This article explains how to connect a headset, headset, mouse, keyboard, smartphone, or other device to a Windows computer using a Bluetooth connection. The steps to follow are simple and intuitive, regardless of the version of Windows you are using, but first you need to find out if your computer supports Bluetooth connection. If not, you will need to purchase a USB Bluetooth adapter. If you are not sure if your computer supports Bluetooth connection, please read this article.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Windows 10
Step 1. Activate your device's Bluetooth connectivity
If you need to connect a pair of headphones, speakers or any other wireless device to your computer, start by activating the Bluetooth connection.
- The first version of Bluetooth connectivity (Bluetooth 1.0) is able to establish a connection between devices located within a range of 10 meters. The second version, Bluetooth 2.0, has increased the connection distance up to 30 meters. The third version, Bluetooth 3.0, did not bring changes to this limit, while the fourth version, Bluetooth 4.0, allows you to connect devices located even 60 meters away. If your computer uses the Bluetooth 5.0 version, it can connect to devices up to 240 meters away.
- If your computer does not support Bluetooth connectivity, you can work around this limitation by purchasing a USB Bluetooth adapter. In this case you will simply have to connect the adapter to a USB port on your computer and follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to carry out the installation.
Step 2. Make the Bluetooth device you want to connect visible or discoverable
When a Bluetooth device is in this mode of operation, the computer will be able to detect it in order to establish a connection. Normally it is sufficient to turn on the Bluetooth device or accessory to activate this operating mode. However, in some cases it is necessary to press a special button (or a combination of buttons) to make it visible to other Bluetooth devices.
When the device is ready to establish a connection, one of the LEDs should flash
Step 3. Click on the "Notification Center" icon
It is square, similar to a balloon, and is located in the lower right corner of the desktop next to the system clock.
Step 4. Click the Bluetooth icon
to activate Bluetooth connectivity.
It resembles a stylized bow tie arranged vertically. When Bluetooth connectivity is active, the corresponding "Notification Center" icon will be highlighted in a different color and "Not Connected" will be displayed or the name of the device that the computer has connected to will be displayed. When Bluetooth connectivity is turned off, the corresponding "Notification Center" icon is gray and marked "Bluetooth".
If you have already paired the Bluetooth device under consideration with your computer, the connection should be established automatically
Step 5. Click on the Connect icon of the "Notification Center"
It should be displayed exactly below that of Bluetooth connectivity. Look for an icon featuring a stylized computer monitor and a stylized smartphone or tablet. The computer will now scan the area for Bluetooth devices.
Step 6. Click on the Bluetooth device you want to connect to the computer
The device name may be descriptive, which will make it extremely easy to locate it in the list, but in some cases it will simply consist of a series of letters and numbers. To make sure you select the correct Bluetooth device name, check its instruction manual. This will pair your device with your computer.
- In some cases, you will need to provide a security code to complete the pairing process which will be displayed on the device screen. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to complete the connection.
- If the Bluetooth device does not appear in the list of those detected by the computer, restart it and try pairing or connecting again.
Method 2 of 3: Windows 8.1
Step 1. Turn on the Bluetooth device
If you need to connect a pair of headphones, speakers, or any other wireless device to your computer, start by turning it on.
- The first version of Bluetooth connectivity (Bluetooth 1.0) is able to establish a connection between devices located within a range of 10 meters. The second version, Bluetooth 2.0, has increased the connection distance up to 30 meters. The third version, Bluetooth 3.0, did not bring changes to this limit, while the fourth version, Bluetooth 4.0, allows you to connect devices located even 60 meters away. If your computer uses the Bluetooth 5.0 version, it can connect to devices up to 240 meters away.
- If your computer does not support Bluetooth connectivity, you can work around this limitation by purchasing a USB Bluetooth adapter. In this case you will simply have to connect the adapter to a USB port on your computer and follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to carry out the installation.
Step 2. Make the Bluetooth device you want to connect visible or discoverable
When a Bluetooth device is in this mode of operation, the computer can detect it in order to establish a connection. Normally it is sufficient to turn on the Bluetooth device or accessory to activate this operating mode. However, in some cases it is necessary to press a special button (or a combination of buttons) to make it visible to other Bluetooth devices.
When the device is ready to establish a connection, one of the LEDs should flash
Step 3. Click on the "Start" menu icon
It is usually located in the lower or upper left corner of the desktop.
Step 4. Type the Bluetooth keyword into the search bar
Step 5. Click on the Bluetooth Settings item that appears in the list of results
Step 6. Activate the "Bluetooth" slider by moving it to the right, so that it turns blue
When the indicated cursor is blue, it means that the computer's Bluetooth connectivity is active and that the operating system is able to detect the Bluetooth devices in the area and establish a connection with them. At this point the Windows operating system will scan the surrounding area for Bluetooth devices, after which it will display the list of those found.
Step 7. Click on the Bluetooth device to connect to the computer
Normally it is characterized by a descriptive name that makes it very easy to identify it in the list, but in some cases it is characterized simply by a series of numbers and letters. To make sure you select the correct Bluetooth device name, check its instruction manual.
Step 8. Click the Associate button
The Bluetooth device in question will be paired with the computer.
- In some cases, you will need to provide a security code to complete the pairing process which will be displayed on the device screen. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to complete the connection.
- If the Bluetooth device does not appear in the list of those detected by the computer, restart it and try pairing or connecting again.
Method 3 of 3: Windows 7 and Windows Vista
Step 1. Turn on the Bluetooth device
If you need to connect a pair of headphones, speakers, or any other wireless device to your computer, start by turning it on.
- The first version of Bluetooth connectivity (Bluetooth 1.0) is able to establish a connection between devices located within a range of 10 meters. The second version, Bluetooth 2.0, has increased the connection distance up to 30 meters. The third version, Bluetooth 3.0, did not bring changes to this limit, while the fourth version, Bluetooth 4.0, allows you to connect devices located even 60 meters away. If your computer uses the Bluetooth 5.0 version, it can connect to devices up to 240 meters away.
- If your computer does not support Bluetooth connectivity, you can work around this limitation by purchasing a USB Bluetooth adapter. In this case you will simply have to connect the adapter to a USB port on your computer and follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to carry out the installation.
Step 2. Make the Bluetooth device you want to connect visible or discoverable
When a Bluetooth device is in this mode of operation, the computer will be able to detect it in order to establish a connection. Normally it is sufficient to turn on the Bluetooth device or accessory to activate this operating mode. However, in some cases it is necessary to press a special button (or a combination of buttons) to make it visible to other Bluetooth devices.
When the device is ready to establish a connection, one of the LEDs should flash
Step 3. Go to your computer's "Control Panel"
Click on the "Start" menu icon, then select the item Control Panel.
Step 4. Click on the Add a device item visible in the "Hardware and Sound" section
It is located on the right side of the "Control Center" window. The wizard window to add a new device will appear. This will automatically scan the surrounding area for all discoverable Bluetooth devices.
If the indicated option is not present in the "Control Panel", access the "Start" menu again, choose the "Devices and Printers" item and click on the option Add a device.
Step 5. Click on the device name, then click on the Next button
The device may have a descriptive name, therefore easily identifiable, but in some cases it will simply be indicated with a series of numbers and letters. To make sure you select the correct Bluetooth device name, check its instruction manual. This will pair the Bluetooth device with the computer.
- In some cases, you will need to provide a security code to complete the pairing process which will be displayed on the device screen. Follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to complete the connection.
- If the Bluetooth device does not appear in the list of those detected by the computer, restart it and try to pair or connect again.
