Windows 11 Windows 10 Windows 8.1 Windows 7 More...Less
You can pairall kinds of Bluetooth devices with your PC—including keyboards, mice, phones, speakers, and a whole lot more. To do this, your PC needs to have Bluetooth. Some PCs, such as laptops and tablets, have Bluetooth built in. If your PC doesn’t, you can plug a USB Bluetooth adapter into the USB port on your PC to get it.
Windows 11Windows 10Windows 8.1Windows 7
Before you start, make sure that your Windows 11 PC supports Bluetooth. For more info on how to check, seeFix Bluetooth problems in Windows. If you need help adding a device without Bluetooth capabilities, seeAdd a device to a Windows PC.
Turn on Bluetooth
After you've checked that your Windows 11 PC supports Bluetooth, you'll need to turn it on. Here's how:
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In Settings:Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices , and then turn on Bluetooth .
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In quick settings:To find the quick setting for Bluetooth, select the Network, Sound, or Battery icons () next to the time and date on the right side of your taskbar. SelectBluetooth to turn it on. If it's turned on without any Bluetooth devices connected, it might appear asNot connected .
(Video) How to Add a Bluetooth Device in Windows 10 | Pair a Bluetooth Device with Windows 10
If you don't see Bluetooth in quick settings, you might need to add it. For more info, see Change notifications and quick settingsin Windows 11.
To pair a Bluetooth device
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Turn on your Bluetooth device and make it discoverable. The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check the device or visit the manufacturer's website to learn how.
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On your PC, select the Network, Sound, or Battery icons () next to the time and date on the right side of your taskbar.
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Select Manage Bluetooth devices on the Bluetooth quick setting, then select your device under Not paired.
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Follow additional instructions if they appear, then selectDone.
Your Bluetooth device and PC will usually automatically connect anytime the two devices are in range of each other with Bluetooth turned on.
To paira Bluetooth printer or scanner
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Turn on your Bluetooth printer or scanner and make it discoverable. The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check the device or visit the manufacturer's website to learn how.
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Select Start >Settings >Bluetooth & devices >Printers & scanners >Adddevice. Wait for it to find nearby printers, choose the one you want to use, then selectAdd device.
If you’re having problems installing your printer or scanner, see eitherFix printer problemsorInstall and use a scanner in Windows.
To paira Bluetooth device using Swift Pair
Swift Pair in Windows 11 lets you quickly pair a supported Bluetooth device with your PC. If the Bluetooth device supports Swift Pair, you’ll receive a notification when it's nearby and you put it into pairing mode to make it discoverable.
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Turn on a Bluetooth device that supports Swift Pair and make it discoverable. The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check the device or visit the manufacturer’s website to learn more.
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If this is your first time using Swift Pair, selectYeswhen asked if you want to get notifications and use Swift Pair.
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When a notification appears that a new Bluetooth device was found, selectConnect.
Before you start, make sure that your Windows 10 PC supports Bluetooth. For more info on how to check, seeFix Bluetooth problems in Windows 10. If you need help adding a device without Bluetooth capabilities, see Add a device to a Windows 10 PC.
Turn on Bluetooth
After you've checked that your Windows 10 PC supports Bluetooth, you'll need to turn it on. Here's how:
In Settings:Select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, and turn on Bluetooth.
Turn on Bluetooth in Settings
In action center:Action center can be found next to time and date on your taskbar. On the taskbar, selectaction center(or), then select Bluetooth to turn it on. If it's turned off, it might appear as Not connected.
If you don't see Bluetooth in your action center, here's how you can change it:
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Expand quick actions. On the taskbar, select action center (or) > Expand. Bluetooth should appear here. It will appear asBluetoothorNot connected.
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Add Bluetooth to action center. SelectStart > Settings >System > Notifications & actions > Quick actions. Go toAdd or remove quick actionsand turn on Bluetooth.
Note:For more info about how to change the apps and settings that appear in action center, see Change notification and action settings in Windows 10.
To pair a Bluetooth headset, speaker, or other audio device
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Turn on your Bluetooth audio device and make it discoverable. The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check the device or visit the manufacturer's website to learn how.
