Speaker to Windows · Connect guide
How to connect a Bluetooth speaker to a Windows laptop or PC
Sources checked · how we check
Put the speaker into pairing mode, add it from Windows' Bluetooth settings, then check Windows is sending sound to it. If it's paired but silent, the output device is the usual fix.
01 · Before you start
Check these first
- Put the speaker into pairing mode. For most speakers, quickly press and release the Bluetooth button; some need it held for a few seconds.
- Most speakers make a sound or blink a light in pairing mode. If yours doesn't, check its owner's manual.
02 · Connect
Step by step, by device
Pair: Windows 11
Quick settings → Manage Bluetooth devices → New devices
- Select the Network, Sound or Battery icon next to the time and date, and make sure the Bluetooth tile is on.
- Select the Manage Bluetooth devices arrow on the Bluetooth quick setting.
- Select the speaker under New devices, follow any instructions, then select Done.
Pair: Windows 10
Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices → Add Bluetooth or other device
- Select Start → Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices.
- Select Add Bluetooth or other device, then Bluetooth.
- Select the speaker, follow any instructions, then select Done.
Play sound through the speaker
Settings → System → Sound → Output
- Windows 11: select Start → Settings → System → Sound, and under Output check the speaker is selected.
- Windows 10: select Start → Settings → System → Sound, and under Choose your output device select the speaker.
- Or select the Sound icon on the taskbar and choose the speaker as the output.
Source: Microsoft: fix Bluetooth connected but no sound on Windows
If it still won't connect
On Windows 11, run the Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app. Make sure the speaker is on, charged and in range, and that Airplane mode is off. Turn Bluetooth off, wait a few seconds and on again. If it still won't connect, remove the speaker in Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Devices and pair it again.
Frequently asked questions
My Bluetooth speaker is connected to my PC but there's no sound. Why?
Windows may still be sending sound elsewhere. Microsoft says to confirm the speaker is set as the output in Settings → System → Sound, or pick it from the Sound icon on the taskbar.
Why won't my speaker show up in Windows?
It needs to be in pairing mode when you look under New devices (Windows 11) or Add Bluetooth or other device (Windows 10). If another phone is connected to the speaker, JBL says to disconnect it there first.