This article explains how to connect a wireless keyboard to a computer running Windows 10. Many of the wireless keyboards that can be connected to a PC use a small USB receiver. Often, these keyboards do not require the use of a Bluetooth connection, as they use a specific radio frequency to connect to the USB receiver. Other models of wireless keyboards instead use a Bluetooth connection (or allow you to switch to Bluetooth technology if the user wishes). If your wireless keyboard supports Bluetooth connection, you will find the corresponding logo, which depicts a stylized bow tie placed vertically, shown somewhere in the package.
Steps
Step 1. Insert fresh batteries into the keyboard or connect it to the charger
If the keyboard you have chosen works with normal alkaline batteries, you will need to insert them in the appropriate compartment whose position is indicated on the keyboard packaging. Some models of wireless keyboards have built-in rechargeable batteries to replace the normal or mini-stylus batteries. If your keyboard has a charger, fully charge it before turning it on.
Step 2. Connect the USB receiver of the keyboard to the PC
If the wireless device you purchased has a USB radio receiver, similar to a small USB stick, insert it into a free port on your computer. USB ports have a tapered rectangular shape and are usually placed along the sides in the case of a laptop or on the front or back of a desktop computer case.
Some wireless keyboards allow you to choose whether to use the radio frequency set by the manufacturer or to switch to the Bluetooth connection. If you want to use the latter, you may need to change the keyboard configuration by acting on a special switch and moving it to the Bluetooth symbol, characterized by a stylized bow tie placed vertically
Step 3. Install the drivers if prompted
Depending on the keyboard model you are using, Windows may be able to automatically install the drivers needed to operate the device as soon as you connect the USB receiver to your computer. In other cases, you will be prompted to download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website. This scenario is very common if the keyboard is not using the Bluetooth connection. If the drivers are installed automatically, you can start using the device immediately.
- If the drivers were installed by Windows and the keyboard is working correctly, your job is done. However, if your text input device has advanced features, such as the ability to program actions to be performed by pressing certain keys, you may need to install additional software that you can download directly from the keyboard manufacturer's website. To make sure that everything is working properly and that all the functions provided by the keyboard are active, consult the instruction manual of the device. In case you don't have it handy, you can search online using the make and model of your keyboard.
- If you need to set up a Bluetooth keyboard, read on.
Step 4. Activate keyboard pairing mode (only for Bluetooth devices)
If you are using a Bluetooth keyboard, there should normally be a button labeled "Connect", "Pairing" or "Bluetooth". To activate keyboard pairing mode, you may need to hold down the indicated key for 5 seconds or more.
Most keyboards have a bright LED that will flash when pairing mode is active and the device can be connected to another system via Bluetooth connection. When the keyboard is actually connected to the computer, the light should stay on steadily
Step 5. Launch the Windows Settings app by clicking on the icon
Go to the "Start" menu and click on the gear icon visible in the lower left corner of the menu.
You can also connect the keyboard using the "Notification Center". Click on the icon in the shape of a stylized balloon visible on the far right of the taskbar (next to the system clock), click on the icon Bluetooth, click on the button Connect and finally jump directly to step number 8.
Step 6. Click the Devices icon
It features a stylized keyboard and speaker and is located at the top of the window.
Step 7. Click on the Bluetooth Other Devices tab listed in the left pane of the window
Step 8. Activate the "Bluetooth" slider
If the Bluetooth connection is already active, you can skip this step.
If the keyboard you purchased supports "Swift Pair" technology, a message may appear asking if you want to enable notification for this feature. In this case, click on the button Yup, then click the option Connect located in the next screen to connect the keyboard to the PC. If you get to this point you can use the keyboard to enter text, your work is done.
Step 9. Click the + Add Bluetooth or other device button
It is the first option visible at the top of the right window pane.
Step 10. Click on the Bluetooth item
The computer will scan for all Bluetooth devices in the area and list them on the screen.
Step 11. Click on the name of the keyboard you want to connect to your computer
It may take a few moments for the Bluetooth device to appear in the scan results list. After clicking on the keyboard name you will be given other instructions.
If your keyboard doesn't appear in the list, try turning it off and on again. If there is a button to start pairing mode, press it again
Step 12. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the keyboard to the PC
Depending on your Bluetooth device model, you may need to take additional steps to complete the connection with your computer. When the keyboard has been successfully paired with the computer, click on the button end or Close to close the window in question and be able to start using your wireless keyboard.
If your keyboard has an indicator light that flashes when pairing mode is active, it should stay on steady once the connection with the computer has been successfully established
Advice
- Some models of Logitech keyboards that are compatible with both PC and Mac provide a simple key combination to press at the same time that allows you to switch between the Windows and Mac layouts. By default, these keyboards use the Windows layout, but if the device is has already been connected to a Mac before, just hold down the Fn + P key combination for 3 seconds to switch to the layout for Windows.
- If the wireless connection between the keyboard and the computer is interrupted, try disconnecting and reconnecting the USB Bluetooth receiver to the PC. If the radio signal problem persists and the keyboard supports the use of Bluetooth technology and other transmission radio frequencies, try using another wireless technology to establish the connection and see if the problem is resolved.
- Remember that you can use both a wireless keyboard and a wired keyboard at the same time.
- Bluetooth keyboards can also be used in conjunction with tablets.