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On your PC, select Start > Settings >Devices >Bluetooth & other devices>Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth. Choose the device and follow additional instructions if they appear, then select Done.
Your Bluetooth device and PC will usually automatically connect anytime the two devices are in range of each other with Bluetooth turned on.
Note:Not seeing your Bluetooth audio device? Learn how to fix connections to Bluetooth audio devices and wireless displays.
To paira Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, or other device
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Turn on your Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, or other device and make it discoverable. The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check the device or visit the manufactur's website to learn how.
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On your PC, select Start > Settings > Devices >Bluetooth & other devices>Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth. Choose the device and follow additional instructions if they appear, then select Done.
(Video) Connect a Bluetooth Device in Windows 10 on an HP Computer | HP Computers | @HPSupport
To paira Bluetooth printer or scanner
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Turn on your Bluetooth printer or scanner and make it discoverable. The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check the device or visit the manufacturer's website to learn how.
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Select Start>Settings > Devices> Printers & scanners > Adda printer or scanner. Wait for it to find nearby printers, then choose the one you want to use and select Add device.
If you’re having installation issues with your printer or scanner, see eitherFix printer problemsorInstall and use a scanner in Windows 10.
To paira Bluetooth device using Swift Pair
Swift Pair in Windows 10 lets you quickly pair a supported Bluetooth device with your PC. If the Bluetooth device supports Swift Pair, you’ll receive a notification when it's nearby and you put it into pairing mode to make it discoverable.
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Turn on a Bluetooth device that supports Swift Pair and make it discoverable. The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check the device or visit the manufacturer’s website to learn more.
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If this is your first time using Swift Pair, select Yes when asked if you want to get notifications and use Swift Pair.
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When a notification appears that a new Bluetooth device was found, select Connect.
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After it’s connected, select Close.
Before you start, make sure that your Windows 8 PC supports Bluetooth.
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Turn on your Bluetooth device and make it discoverable.
The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check the device or visit the manufacturer's website to learn how.
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Select Start > type Bluetooth > select Bluetooth settings from the list.
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Turn on Bluetooth > select the device > Pair.
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Follow any instructions if they appear. Otherwise, you're done and connected.
Your Bluetooth device and PC will usually automatically connect anytime the two devices are in range of each other with Bluetooth turned on.
Before you start, make sure that your Windows 7 PC supports Bluetooth.
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Turn on your Bluetooth device and make it discoverable.
The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check the device or visit the manufacturer's website to learn how.Turn on your Bluetooth device and make it discoverable. The way you make it discoverable depends on the device. Check the device or visit the manufacturer's website to learn how.
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Select Start
> Devices and Printers. -
Select Add a device > select the device > Next.
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Follow anyother instructions that might appear. Otherwise, you're done and connected.
> Devices and Printers.Your Bluetooth device and PC will usually automatically connect anytime the two devices are in range of each other with Bluetooth turned on.
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FAQs
Why is my PC not finding Bluetooth devices? ›
Check your PC
Turn Bluetooth on and off: Select Start , then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices . Turn off Bluetooth, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Remove the Bluetooth device, then add it again: Select Start , then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices ..
The best way to fix this is to reinstall the Bluetooth device and update its driver. Bluetooth not recognizing or detecting devices on Windows 10/11 – If you encounter this issue, you should restart Bluetooth Support Service and check if that fixes the issue.
How do I get Windows to recognize my Bluetooth adapter? ›In the Device Manager, locate the Bluetooth entry and expand the Bluetooth hardware list. Right-click the Bluetooth adapter on the Bluetooth hardware list. If the Enable option is available, click that option to enable and turn on Bluetooth in the pop-up menu that appears.
Can you manually add a Bluetooth device? ›Swipe down from the top of the screen. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Touch and hold Bluetooth . In the list of paired devices, tap a paired but unconnected device.
How do I connect to a paired device in Windows 10? ›- Make sure Bluetooth is On. ...
- Click Add Bluetooth or other device.
- Select Bluetooth in the Add a device window.
- Wait while your PC or laptop scans the Bluetooth devices nearby. ...
- Click on the name of the device you want to connect to, until the PIN code appears.
