How to get Bluetooth on a PC that doesn’t have it

💡 Need to know

• Quick fix: Use a Bluetooth USB adapter for an instant wireless upgrade.
• Check first: Your PC may already have Bluetooth—verify before buying anything.
• After setup: Restart your PC and update drivers for smooth pairing.

After upgrading your desk setup with a new Bluetooth® device, you're ready to ditch the cables for good. But there's one problem—you can't seem to pair it with your computer. Are the settings hiding in plain sight, or do you have a PC without built-in Bluetooth?

In either circumstance, Asurion Experts have the technical know-how to walk you through how to get Bluetooth on a PC, so you can get the most out of your gadgets. These simple steps will help you connect wireless keyboards, earbuds, and more devices to your Windows® computer.

Check if your PC has built-in Bluetooth

Most modern PCs come with Bluetooth built in. Before looking into external solutions, take these steps to check for Bluetooth availability:

1. Click Start > Settings.
2. Select the Bluetooth & devices tab.
3. Confirm the ability to turn the Bluetooth switch to On.

You can also look for the Bluetooth functionality by following these steps:

1. Click Start > Device Manager.
2. Click the arrow next to Bluetooth.
3. Confirm that Bluetooth hardware is listed in the dropdown.

If your Windows Device Manager Bluetooth dropdown is empty or unavailable and the Bluetooth & devices section in your settings is missing, you will need to add Bluetooth to your PC.

Add Bluetooth with a USB adapter

A USB Bluetooth adapter can help you establish a wireless connection on PCs that don't have the native functionality, including older Windows™ devices. Also known as dongles, USB adapters receive Bluetooth signals and then translate them into a format that your computer's operating system can understand.

Here's how to get Bluetooth capability on a PC with a dongle:

1. Plug the Bluetooth dongle into a USB port on your computer.
2. Install Bluetooth drivers for Windows. This often happens automatically after plugging in the adapter, or you may receive a prompt to start the process.
3. If your PC still doesn't recognize the adapter, download the necessary drivers from the manufacturer's website for the dongle. Open the ZIP file to start the installation.

With these steps complete, you should have a working Bluetooth receiver for your computer.

Enable and pair Bluetooth devices

To complete your desktop Bluetooth setup, you will first need to learn how to enable Bluetooth on your PC. Follow these steps to turn on Bluetooth in Windows 11:

1. Click Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
2. Turn the Bluetooth switch to On.

Now, you're ready to connect Bluetooth devices. Here's how to make your first pairing:

1. Turn on your Bluetooth device and put it in discovery (or pairing) mode, keeping it near your computer.
2. Click Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
3. Select Add device.
4. Click Bluetooth.
5. Select your Bluetooth device when it appears.

This process is simple and repeatable for any wireless device—whether you want to connect Bluetooth headphones, speakers, phones, or other gadgets to your PC.

Fix Bluetooth connection issues

Figuring out how to enable Bluetooth on a PC can require some tinkering. Luckily, there are a few ways you can fix "Bluetooth not detected" problems and other connection issues, like intermittent audio on your Bluetooth headset.

If you're struggling to connect a device, try these tips to troubleshoot Bluetooth issues.

Restart your devices

Sometimes connection issues are the result of a temporary glitch. A quick reset of both of your devices can clear these errors. To reset, turn off your PC and Bluetooth device, then turn them back on again.

Re-pair your Bluetooth device

If your connection issues persist after you restart, you can try re-pairing the Bluetooth accessory.

1. Click Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
2. Select the device you're trying to connect and click Forget, Unpair, or Remove.
3. Put your device in discovery mode.
4. Tap Add device > Bluetooth.
5. Select your Bluetooth device when it appears.

Update Bluetooth drivers on Windows

While Windows typically installs Bluetooth hardware and software updates automatically, there are instances when manual driver updates are necessary. Follow these steps to check for and complete any necessary updates:

1. Click Start > Device Manager.
2. Click the arrow next to Bluetooth.
3. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and click Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers.
5. If an updated driver is available, follow the on-screen instructions, then click Close.
6. If you get a prompt to restart your PC, click Start > Power > Restart.

Use the Bluetooth troubleshooter

Still having trouble with Bluetooth for your desktop computer? Microsoft offers a guided troubleshooter option that can run diagnostics and help facilitate solutions for common problems. Here's how to run it:

1. Click Start > Settings > System.
2. Select Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Next to Bluetooth, click Run.
4. Select Yes to consent to diagnostics, then click Continue to start the troubleshooter.