Bluetooth on Windows · Connect guide
How to turn on Bluetooth in Windows 11 and Windows 10
Sources checked · how we check
Bluetooth has its own switch in Windows quick settings and in Settings. Turn it on, put your accessory in pairing mode, and add it from the Bluetooth device list.
01 · Before you start
Check these first
- Turn on the Bluetooth device and make it discoverable.
- If there's no Bluetooth setting at all, Microsoft says the PC might not have a Bluetooth adapter, or the adapter's drivers might not be installed.
02 · Connect
Step by step, by device
Turn on Bluetooth: Windows 11
Quick settings → Bluetooth tile, or Settings → Bluetooth & devices
- Select the Network, Sound or Battery icon next to the time and date, then select the Bluetooth tile.
- Or select Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices and switch Bluetooth On.
Turn on Bluetooth: Windows 10
Action center → Bluetooth tile, or Settings → Devices
- Select the action center icon next to the time and date, then select the Bluetooth tile.
- Or select Start → Settings → Devices and, under Bluetooth, switch it On.
Pair a device: Windows 11
Quick settings → Manage Bluetooth devices → New devices
- Select the Network, Sound or Battery icon, then the Manage Bluetooth devices arrow on the Bluetooth quick setting.
- Select the device under New devices.
- Follow any additional instructions, then select Done.
Pair a device: 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 select Bluetooth.
- Select the device, follow any instructions, then select Done.
Swift Pair: pair from a notification
Accessory in pairing mode → Yes → Connect
- Turn on a Bluetooth device that supports Swift Pair and make it discoverable.
- If Windows asks whether to use Swift Pair, select Yes.
- When a notification says a new Bluetooth device was found, select Connect.
If it still won't connect
On Windows 11, run the Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app first. Then check the device is on, charged and in range, and Airplane mode is off. Turn Bluetooth off, wait a few seconds and on again. If it still fails, remove the device in Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Devices and pair it again, or update the Bluetooth driver in Device Manager.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there no Bluetooth option on my PC?
Microsoft says the PC might not have a Bluetooth adapter, or the adapter's drivers might not be installed.
The Bluetooth tile is missing from the Windows 10 action center. How do I add it?
Microsoft says to add it from Settings → System → Notifications & actions.