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) How To FIX Bluetooth Device Not Working On Windows 10
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 pair a Bluetooth device? ›- Swipe down from the top of the screen.
- Touch and hold Bluetooth .
- Tap Pair new device. If you don't find Pair new device, check under "Available devices" or tap More. Refresh.
- Tap the name of the Bluetooth device you want to pair with your device.
- Follow any on-screen instructions.
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.
How do I manually add a Bluetooth device to Windows 10? ›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.
Why is my Bluetooth not finding new devices? ›Power Bluetooth off and back on
A soft reset of Bluetooth can sometimes resolve an issue. With phones, an easy way to do this is by going into and out of airplane mode. For other devices, turn off the power and restart them.
Bluetooth could be missing from Device Manager because a system file associated with its functionality got corrupted or damaged. Running the System File Checker should fix these files. To do this, use one of the ways to open Windows Search to bring it up. Search for command prompt and select Run as administrator.
How to enable Bluetooth in Windows 10? ›- Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Select the Bluetooth toggle to turn it On or Off.
- Locate and tap the Apps Menu.
- Locate and tap the Settings icon.
- Select the Bluetooth. ...
- Swipe the switch to your right to set the Bluetooth accessory in pairing/discovery mode.
- A list of nearby devices and previously paired devices will be shown.
- On your PC, go to Settings.
- Click Devices to access settings for Bluetooth and other devices.
- Click on the plus icon next to Add Bluetooth or other device. Then select Bluetooth.
- Wait for your Bluetooth device to show up, and once it does, select it.
How do I activate my Bluetooth adapter? ›
- Insert the Bluetooth dongle in your computer's USB port.
- Open the Device Manager and Bluetooth will appear.
- Go to “Settings”, click on “Bluetooth and other devices” and choose the “Add Bluetooth or other device” option.
- Select the device of your choice and pair up!
In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results. Select the arrow next to Bluetooth to expand it. Select the Bluetooth radio listing (yours might simply be listed as a wireless device).
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 add a forgotten Bluetooth device? ›Step 1: Go to Settings on your device and then click System. Step 2: Choose the option of Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile, and Bluetooth and then confirm the choice in the next window. Step 3: You may be asked to enter your password to start the process. Step 4: After the reset, you can reconnect the device.
How do I manually add a Bluetooth device to Device Manager? ›In the Device Manager, go to “View > Show hidden devices.” Now, check if the Bluetooth driver appears in the Device Manager. If not, select the Bluetooth node and then go to “Action > Scan for hardware changes.” If this brings the Bluetooth driver, right-click on it and select Update driver.
How do I pair a device to my iPhone? ›- On your device, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth. ...
- Place your accessory in discovery mode and wait for it to appear on your device. ...
- To pair, tap your accessory name when it appears onscreen.
- From the Home screen, tap the Menu key > Settings > Bluetooth.
- Tap the Bluetooth switch to turn it on.
- Tap the check box next to your phone's name to make your phone visible to other Bluetooth devices.
- A list of available devices will be displayed.
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On your Android phone or tablet, you can use these steps to reset a Bluetooth device:
- Go to Settings > System.
- Tap Advanced.
- Select Reset options.
- Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile, & Bluetooth.
- Tap Reset settings. Then, enter your phone's PIN if asked.