Click the Start button and then click Control Panel. In the Control Panel search box, type 'Bluetooth', and then click Change Bluetooth settings. In the Bluetooth Settings dialog box, click the Options tab, select the Allow Bluetooth devices to connect to this computer check box, and then click OK.
How do I find a hidden Bluetooth device in Windows 10? ›Click Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. Under Related settings, click More Bluetooth Options. Select the Options tab and check Show the Bluetooth icon in the notification area.
How do I fix the Bluetooth pairing problem? ›- Turn Bluetooth off and then on again. Learn how to turn Bluetooth on and off.
- Confirm that your devices are paired and connected. Learn how to pair and connect via Bluetooth.
- Restart your devices. Learn how to restart your Pixel phone or Nexus device.
- On the taskbar, select the Network icon. Select the Bluetooth quick setting to turn it On or Off.
- Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices, then turn Bluetooth on or off.
- Press Win + X keys and select Device Manager.
- In the Device Manager, go to “View > Show hidden devices.”
- Now, check if the Bluetooth driver appears in the Device Manager. ...
- Select the “Search automatically for drivers” option.
- Let Windows update your Bluetooth driver.
How do I connect to a paired Bluetooth device? ›
On your phone, open the Settings app and tap Bluetooth (or Settings > Connections > Bluetooth). Make sure Bluetooth is turned on (the button should be blue). Check your Bluetooth device and make sure it's turned on and in discovery mode. Wait for it to show up under Available Devices on your phone.
Where is the pair button on? ›On Xbox One X and Xbox One S, the Pair button is on the front right, below the power button. On the original Xbox One, the Pair button is a circular button on the side, around the corner from the disc tray.
How do I manually install a Bluetooth driver in Windows 10? ›- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click the Check for updates button (if applicable).
- Click the View optional updates option.
- Click the Driver updates tab.
- Select the driver you want to update.
- Click the Download and install button.
Getting a Bluetooth adapter for your PC is the easiest way to add this functionality to a desktop or laptop. You don't need to worry about opening your computer case, installing a Bluetooth card, or anything like that. Bluetooth dongles use USB, so they plug into the outside of your computer via an open USB port.
How do I re add a device I removed from Bluetooth on Windows 10? ›Press Windows logo key + X and select Device Manager. Click on View and select Show hidden devices. Expand Bluetooth. Right click on the device and select Update Drivers.
How do I manually add a device? ›- In the root ADOM, go to Device Manager and click Unregistered Devices in the quick status bar. ...
- Select the unregistered device or devices, then click Add. ...
- If ADOMs are enabled, select the ADOM in the Add the following device(s) to ADOM list. ...
- Click OK to register the device or devices.
- Open Device Manager.
- On the Action tab, click Add Legacy Hardware.
- On the Welcome To The Add Hardware Wizard page, click Next.
- Select one of these options: ...
- Follow the wizard prompts to finish the configuration of the hardware and provide the driver when requested.
- Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Select the Bluetooth toggle to turn it On or Off.
In the Device Manager, double-click on the Bluetooth tree to see the Bluetooth hardware's name. If there is a down arrow on the Bluetooth icon, then Bluetooth is turned off. To turn it on, right-click on Bluetooth's name and then click Enable.
Can every PC have Bluetooth? ›Not all computers come with Bluetooth. While it's common to buy a newer model that has it, some older computers don't. If you see a Bluetooth icon when looking at the lower right tool tray on your computer screen or in the top tool bar, your computer likely supports it.
How do I add a Bluetooth device back after removing it? ›
- Click 'Start'
- Click 'Settings' ...
- Click 'Bluetooth & devices'
- Click 'Devices'
- Scroll down, and click 'More Bluetooth settings'
- Under the 'Options' tab, place a check in the box next to 'Show the Bluetooth icon in the notification area'
- Click 'OK' and restart Windows.
Turn on your device and make it discoverable. button, then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth. Turn on Bluetooth > select the device > Pair. Follow any more instructions if they appear.
How do I pair a removed Bluetooth device? ›Normally Bluetooth needs to be manually connected or paired to obtain a connection, deleting those profiles you force it to pair up again. If you have Bluetooth devices like a phone or speakers, turn off or disable Bluetooth on them. Turn on your Bluetooth and see if it connects or pairs up automatically again.