How to set up and manage Bluetooth devices in Windows

If you are trying to find a way to manage Bluetooth devices on your Windows PC then this article will guide you through everything.

How to turn on Bluetooth in Windows

The following methods show how to turn on Bluetooth on your Windows computer.

The fastest way in Windows 11 is to go to Settings -> Bluetooth & devices and turn on the Bluetooth slider . Windows 10 users should do the same, but the path is slightly different: Settings -> Devices -> Bluetooth & other devices .

Additionally, there is a small Bluetooth Devices icon in the notification area in the lower right corner of the screen. This is a quick access menu to set up and manage all Bluetooth activities on Windows devices.

Note : For those using a Microsoft Surface, Surface Pro X, or similar device, the Bluetooth button will be located on the keyboard.

If the Bluetooth Devices icon is not displayed, turn it on manually. From Bluetooth & devices in Windows 11, go to View more devices -> More Bluetooth Settings . Under Options in the pop-up window, check the Show the Bluetooth icon in the notification area box .

Windows 10 users need to check the same box in Settings -> Devices -> Bluetooth & other devices -> More Bluetooth options .

Another way to enable Bluetooth on your device is to open Windows Action Center by pressing Win + A and clicking the Bluetooth icon . If it shows Not connected , clicking it once will successfully establish pairing with any other Bluetooth device.

Tip : You can do many things after turning on Bluetooth in Windows, such as connect to Bluetooth-compatible peripherals, use Bluetooth in Windows to connect your laptop display as an external display, and use optional Select Nearby Sharing in Windows.

How to add Bluetooth devices in Windows

Enabling Bluetooth in Windows is a cinch once you learn the many ways to add different Bluetooth devices to your Windows computer.

1. Use the Bluetooth & Devices menu

To add a Bluetooth device, turn on the device's scanning/pairing mode. The procedure for doing this varies between devices. Generally, this process involves holding down a button on the device for a few seconds before its light begins to flash or notify you that the device is 'pairing'.

Once your target device is in pairing mode, go to the Bluetooth & devices -> Devices page in Windows 11, then click Add device .

Windows 10 users can access a similar option, Add Bluetooth or other devices , on the Bluetooth & other devices page .

You can also add a Bluetooth device directly by right-clicking the Bluetooth icon near the system tray and selecting Add a Bluetooth Device .

There are 3 types of device categories that can be added via the pop-up screen:

1. The Bluetooth category includes mice, keyboards, pens, audio devices, controllers, etc. This is the option you should choose for mice, keyboards, speakers, smartphones and peripherals.
2. Wireless display or dock is the second type. Select this option if you are using a wireless Bluetooth TV or monitor.
3. Everything else falls into the third category. This allows you to choose Xbox controllers, DLNA and other devices.

After you select one of the categories, nearby Bluetooth devices will show up on the Add a device window . Click on the device you want to pair with.

Windows may or may not ask you for your device's PIN. If necessary, first click Pair/Yes on the external Bluetooth device you want to pair. At the same time, click Connect on your Windows device.

You will see the device is connected with the status Your device is ready to go . Click Done to complete adding the device.

All of your recently paired Bluetooth devices will show up on the Bluetooth & Devices page in Windows 11 and the Bluetooth & other devices page in Windows 10.

If you get the error 'We didn't get any response from the device', turn the Bluetooth device back on in pairing mode.

2. Use the Bluetooth Device Wizard

Windows provides a Run command via Win + R, called 'devicepairingwizard' to enable pairing with other Bluetooth devices. Enter the text and it will open a window as shown below.

Click the device you want to add to your Windows Bluetooth network.

3. Use Swift Pair

You can have a Bluetooth device that is extremely compatible with your laptop or Windows PC due to identical drivers. In such cases, you do not need a PIN code to establish Bluetooth pairing.

Instead, you can pair directly by enabling the Show notifications to connect using Swift Pai option from the Bluetooth & devices/Bluetooth & other devices page .

Likewise, if you have a USB Bluetooth dongle, it will be detected and installed automatically by Windows.

How to remove Bluetooth devices from Windows

Sometimes, removing a Bluetooth device from your Windows computer is necessary. This may be because the device is no longer needed or it is not working properly.

To remove a Bluetooth device in Windows 11, go to the target device from Settings -> Bluetooth & devices -> Devices and click on the 3-dot menu to remove the device. In Windows 10, go to Settings -> Devices -> Bluetooth & other devices and click on the device to select Remove device .

You can also use Windows Device Manager to delete each connected Bluetooth device. Use Run command, Win + R, enter devmgmt.msc.

When Device Manager opens, right-click any item in the Bluetooth menu and click Uninstall device .

Tip : It is interesting to note that one of the simplest and most reliable methods to resolve any Bluetooth problem in Windows is to remove the device, then add it again. Due to frequent Bluetooth problems encountered in Windows, you may want to check the built-in troubleshooter for advanced fixes.

Samuel Daniel

Update 15 March 2024