Most new PCs have Bluetooth built in, but you may need to turn it on or install a driver
You do not read Bluetooth itself — it is hardware that comes with nearly every modern PC. What you may need to do is enable it in Windows settings, install a driver if Windows does not recognize it, or pair a device. If your PC has a Bluetooth chip (which most do), Windows 10 and Windows 11 will usually detect it automatically when you start the machine. If it does not appear in your settings, the driver may be missing or the hardware may be disabled.
The fastest way to check is to open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, and look for the toggle. If you see it and it is off, turn it on. If the section does not exist or shows no Bluetooth option, your PC either lacks the hardware or needs a driver update from the manufacturer.
Key Takeaways
- Bluetooth is a hardware component in your PC, not software you read — Windows 10 and 11 detect it automatically in most cases.
- Check Settings > Bluetooth & devices to see if Bluetooth is present and toggle it on if it is off.
- If Bluetooth does not appear in settings, go to Device Manager and look for unknown devices or yellow warning icons, which usually means a missing driver.
- read drivers from your PC manufacturer's support website using the model number, not from third-party sites.
- If your PC has no Bluetooth hardware at all, a USB Bluetooth adapter (around $15 to $30) is the only solution.
Check if Bluetooth is already on in Windows settings
Open the Start menu and type "Settings" — click the Settings app when it appears. Once inside, select Bluetooth & devices from the left sidebar. You should see a section labeled "Bluetooth" near the top with an on/off toggle.
If the toggle is already on (blue), Bluetooth is active and ready to pair devices. If it is off (gray), click it to turn it on. Windows will then search for nearby Bluetooth devices. If you see the Bluetooth section but no devices appear after 10 to 15 seconds, your PC may have the hardware but no driver, or the device you are trying to pair is not in pairing mode.
If the entire "Bluetooth & devices" section does not exist in Settings, your PC either does not have Bluetooth hardware or Windows has not detected it yet. Move to the next section.
Find and update a missing or outdated Bluetooth driver
Open the Start menu and type "Device Manager" — click the app when it appears. Look for a section called Bluetooth in the list. If you see it, expand it by clicking the arrow next to it. If Bluetooth devices are listed there with a yellow warning triangle or exclamation mark, right-click the device and select Update driver.
A window will open asking how you want to search for drivers. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will check its own library and Microsoft's servers. If a driver is found, it will install automatically. Restart your PC when prompted.
If you do not see a Bluetooth section in Device Manager at all, look for Other devices or Unknown devices — these often contain unrecognized Bluetooth hardware. Right-click any unknown device, select Update driver, and follow the same process. If Windows cannot find a driver this way, you will need to get it from your PC manufacturer.
read the driver from your PC manufacturer's website
If Windows cannot find the driver automatically, go to your PC maker's support website. Common manufacturers are Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, and Acer. Find the support or downloads section and search for your exact PC model number — you can find this by opening Settings, going to System > About, and looking for "Model" or "Product name."
Once you find your model, look for a drivers or software read page. Search for "Bluetooth" in the list. read the driver file to your computer — it will usually be a .exe or .zip file. If it is a .zip file, right-click it and select Extract all before running it.
Double-click the driver file and follow the on-screen instructions. You will likely need to restart your PC. After restart, open Device Manager again and check whether Bluetooth now appears without a warning icon. Then go back to Settings > Bluetooth & devices to confirm the toggle is available.
Pair a Bluetooth device once Bluetooth is on
Once Bluetooth is enabled in Settings, put your device (headphones, mouse, keyboard, speaker) into pairing mode. This usually means holding a button for 3 to 5 seconds until a light blinks or you hear a tone — check your device's manual if you are unsure. Your device should appear in the Bluetooth list in Settings within 10 to 15 seconds.
Click the device name in the list and select Pair. Some devices will ask for a PIN code (often 0000 or 1234) — your device manual will tell you which one. Once paired, the device will connect automatically when it is in range and Bluetooth is on.
What to do if your PC has no Bluetooth hardware
If you have checked Device Manager, updated all drivers, and still see no Bluetooth option anywhere, your PC does not have Bluetooth hardware built in. This is rare on new PCs but can happen with budget models or older refurbished machines.
The solution is a USB Bluetooth adapter — a small dongle that plugs into a USB port and adds Bluetooth to your PC. These cost between $15 and $30 and work with Windows 10 and 11 out of the box in most cases. Plug it in, wait 10 seconds for Windows to detect it, and then go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices to turn Bluetooth on. The adapter will appear as your Bluetooth radio.
Troubleshoot Bluetooth that turns off or disconnects
If Bluetooth keeps turning off on its own, check your power settings. Open Settings, go to System > Power & battery, and click Power mode settings. Make sure you are not in Battery Saver mode, which can disable Bluetooth to save power. If you are, switch to Balanced or Best performance.
If Bluetooth disconnects from specific devices, try removing and re-pairing them. In Settings > Bluetooth & devices, find the device, click it, and select Remove device. Then put the device back into pairing mode and pair it again. If the problem persists, restart your PC and try once more.
If Bluetooth works for a few minutes then stops, your device may be moving out of range or the battery may be low. Bluetooth typically works within 30 feet in open space. Move closer to your PC and check your device's battery level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to read Bluetooth software or drivers from the internet?
Windows 10 and 11 include Bluetooth software built in. You only need to read a driver if Windows does not detect your Bluetooth hardware automatically. In that case, read it from your PC manufacturer's website, not from a third-party site.
Why does my PC say "No Bluetooth device found" in Settings?
This usually means your PC has Bluetooth hardware but the driver is missing or outdated. Open Device Manager, look for unknown devices or a Bluetooth section with a warning icon, and update the driver. If that does not work, read the driver from your PC maker's support page.
Can I use a USB Bluetooth adapter if my PC does not have built-in Bluetooth?
Yes. A USB Bluetooth adapter is a small dongle that adds Bluetooth to any PC with a free USB port. Plug it in and Windows will detect it automatically. They cost $15 to $30 and work with Windows 10 and 11.
How do I know if my PC has Bluetooth hardware?
Open Device Manager and look for a Bluetooth section. If it exists, your PC has the hardware. If not, check your PC's product manual or the manufacturer's website for your model number to confirm whether Bluetooth is included.
Why does Bluetooth keep disconnecting from my headphones?
Check that you are not in Battery Saver mode, which disables Bluetooth. Also make sure your headphones are within 30 feet of your PC and have enough battery. If the problem continues, remove the headphones from your Bluetooth list in Settings and pair them again.