How to Check If Your PC Has Bluetooth

The quickest way to check for Bluetooth on Windows

Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I, then go to Devices in the left menu. Look for Bluetooth & devices at the top. If you see a toggle switch that says "Bluetooth" and it can be turned on, your PC has Bluetooth hardware. If the toggle is greyed out or missing entirely, your PC does not have Bluetooth built in.

On older Windows 10 machines, the path is slightly different: go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. The toggle will be in the same place. If nothing appears under the Bluetooth heading, the hardware is not present.

If you see the Bluetooth toggle but it is turned off, click it to turn it on. Your PC will then search for nearby Bluetooth devices like headphones, mice, or speakers. A working toggle means the hardware exists and is ready to use.

Key Takeaways

Windows Settings shows whether your PC has Bluetooth: press Windows key + I, then go to Devices > Bluetooth & devices and look for the toggle switch.
A greyed-out or missing Bluetooth toggle means your PC does not have the hardware, even if you see Bluetooth mentioned elsewhere in Settings.
Device Manager will show the exact name of your Bluetooth adapter if it exists, which is useful when troubleshooting or updating drivers.
If Bluetooth is missing, you can add it with a USB adapter that plugs into any available USB port on your PC.

Checking Device Manager for the Bluetooth adapter name

Device Manager shows every piece of hardware your PC recognizes, including Bluetooth adapters. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager, or press Windows key + X and choose it from the menu.

Look for a category called Bluetooth in the list. If it exists and is expanded, you will see the name of your adapter—something like "Intel Wireless Bluetooth" or "Qualcomm Atheros Bluetooth". If the Bluetooth category does not appear at all, your PC has no Bluetooth hardware.

If you see a yellow exclamation mark next to the Bluetooth adapter name, the hardware exists but the driver is missing or broken. This means Bluetooth is installed but not working. You can update the driver by right-clicking the adapter and selecting Update driver.

How to check on a Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). Go to Bluetooth in the sidebar. If the Bluetooth section appears and shows a toggle or list of devices, your Mac has Bluetooth.

If Bluetooth does not appear in the sidebar at all, your Mac does not have Bluetooth hardware—though this is extremely rare on modern Macs. You can also check by clicking the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen if it is visible there.

What to do if your PC does not have Bluetooth

If your PC lacks built-in Bluetooth, you can add it with a USB Bluetooth adapter. These are small dongles that plug into any USB port and cost between $10 and $30. Once plugged in, Windows will recognize the adapter and install drivers automatically in most cases.

Popular options include adapters from TP-Link, Plugable, and Asus. Look for one that supports Bluetooth 5.0 or later if possible, as newer versions have better range and faster connection speeds. Plug it in, wait a few seconds for Windows to detect it, and then you can pair Bluetooth devices the same way you would on a PC with built-in Bluetooth.

If Windows does not automatically install drivers, visit the adapter manufacturer's website and read the driver for your Windows version. Install it, restart your PC, and the adapter should work.

Understanding Bluetooth versions and what they mean

Bluetooth comes in different versions: 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3. Newer versions are faster and have longer range, but older versions still work fine for headphones, mice, and keyboards. You do not need the newest version to use Bluetooth devices.

You can see which Bluetooth version your PC supports by opening Device Manager, right-clicking your Bluetooth adapter, and selecting Properties. Look at the Details tab and search for "version" or "firmware". The version number will be listed there.

If your PC has an older Bluetooth version and you want newer features, a USB adapter with a newer version will work alongside the built-in hardware. Windows will let you choose which one to use when pairing new devices.

Troubleshooting when Bluetooth appears but does not work

If the Bluetooth toggle exists in Settings but is greyed out or will not turn on, the driver may be outdated or corrupted. Open Device Manager, find your Bluetooth adapter under the Bluetooth category, right-click it, and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and let Windows search online.

If that does not work, right-click the adapter again and select Uninstall device. Restart your PC. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically when it boots back up. This fixes many Bluetooth problems that a straightforward update does not solve.

If Bluetooth still will not turn on after reinstalling the driver, the hardware itself may be faulty or disabled in your PC's BIOS. Restart your PC and enter BIOS setup (usually by pressing Delete, F2, or F12 during startup—the key varies by manufacturer). Look for a setting called "Integrated Bluetooth" or "Onboard Bluetooth" and make sure it is enabled. Save and exit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Bluetooth on my PC if it does not have it built in?

Yes. A USB Bluetooth adapter plugs into any USB port and adds Bluetooth to your PC. Windows recognizes most adapters automatically and installs drivers without extra steps. They cost $10 to $30 and work as well as built-in hardware for everyday use.

What if I see Bluetooth in Settings but the toggle is greyed out?

The hardware exists but the driver is broken or disabled. Open Device Manager, find your Bluetooth adapter, right-click it, and select Update driver. If that does not work, uninstall the device and restart your PC so Windows reinstalls it fresh.

Does my PC need Bluetooth 5.0 or can I use an older version?

Older Bluetooth versions work fine for headphones, mice, and keyboards. Bluetooth 5.0 and newer offer better range and speed, but you do not need them for basic devices. If your PC has an older version and you want newer features, a USB adapter with a newer version will work alongside it.

Why does Device Manager show Bluetooth but Settings does not?

The hardware is present but the driver is not fully installed or is corrupted. Right-click the Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager and select Update driver. If that fails, uninstall it and restart your PC to force a fresh driver installation.

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.