Many devices running Windows 10 have Bluetooth functionality, which allows external devices such as mice, printers, headphones or keyboards to be connected via Bluetooth. However, to pair devices, Bluetooth must first be enabled in Windows 10. Once this happens, Windows 10 devices will be able to find and connect to external peripherals.
Before I explain how to enable Bluetooth in Windows 10, it is interesting to understand what Bluetooth is and how it functions.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a wireless radio communications standard designed for short-range communications between various types of devices. It uses 2,4 GHz frequencies, similar to the 802.11b and 802.11g wireless networking standards, but with less power, resulting in shorter range, slower transfer speeds, and lower power consumption.
There are different Bluetooth versions, from Bluetooth 1 to 5, with variations in signal strength, compatibility between devices and power consumption. Bluetooth was invented in 1994 by the Swedish company Ericsson. Since 1998, the Bluetooth standard has been managed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG).
Enable Bluetooth in Windows 10
Enabling Bluetooth in Windows 10 is a simple and quick procedure that can be performed in two ways. The first method uses the Windows settings, where you can activate Bluetooth with just a few clicks. The second method is through the Action Center, where you can directly access the Bluetooth settings with a handy shortcut. Both methods are easy to use and suitable for both novice and experienced Windows users.
I will explain both methods to enable Bluetooth in Windows 10 with useful images.
Enable Bluetooth via Settings in Windows 10
One way to enable Bluetooth is through the Settings in Windows 10. Click the Start button and then click 'Settings' in the menu.
Now click on 'Devices' in the Settings menu.
In the left menu, click 'Bluetooth & other devices', then turn on Bluetooth by clicking the power button.
Manage Bluetooth devices in Windows 10
A window will now appear with Bluetooth settings. In this window you can manage and pair Bluetooth devices and make your Windows 10 device discoverable by other devices.
In the 'Related settings' click on the 'More Bluetooth settings' menu.
In the 'more Bluetooth settings' menu, check 'Bluetooth devices can find this PC'. Then click 'Apply' and then the 'OK' button.
This makes your Windows 10 device discoverable to other external devices or computers etc. via Bluetooth.
In the settings, you can pair devices by clicking the device name and choosing Pair. The device will then be connected to your Windows 10 device. You must accept the incoming Bluetooth connection on your other device.
Enable Bluetooth from the Action Center in Windows 10
At the bottom right of Windows 10 you will see the action center icon, you can see this icon in the image below. Clicking on this will open the action center. The Action Center is a shortcut menu for activating certain features in Windows 10.
You can quickly and easily turn Bluetooth on or off via the action center by clicking on the 'Bluetooth' tile. When the Bluetooth tile turns blue, Bluetooth is on and the tile is gray, Bluetooth is off.
Turn on Bluetooth by clicking on it and right-click on the Bluetooth tile, now open 'Go to Settings'.
Show Bluetooth icon in Windows 10
To manage Bluetooth devices and settings, it is useful to display the Bluetooth icon in the Windows notification area.
Open the Bluetooth settings. In the Bluetooth menu, click on 'More Bluetooth settings' in the left menu.
Then enable the option: Show the Bluetooth icon in the system tray.
The Bluetooth icon will then be visible in the Windows system tray.
Bluetooth not working in Windows 10?
If no Bluetooth settings can be found in Windows 10 via the action center or via the Settings, your device does not have a built-in Bluetooth chip. It is best to do one Buy Bluetooth dongle (bol.com).
A Bluetooth dongle or Bluetooth adapter is an external Bluetooth device, often connected via USB, that you can use to connect devices via Bluetooth.
Some other Bluetooth tips you can try if Bluetooth isn't working:
- Bluetooth Enable: First make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your device. Go to 'Settings' > 'Devices' > 'Bluetooth & other devices' and make sure Bluetooth is on.
- Run troubleshooter: Use the built-in Windows 10 Bluetooth troubleshooter. Go to 'Settings' > 'Update & Security' > 'Troubleshoot' > 'Bluetooth' and run the troubleshooter.
- Check for Device Drivers: Make sure the Bluetooth drivers are up to date. Go to 'Device management', search for Bluetooth devices, right-click and select 'Update Driver.
- Restart Bluetooth services: Type 'services.msc' in the Windows search box, look for 'Bluetooth Support Service' and other related services. Make sure these are set to 'Automatic' and running.
- Check the Bluetooth hardware: Make sure your Bluetooth hardware is working properly. If possible, try another Bluetooth device to test hardware functionality.
- Remove and add the Bluetooth device again: Remove the Bluetooth device that's causing problems and add it again via Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Run Windows Updates: Make sure your system is up to date with the latest Windows updates.
- Restart your Computer: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve any temporary issues.
- Reset network settings: Go to 'Settings' > 'Network & Internet' > 'Reset network'. This can help resolve network-related issues with Bluetooth.
- Check for interference: Other wireless devices, such as Wi-Fi routers or microwave ovens, can interfere with Bluetooth signals.
I hope this helped you. Thank you for reading!
Also read: Enable Bluetooth in Windows 11.
View comments (45)
Thanks!
