Check whether your computer has Bluetooth built in

Most modern laptops come with Bluetooth hardware already installed, but many desktop computers do not. Before you buy anything, find out what you have.

On Windows, open Settings, go to Devices, then Bluetooth & devices. If you see a toggle for Bluetooth, your computer has the hardware. If the option does not appear at all, your desktop likely needs a Bluetooth adapter. On Mac, click the Apple menu, go to System Settings, then Bluetooth — if Bluetooth is listed, you have it built in.

If your computer has Bluetooth hardware but the toggle is off, straightforward turn it on. That solves the problem for most people. If the hardware exists but Bluetooth still will not work, you may need to update your drivers — go to Device Manager on Windows, find Bluetooth, right-click it, and select Update driver.

Key Takeaways

  • Laptops usually have Bluetooth built in; most desktop computers do not.
  • Check Settings on Windows or System Settings on Mac to see if your computer recognizes Bluetooth hardware.
  • If Bluetooth hardware exists but is off, turn it on in the same settings menu.
  • If your computer has no Bluetooth hardware, you can add one with a USB adapter that costs between $15 and $40.
  • Once Bluetooth is on, put your device in pairing mode and select it from your computer's Bluetooth menu.

Buy a Bluetooth adapter if your computer has no built-in hardware

If your computer has no Bluetooth hardware at all, a USB Bluetooth adapter is the simplest fix. These are small dongles that plug into a USB port on your computer and add Bluetooth capability. Most cost between $15 and $40 and work with both Windows and Mac.

Look for adapters that support Bluetooth 5.0 or later — older versions are slower and have shorter range. Popular options include the ASUS USB-BT500, the Plugable USB Bluetooth Adapter, and the TP-Link UB400. Check the product listing to confirm it works with your operating system version before you buy.

Plug the adapter into an open USB port. Windows will usually detect it and install drivers automatically. If it does not, go to the manufacturer's website, read the driver for your operating system, and install it manually. Once the driver is installed, Bluetooth will appear in your Settings menu.

Turn on Bluetooth and make it discoverable

After you confirm your computer has Bluetooth hardware (or install an adapter), turn Bluetooth on. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & devices and toggle Bluetooth to On. On Mac, click the Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth and toggle it on.

Your computer is now discoverable, meaning nearby Bluetooth devices can see it. This is the state you need to be in before you pair a device. Leave Bluetooth on and discoverable while you set up your headphones, speaker, mouse, or keyboard.

Put your Bluetooth device in pairing mode

Before your computer can connect to a Bluetooth device, that device must be in pairing mode. This tells the device to broadcast its signal so your computer can find it. The steps differ by device, so check the manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific headphones, speaker, or peripheral.

Common methods include holding the power button for 5 to 10 seconds until a light blinks, pressing a dedicated pairing button, or holding a button combination. Some devices enter pairing mode automatically the first time they are powered on. Once the device is in pairing mode, it will appear in your computer's Bluetooth menu within a few seconds.

Select your device from the Bluetooth menu and complete pairing

On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & devices, then click Add device. A window will open showing nearby Bluetooth devices. Find your device in the list and click it. Windows will pair automatically, and the device will show as Connected.

On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth. Your device will appear in the list of available devices. Click the Connect button next to it. The pairing process takes a few seconds, and your device will then show as Connected.

Once pairing is complete, your computer will remember the device. The next time you turn on the device and have Bluetooth enabled on your computer, they will connect automatically without needing to pair again.

Troubleshoot if your device will not pair

If your device does not appear in the Bluetooth menu, make sure it is in pairing mode and within 30 feet of your computer. Move closer and try again. If the device still does not show up, restart both the device and your computer, then repeat the pairing steps.

If your device appears but will not connect, try removing it from your computer's Bluetooth list and pairing it again from scratch. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & devices, find the device, click the three dots next to it, and select Remove device. On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth, click the X next to the device, and confirm removal. Then put the device back in pairing mode and add it again.

If Bluetooth still does not work after these steps, check whether your computer's Bluetooth driver needs an update. On Windows, open Device Manager, find Bluetooth, right-click it, and select Update driver. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.

Manage Bluetooth devices and improve connection quality

Once you have paired multiple devices, you can manage them from your Bluetooth settings. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & devices to see all paired devices and remove any you no longer use. On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth and click the X next to any device you want to unpair.

If your Bluetooth connection is slow or drops frequently, move your device closer to your computer and away from other wireless devices like routers and microwaves, which can interfere with the signal. Keep your computer's Bluetooth driver and operating system updated, as newer versions often fix connection problems. If you are using a USB adapter, try plugging it into a different USB port — some ports have weaker signal than others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Bluetooth on a desktop computer?

Yes, but most desktops do not have Bluetooth built in. You will need to buy a USB Bluetooth adapter, which plugs into any open USB port. Once installed, it works the same way as built-in Bluetooth on a laptop.

Why does my Bluetooth device keep disconnecting?

Interference from other wireless devices, low battery on your Bluetooth device, or outdated drivers are the most common causes. Move closer to your computer, charge your device, and update your Bluetooth driver through Device Manager on Windows or Software Update on Mac.

How far away can a Bluetooth device be from my computer?

Most Bluetooth devices work within 30 feet of your computer, though walls and other obstacles reduce that range. Bluetooth 5.0 adapters have slightly better range than older versions. If your device keeps disconnecting at a distance, move it closer or check for interference from other wireless devices.

Do I have to pair my Bluetooth device every time I use it?

No. Once you pair a device, your computer remembers it. The next time you turn on the device with Bluetooth enabled on your computer, they will connect automatically without needing to pair again.

What if my computer is too old to support Bluetooth?

Even older computers can use Bluetooth with a USB adapter. These adapters work with Windows 7 and later, and with older Mac models as well. Check the adapter's system requirements before you buy to make sure it supports your operating system version.