How to turn on Bluetooth in Windows and connect your devices

Bluetooth is one of the best ways to connect a range of devices to your PC or laptop, from game controllers towireless speakersand headphones. While most PCs will have Bluetooth enabled by default, though, some may require you to enable it yourself. That goes for bothWindows 11and Windows 10, and though the methods are very similar, they’re not identical.

Here’s how to turn on Bluetooth in Windows.

Difficulty

What You Need

Windows PC

How to enable Bluetooth in Windows 11

You can enable Bluetooth in Windows 11 in just a few clicksusing the Settings menu. Here’s how.

Step 1:Launch the Windows Settings menu by pressingWindows key + I. Alternatively, search forSettingsin the Windows search bar and select the corresponding result.

Step 2:SelectBluetooth and devicesfrom the left-hand menu.

Step 3:Select the Bluetooth toggle on the right-hand side so that it’s set toOnto turn Bluetooth on.

Step 4:To connect a new Bluetooth device to your PC, selectAdd a deviceon the Bluetooth settings page. Then select the type of device you want to add, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect it.

How to enable Bluetooth in Windows 10

The process for turning Bluetooth on in Windows 10 is much the same, but it looks a little different.

Step 1:Open the Action Center (it looks like a comment bubble on the right end of the Windows 10 taskbar).

Step 2:Select the theAll Settingsbutton. Then, selectDevicesand selectBluetooth & Other Deviceson the left-hand side.

Step 3:Within the Settings menu’s Bluetooth section, toggle Bluetooth to theOnposition. Once you’ve turned Bluetooth on, you may selectAdd Bluetooth or Other Device. After the *Add a Device *window pops up, select Bluetooth, and Windows 10 will start searching for Bluetooth wireless devices.

Note: Make sure to set your Bluetooth device to pairing mode to connect it.

Want to learn some more Windows tips and tricks? Here areour top secrets to get to grips with it.