Many Windows computers have a Bluetooth function that can be used to connect to most devices such as smartphones, speakers, headphones, printers, headphones, etc.
If you don’t have Bluetooth, you can always use a Bluetooth adapter. It’s an inexpensive way to connect to Bluetooth for your devices, and it’s easy to set up.
However, Bluetooth tends to drain your device’s battery when it’s in use, and leaving it on comes with some security risks. Read our article on What is Bluetooth and What It Is Commonly Used For to learn about additional Bluetooth restrictions.
If you want to use Bluetooth for wireless audio, file transfer, or using a wireless mouse, keyboard, or other peripheral, here’s a step-by-step guide to enable Bluetooth in Windows 10.
Turn on Bluetooth on Windows 10
There are three methods you can use to enable Bluetooth on Windows 10
- Use Windows Settings
- Enable Bluetooth from Action Center
- Use Swift Pair
We’ll look at them in turn.
– /
1. Use Windows settings
The first step before using a Bluetooth device is to configure Bluetooth settings in Windows 10. To do this, go to the Settings app in Windows 10 by clicking the Start button and then clicking the Settings icon.
Then click “Devices”.
Click Bluetooth & Other Devices.
Note. If the Bluetooth switch is not available in the Bluetooth and other device settings, your Windows computer may not have Bluetooth functionality or the hardware may not be recognized.
Click Advanced Bluetooth Options under Related Options to view additional Bluetooth options.
You can expand the window to see the options in the right menu
2. Turn on Bluetooth in the Action Center
The Action Center in Windows 10 lets you access quick settings and notifications for action-packed apps.
You can find the Action Center icon on the taskbar at the bottom right corner of your screen.
When you click on it, you will see icons for quick settings and app notifications. Click All Settings.
Then click “Devices”.
Click Bluetooth & other devices on the left.
Move the Bluetooth slider to the On position.
Click Add Bluetooth or Other Device.
Click Bluetooth. Windows starts searching for available Bluetooth devices.
If your other device has Bluetooth enabled or is in pairing mode, you will see its name displayed in the list of available devices. From here, you can click or tap on the device you want to pair with and once connected, it will become part of your list of connected peripherals.
Alternatively, click the Bluetooth button in Action Center to turn it on or off. If it is not connected, you will see a Bluetooth icon labeled “Not Connected”. If it is inactive, then Bluetooth is disabled. If you click on it, the button turns blue, indicating that Bluetooth is on (the Bluetooth icon will also appear in the taskbar).
Note. A paired bluetooth device should automatically connect when it’s in range or turned on.
If you’re having trouble connecting Bluetooth or it just doesn’t work on your computer or device, check out the troubleshooting tips you can use when Bluetooth isn’t working on your computer or smartphone.
How to connect a Bluetooth device to a Windows PC
You can connect various Bluetooth devices to your computer, such as phones, printers, speakers, mice, and keyboards. To do this, your computer must have Bluetooth, but if not, try using a Bluetooth USB adapter to connect to Bluetooth.
We’ll take a look at a few common devices that can be connected to a Windows 10 computer via Bluetooth.
Printer / Scanner
Depending on the type of printer or scanner you are using, turn on the Bluetooth setting and make it discoverable.
On a Windows computer, follow the steps above to enable Bluetooth (via Settings or Action Center).
Then go to “Settings” and click “Devices”. Click Printers & Scanners in the left pane.
Click Add Printer or Scanner. Windows will search for printers or scanners nearby.
Click the printer or scanner you want to use, and then click Add Device.
Note. If you’re having trouble installing your printer or scanner, see our guide on how to troubleshoot common printer problems in Windows 10, or how to add a wireless or network printer in Windows 10 If your scanner isn’t working, try one of our top apps. for scanning and managing documents.
Audio Devices
If you want to connect a pair of headphones, a speaker, or other audio device to your Windows PC, turn on the device and make it discoverable (the method depends on the device you are using).
Most wireless speakers have a Bluetooth button next to other controls, while headphones have a Bluetooth button on the cup. You can check the device manufacturer’s website or the manual that came with the package to see where it is.
Image courtesy of E. Bochere
Turn on Bluetooth on your Windows 10 computer, then go to Settings> Devices and click Bluetooth & Other Devices. Turn on Bluetooth. Or use the Bluetooth button in Action Center.
Note. If you don’t see the Bluetooth button in Action Center, tap Start> Settings> System.
Tap Notifications & Actions, and then go to Quick Actions> Edit Quick Actions.
Click + Add and select Bluetooth to enable it in quick settings in Action Center.
In Action Center, click Connect and select the device you want to connect to your computer. You will see the discoverable device in the list of available devices on the Bluetooth & Other Devices page.
Your devices will be paired and connected, and you can enjoy music, podcasts, movies and other media through your Bluetooth audio device.
Mouse, keyboard or other peripherals
If you want to use a wireless mouse or keyboard while you work or play, turn on your device to make it discoverable, and then turn on Bluetooth on your Windows PC.
Select a device from the list of available Bluetooth devices and wait until it connects to your computer and both connect.
Use Swift Pair
Swift Pair is a service in Windows 10 that allows you to pair supported Bluetooth devices with your PC, thereby reducing the number of steps required to pair devices. If your device also supports Swift Pair, you will be notified when it is within range or nearby so that it can be found.
To use Swift Pair, turn on the device and make it discoverable (this method depends on the device you are connecting. For more information visit the manufacturer’s website or refer to the manual).
Go to Settings> Devices> Bluetooth & Other Devices and click Show Notifications for Quick Pairing.
Select Yes (if this is your first time using Swift Pair
Enjoy wireless freedom
We hope you now know how to turn on Bluetooth in Windows 10 and pair all your Bluetooth devices with your computer. Now you can send and receive files from your Bluetooth device to your computer, listen to podcasts, music and other audio files, and more.
–