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 .
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.
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.
Recommended articles
How to use the PC Health Check app
Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows
Add a device to a Windows PC
Change notifications and quick settings in Windows
Install and use a scanner in Windows
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FAQs
Why is my PC not finding Bluetooth devices? ›
Check your Bluetooth device
Make sure your device is turned on, is charged or has fresh batteries, and is in range of the PC you want to connect to. Then, try the following: Turn off your Bluetooth device, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Make sure your Bluetooth device is in range.
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. Touch and hold Bluetooth . Tap Pair new device. Refresh.
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.
Why is 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.
- 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.
- 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.
How do you add Bluetooth to a PC that does not have it? ›
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? ›- Select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Select Add Bluetooth or other device and follow the instructions.
- 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.