After restarting, your PC should ‘forget’ the DualSense controller, and you should be able to pair it again as a new device.

Disclaimer: Generally, modifying registry subkeys or work group is intended for advanced users, administrators, and IT Professionals. It can help fix some problems, however, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For further protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click How to back up and restore the registry in Windows - Microsoft Support to view the article.

If the above doesn't help you eliminate the problem, feel free to let me know and I'm offering you something else you can try.



Best Regards

Martin | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Dualsense controller not working over Bluetooth

Few things to keep in mind about the Dualsense controller:



I use it with several devices over Bluetooth. Dualsense can automatically reconnect only to the last used Bluetooth device. If it was recently paired with device A and then paired with device B, on Power-on it will automatically connect only to device B. Device A still can connect, BUT device A should do this from its end as the controller has no menu and list of devices to choose from.

Although Sony says this: A controller can be paired with only one device at a time. Each time you change devices you must pair the controller with the new device.



So the issue



Windows 11........



In Windows, there is no button to connect to a recently paired input device‍♂️



What that means: that means, I need to remove Dualsense from paired devices every time I want to connect it to a PC.







Earlier its been removing device fine. But but out of the sudden it now failing to remove it.





I tried removing it from within the Control panel, Devices and printers - it does nothing after clicking Remove.



I also deleted Dualsense from Device Manager - but it is still in the list of paired devices.



I cannot pair it a second time - Windows Filters out devices that are already paired.



It's a dead end. I cannot add it because it's already added and I cannot connect to it because there is no button to connect. I don't know how it was possible for Microsoft to make the system in such a way.



Please don't suggest me to revert Windows Updates or checking if the PC is powered on or if Bluetooth enabled and If the button on Dualsense was pressed. The only reason I'm creating this post is to get Microsoft's attention to these bugs.



However, if you know a working way to bring the controller back to work with Windows 11, let me know. (and yes I know I can use it over a USB cable, but that is not a WA I need)