iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To use Bluetooth on a laptop, make sure the laptop has Bluetooth, switch it on, then put the accessory into pairing mode and select it in the laptop’s Bluetooth settings. The exact menus differ between Windows 11, Windows 10, and macOS, and the accessory’s instructions determine how to make it discoverable.
How do I turn on Bluetooth on my laptop?
First check that your laptop supports Bluetooth. Most Windows laptops have it built in, but not all; if the Bluetooth option is missing, check the laptop specifications and manufacturer support before troubleshooting settings.
Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
- Turn on the Bluetooth toggle.
You can also open Quick Settings by selecting the Network, Sound, or Battery icon near the clock, then select Bluetooth. If the Bluetooth tile is absent, add it to Quick Settings.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
To pair an accessory, turn it on and put it into pairing or discoverable mode using the accessory’s own controls. In Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device, choose Bluetooth, then select the accessory when it appears. If a supported accessory triggers a Swift Pair notification, select Connect instead. The pairing window may be brief, depending on the accessory. Microsoft’s Windows pairing instructions cover the current flow.
#1 Best Overall
- Bluetooth 5.4 + Broad Compatibility - Provides Bluetooth 5.4 plus EDR technology and is backward compatible with Bluetooth V5.3/5.0/4.2/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1.
- Faster Speed, Extended Range - Get up to 2x faster data transfer and 4x broader coverage compared to Bluetooth 4.0 — perfect for smooth audio streaming and stable connections.
- EDR and BLE Technology - This Bluetooth dongle is quipped with enhanced data rate and Bluetooth low energy, UB500 has greatly improved data transfer speed and operates at the optimal rate of power consumption
- Nano-Sized - A sleek, ultra-small design means you can insert the Nano Bluetooth receiver into any USB port and simply keep it there regardless of whether you are traveling or at home
- Plug & Play with Free Driver Support - Plug and play for Windows 8.1/10/11 (internet required). Supports Win7 (driver required and can be downloaded from website for free). Download the latest driver from TP-Link website to utilize Bluetooth 5.4
Windows 10
These are legacy directions: open Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, turn Bluetooth on, then choose Add Bluetooth or other device to pair. Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025; the PC continues to work, but Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. See Microsoft’s pairing and lifecycle guidance.
How do I pair my Bluetooth headphones to my laptop?
- Charge the headphones and switch them on.
- Put the headphones into pairing mode. The button or button sequence varies by model, so follow the headphones’ instructions. If they have connected to another device, they may need to be disconnected there first.
- On Windows 11, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device, choose Bluetooth, and select the headphones. On Windows 10, use Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices > Add Bluetooth or other device.
- On a Mac, open Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth, select the headphones, and click Connect. Follow any code or approval prompt.
After pairing, confirm the headphones are selected as the audio output if sound still comes from the laptop speakers. A paired or connected status does not by itself confirm that audio is routed to the headphones.
Rank #2
- Upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter: This bluetooth adapter for pc uses the latest upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 BR+EDR technology, greatly improves the stability of the connection data transfer speed, reduces the possibility of signal interruption and power consumption.
- Up to 5 Devices Sync Connected: UGREEN Bluetooth dongle for PC supports up to 5 different types of Bluetooth devices to be connected at the same time without interfering with each other, such as Bluetooth mouse/keyboard/mobile phone/headphones, etc. If Bluetooth audio devices of the same type (such as speakers/headphones) are connected, only one device can play music.
- Plug and Play: The Bluetooth adapter is developed for Windows systems only and does not support other systems. No driver installation is required under Windows 11/10/8.1. NOTE: Win 7, Linux and MacOS System are NOT supported.
- Mini Size: An extremely compact Bluetooth stick that you can leave on your laptop or PC without removing it.The compact size does not interfere with other USB ports. Convenient to carry, no space occupation.
- What Can I do if the Bluetooth adapter can not work?: Ensure there are no other Bluetooth devices installed on the computer. If there are, disable all existing Bluetooth devices in "Device Manager", then insert the adapter and try again. (For detailed information please read the user manual)
How do I connect a Bluetooth device to a MacBook?
Make the keyboard, mouse, speaker, phone, printer, scanner, or other supported accessory discoverable using its own controls. On the Mac, select Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth, choose the nearby accessory, then click Connect. If prompted for a code or approval, follow the on-screen instructions. A paired accessory generally reconnects automatically when it is nearby and Bluetooth is on; if it does not, select it again in Bluetooth settings. Apple’s Bluetooth connection instructions explain the process.
For an Apple Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad, Apple’s setup is to connect it to the Mac with its cable, switch it on so green is visible, and wait for the pairing notification. The cable or adapter needed depends on the Mac and accessory. Apple also provides MacBook Air accessory guidance.