Dear,
I have a problem connecting two laptops via Bluetooth. I don't see a pairing code on either device, so the pairing doesn't take place. However, the names of the two different laptops can be seen in the notification box. I spent 1,5 hours on the phone with Microsoft and had them take a look, but they couldn't find a solution either. I use Windows 10 Home (21H2) on one laptop and Windows 10 Pro (21H2) on the other laptop. What could this be? Like to hear from you. Christine
Hello, you can try to solve Bluetooth problems with this guide: https://support.microsoft.com/nl-nl/windows/bluetooth-problemen-oplossen-in-windows-723e092f-03fa-858b-5c80-131ec3fba75c#WindowsVersion=Windows_10 specifically the troubleshooter and drivers.
Success!
Clear steps, thanks
Glad it worked out. Thanks for your response!
Greetings, Stefan
how do I connect bl.tooth to speaker?
Hello Frits, that depends on the model of the speaker. There is no clear solution for this, it varies per model and brand. I recommend searching Google for the brand and model name and then connecting Bluetooth. For example: Sonos Play5 connect Bluetooth. Good luck! Greetings, Stefan
I receive a message that my Bluetooth driver is out of date.
How do I download the latest?
Hello EduZ, it is best to search for the latest "drivers" or drivers for the maker of the Bluetooth chip. Some technical knowledge required. The maker can usually be found on the Bluetooth dongle (if you use one). If you have a built-in Bluetooth chip, things become a bit more difficult. There is also software that can do this for you.
On the other hand, if it works, it works. If you are not that technical, I would not start with it and leave Bluetooth for what it is. If Bluetooth uses an older driver, there are no security risks involved as far as I know. If you install the wrong drivers due to limited knowledge, it will no longer work. Good luck with your choice!
Greetings, Stefan
it is better to install a dongle than one
Bluetooth Driver for Windows to download for Windows 10?
If your computer/laptop supports Bluetooth then I would use the built-in Bluetooth module. If this is not the case, you will need to purchase a Bluetooth dongle and install it with a Bluetooth driver. Depending on the computer model. Good luck! Greetings, Stefan
Usb Bluetooth works in a black input thank you and God bless.
Top! Thanks :)
Hello, I am having problems with Bluetooth. It doesn't work and when I do "update drivers" I get the message that the latest update has already been installed. I have also tried "turning the device off" and then turning it back on, but I keep getting an error message (This device has stopped because problems have been reported. (Code 43)). I am a computer novice
Hello, is this a built-in Bluetooth module or an external module via USB? What is the brand of the Bluetooth module? You can try the following: https://support.microsoft.com/nl-nl/topic/foutcodes-in-apparaatbeheer-in-windows-524e9e89-4dee-8883-0afa-6bca0456324e#:~:text=Code%2043%3A%20dit%20apparaat%20is,(Code%2043)%20%22&text=Een%20van%20de%20stuurprogramma's%20van,of%20andere%20manier%20niet%20werkt. search for error code 43. I'd love to hear it, kind regards, Stefan
Dear Stefan, the first solution, via the error codes, helped me: removing Bluetooth and reinstalling it.
Thank you. You are the best. Greetings, Alex
Top! Glad I could help. Thanks for the feedback. Greetings Stefan
Apparently you can only enable this if you have the Edge browser installed, which I don't have, can this be circumvented?
As far as I know, there is no relationship between enabling Bluetooth in Windows 10 and the Microsoft Edge browser. Can you explain to me what and where it goes wrong, perhaps I can help you. Greetings Stefan
Thank you very much for your reply, this is how it works if I want to attach my Samsung smartphone. See image
Ah, I see, you open a link for more information via the Bluetooth settings. This link opens with Microsoft Edge by default, but Edge appears to be broken or has been removed. You can set a different browser, then try again.
Right-click on the Windows start button. Choose Run from the menu. In the Run window type: ms-settings:defaultapps
Then change the default browser to a browser of your choice (Firefox, it looks like). I hope this helps. Greetings Stefan
Another addition. I expect that the "solution" in my response does not work. That's because Microsoft Edge is baked into Windows 10 everywhere. If you remove or block Edge, certain things will no longer work, these help links are one of them. Unfortunately, there is no way to adapt these help links to another browser. Attached you will find an image of the "help links" if you don't know what I mean by this. Greetings Stefan
Hey, the browser was already set as default, and indeed you cannot change it in the help, I had already found that out, hence my question.
Thank you very much,
Stef
Hello Stef, and anyone else who reads this. In the meantime I have found an app that allows you to open "help links" in another browser. Read the information on the website carefully, some technical knowledge is required.
https://github.com/da2x/EdgeDeflector
As far as I know, there is no relationship between enabling Bluetooth in Windows 10 and the Microsoft Edge browser. Can you explain to me what and where it goes wrong, perhaps I can help you. Greetings Stefan
I miss the Bluetooth button
Hello, it is not entirely clear to me which Bluetooth button you are missing. The on/off button? The button in the system tray, or the Bluetooth settings in general? Here you will find more information if you are missing the Bluetooth button: https://support.microsoft.com/nl-nl/windows/bluetooth-problemen-oplossen-in-windows-10-723e092f-03fa-858b-5c80-131ec3fba75c#:~:text=Als%20Bluetooth%20niet%20werkt%20of%20het%20Bluetooth-pictogram%20ontbreekt
Good luck! Greetings Stefan
thank you for the clear explanation.