How to Turn On Bluetooth on Your Windows PC

Check whether your PC has Bluetooth hardware

Not every PC comes with Bluetooth built in. Before you look for settings, you need to know if your machine has the hardware at all. Older desktops often don't; most laptops made in the last ten years do.

The fastest way to check is to look in Device Manager. Press the Windows key and type "Device Manager," then open it. Look for a category called "Bluetooth" — if it's there, your PC has Bluetooth. If you see a category called "Network adapters" with something that says "Bluetooth" or "Wireless" in the name, that's your Bluetooth radio. If neither appears, your PC doesn't have Bluetooth hardware, and you'll need a USB Bluetooth adapter to use Bluetooth devices.

Key Takeaways

Check Device Manager to confirm your PC has Bluetooth hardware before trying to enable it.
Open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, and toggle Bluetooth on — this is the main switch for most Windows PCs.
If Bluetooth doesn't appear in Settings, the driver may be missing or outdated; reinstall it from Device Manager.
Once Bluetooth is on, put your device in pairing mode and select it from the Bluetooth list in Settings.
If Bluetooth is grayed out or missing entirely, your PC may not have the hardware, and a USB adapter is the only option.

Turn on Bluetooth in Windows Settings

On Windows 10 and Windows 11, the main Bluetooth switch is in the Settings app. Press the Windows key, type "Settings," and open it. On the left side, click "Bluetooth & devices" (Windows 11) or "Devices" (Windows 10).

At the top of the page, you'll see a toggle for Bluetooth. Click it to turn Bluetooth on. The toggle will turn blue and say "On." Your PC is now broadcasting and ready to pair with Bluetooth devices. Leave this page open — you'll use it to add devices in the next step.

Put your device in pairing mode and add it

Once Bluetooth is on in Settings, your device (headphones, speaker, mouse, keyboard, or phone) needs to be in pairing mode. The steps vary by device, but usually you hold down a button labeled "Pair" or "Connect" for three to five seconds until a light blinks or you hear a tone. Check your device's manual if you're not sure which button or how long to hold it.

While your device is in pairing mode, go back to the Settings page where you turned on Bluetooth. Click "Add device" or "Pair new device" (the exact wording depends on your Windows version). Your PC will search for nearby Bluetooth devices. When your device appears in the list, click it. Windows will complete the pairing, and your device should now be connected.

Reinstall the Bluetooth driver if it's missing

Sometimes Bluetooth appears in Device Manager but not in Settings, or the toggle is grayed out. This usually means the driver — the software that lets Windows talk to the Bluetooth hardware — is missing or broken.

Open Device Manager again and find the Bluetooth entry. Right-click it and select "Update driver." Windows will search for the latest driver online. If that doesn't work, right-click again and choose "Uninstall device," then restart your PC. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically on startup. After the restart, check Settings again — Bluetooth should now be available.

Check the BIOS if Bluetooth is completely missing

On some PCs, Bluetooth can be disabled in the BIOS — the firmware that runs before Windows starts. If Device Manager shows no Bluetooth hardware at all, and you're certain your PC model includes it, the BIOS may have it switched off.

Restart your PC and watch the startup screen. You'll see a message like "Press F2 to enter Setup" or "Press Del for BIOS" — the key varies by manufacturer. Press that key repeatedly until the BIOS menu opens. Look for a setting called "Integrated Peripherals," "Onboard Devices," or "Wireless." Find the Bluetooth option and make sure it's set to "Enabled." Save and exit. Your PC will restart, and Bluetooth should now appear in Device Manager and Settings.

Use a USB Bluetooth adapter if your PC has no hardware

If Device Manager shows no Bluetooth hardware and your PC model doesn't include it, a USB Bluetooth adapter is your only option. These are small dongles that plug into any USB port and add Bluetooth to your PC. They cost between $10 and $30 and work with Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Plug the adapter into a USB port. Windows will usually install the driver automatically. If it doesn't, visit the adapter manufacturer's website and read the driver for your Windows version. Once the driver is installed, the adapter will appear in Device Manager under "Bluetooth," and you can follow the steps above to turn it on and pair devices.

Troubleshoot if Bluetooth won't stay on

If Bluetooth turns on but then turns off by itself, or if it keeps disconnecting, the issue is usually power management. Windows sometimes disables Bluetooth to save battery, especially on laptops. Open Device Manager, find your Bluetooth device, right-click it, and select "Properties." Click the "Power Management" tab and uncheck the box that says "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." Click OK and restart your PC.

If Bluetooth still won't stay on, the driver may be corrupted. Uninstall it from Device Manager (right-click and select "Uninstall device"), restart your PC, and let Windows reinstall it fresh. If the problem persists after that, the Bluetooth hardware itself may be failing, and you'll need a USB adapter or professional repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my PC show Bluetooth in Settings but no devices appear when I search?

Your Bluetooth device may not be in pairing mode. Most devices only broadcast for 30 seconds to two minutes after you press the pairing button, so you need to start the search on your PC when ready after activating pairing mode on the device. Also check that the device's battery isn't dead — a low or dead battery often prevents pairing.

Can I use Bluetooth on a desktop PC without building it in?

Yes. A USB Bluetooth adapter plugs into any USB port and works on desktops and laptops alike. Windows will recognize it as a Bluetooth device, and you can pair and use Bluetooth devices normally. The adapter stays plugged in and doesn't need to be removed unless you want to.

What if my PC has Bluetooth but it's not showing up in Device Manager?

The driver is likely missing or disabled. Go to Device Manager and look for any devices with a yellow warning icon or question mark — these are often unrecognized hardware. Right-click and select "Update driver." If that doesn't work, visit your PC manufacturer's support page, read the Bluetooth driver for your exact model, and install it manually.

Does turning on Bluetooth drain my PC's battery?

On laptops, Bluetooth uses very little power — far less than WiFi or the screen. Leaving it on all the time has a negligible effect on battery life. You can safely leave it enabled without worrying about draining the battery faster.

Why does my Bluetooth device keep disconnecting?

Interference from other wireless devices (WiFi routers, microwaves, cordless phones) can cause disconnections, especially if the Bluetooth device is far from your PC. Try moving closer or moving the PC away from other wireless devices. If disconnections happen even when the device is nearby, the Bluetooth driver may need updating — check Device Manager for driver updates or visit your PC manufacturer's support page.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.