Rank #3
- INSTANT BLUETOOTH ACCESS: Bluetooth dongle adapter receiver for PCs converts non-Bluetooth devices into Bluetooth-capable with simple USB connection
- WIDE COMPATIBILITY: Supports Bluetooth 5.4 and is backwards compatible with Bluetooth 5.3/5.2/5.1/5.0/V4.2/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1; ONLY works with Windows 8.1, 10, and 11
- MULTI-DEVICE CONNECTION: Connect up to 6 devices simultaneously; Not compatible with all other operation systems e.g. Mac, Linux, Chrome, Unix, Playstation(PS), Windows 7 and below; Nano bluetooth receiver can be plugged in via any standard USB port
- ENHANCED PERFORMANCE: EDR and BLE technology offers enhanced data rate/transfer speed and low energy consumption
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Not compatible with all other operation systems e.g. Mac, Linux, Chrome, Unix, Playstation(PS), Windows 7 and below; Disable any built-in Bluetooth of the device before use this product, refer to the user manual for detail
Why is Bluetooth not showing up on my laptop?
- Check whether the laptop has Bluetooth hardware. Consult its specifications and manufacturer support. Some Windows devices do not include Bluetooth.
- Check the hardware control. If the laptop has a physical Bluetooth switch, make sure it is enabled.
- Check Airplane mode. Turn it off, then revisit Bluetooth settings.
- Check Windows updates and drivers. If Bluetooth should be available but is missing, follow Microsoft’s driver guidance and consult the laptop manufacturer for model-specific support.
For Windows 11, Microsoft recommends starting with the Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app. Further instructions are in Microsoft’s Bluetooth troubleshooting guide. A USB Bluetooth adapter is an option if the laptop truly lacks Bluetooth hardware; it is not a guaranteed fix for driver, pairing, or other hardware faults.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why won’t my laptop find my Bluetooth device?
Work through these checks in order. They address common causes, but no single step fixes every Bluetooth problem.
Rank #4
- 𝐔𝐒𝐁 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐢 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 - Archer TX10UB Nano features the combination of the functionality between Bluetooth adapter and WiFi adapter.
- 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱, 𝗗𝘂𝗮𝗹-𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗫𝟵𝟬𝟬 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶 𝟲 – Achieve total bandwidth of 900 Mbps, with up to 287 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and up to 600 Mbps on 5 GHz, upgrading your PC to higher Wi-Fi performance. ◇
- 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝟱.𝟯 - Enhanced reliability and security ensure seamless connectivity with game controllers, headphones, keyboards, mouses, and more.
- 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗶𝗙𝗶 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 - Features a combination of OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology, allowing more devices to connect to your router simultaneously and enhancing your PC’s WiFi efficiency. ⌂
- 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 & 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 - Designed to be nearly invisible, it discreetly stays plugged in to maintain a clean and clutter-free setup.
- Make the accessory discoverable. Confirm it is powered on and in pairing mode. The method differs by device, and discoverability may last only a limited time.
- Check power and distance. Charge the accessory and bring it close to the laptop. Low battery can prevent pairing mode or make a connection unstable.
- Check the laptop’s connection state. Turn Bluetooth on and Airplane mode off. If available, switch Bluetooth off, wait a few seconds, and switch it back on.
- Check Windows discovery settings. If the device is not listed, Microsoft says choosing Advanced for the Bluetooth device discovery setting may help it appear.
- Remove and pair again. If the accessory is listed but will not connect, remove it from the laptop’s Bluetooth devices and add it again.
- Run the Windows 11 troubleshooter and check for updates. Open Get Help to run the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter. If the problem remains, check Windows Update and follow Microsoft’s driver instructions.
- Rule out nearby USB interference. Microsoft notes that an unshielded USB device connected to a USB 3.0 port can sometimes interfere with Bluetooth. Temporarily move or disconnect a nearby USB device and see whether behavior changes.
Microsoft’s guides for Bluetooth connection failures and Bluetooth problems in Windows provide additional steps. If these checks do not resolve the issue, the laptop or accessory manufacturer may need to diagnose the specific model.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteCan I add Bluetooth to a laptop with a USB adapter?
Yes. If you confirm that a Windows laptop lacks Bluetooth hardware, a USB Bluetooth adapter can add Bluetooth capability. Before choosing one, check its operating-system support, USB connector and port fit, relevant Bluetooth version or profiles for your accessory, and the manufacturer’s driver and support information. Microsoft identifies an adapter as an option for a Windows device without Bluetooth, but it does not establish that an adapter will resolve every driver, pairing, or hardware problem. See Microsoft’s guidance on Bluetooth adapters.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
