A Bluetooth Adapter For Your Pc Is The Easiest Way
Tim Fisher has more than 30 years’ of professional technology experience. He’s been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire.
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Bluetooth is used by lots of devices, such as headphones and keyboards. Many computers have it as well, but if yours doesn’t, you can add it through a Bluetooth dongle/adapter. Fortunately, setup is pretty straightforward.
Does your computer already have Bluetooth? You should ask yourself this before following the steps below because they involve purchasing a Bluetooth dongle. Learn how to set up Bluetooth devices and see what to do when Bluetooth isn’t working in Windows 10. It’s possible that Bluetooth is already available on your computer, but adding a device just isn’t working.
This guide is relevant for computers running Windows 10, 8, and 7.
We Show You How To Find Out If Your Windows 10 Pc Has Bluetooth
BySean Bradley, Contributor| 12 Aug 2019
Bluetooth is a fairly common feature in laptops, but it’s rarer in desktop PCs which still tend to lack Wi-Fi and Bluetooth unless they’re a top-end model.
Fortunately it’s easy to see if your PC has Bluetooth and, if it doesn’t we’ll show you how you can add it.
How To Check Bluetooth Version On Windows 10
While you may have support for Bluetooth on your device, the version of the adapter will dictate the features that you’ll be able to use. For instance, if you want to maintain a wireless connection with another device over 300 feet, then you’ll need Bluetooth version 5. Or if you’re going to use Nearby sharing on Windows 10, you’ll need at least Bluetooth version 4, as the feature relies on the Low Energy standard.
To find out the version of the Bluetooth adapter on your tablet, laptop, or desktop, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, you’ll have a better understanding of the version as well as features available with the adapter.
Just remember that some releases are software update only, and not hardware updates. For instance, when Bluetooth version 4.0 released, later on, a software revision was released that bumped the version number to 4.1.
Also, you can always check the hardware specifications on your manufacturer support website to find out the version of the radio adapter.
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Does My Laptop Have Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that supports short-range communication . It can exchange wireless information between many devices including mobile phones, Bluetooth speakers, wireless headphones, laptops, and related peripherals.
Does my laptop have Bluetooth? Many users want to know if their laptop has Bluetooth, but they dont know how to check it, in this guide I will tell you how to know if your laptop has Bluetooth.
Why Does My Computer Not Have Bluetooth
A Bluetooth adapter supplies Bluetooth hardware. If your PC didnt come with the Bluetooth hardware installed, you can easily add it by purchasing a Bluetooth USB dongle. To determine whether your PC has Bluetooth hardware, check the Device Manager for Bluetooth Radio. Look for the item Bluetooth Radios in the list.
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How Do I Use A Bluetooth Adapter On My Pc
Plug the Bluetooth dongle in any USB port on your laptop.
How to connect Bluetooth accessories to computers
How To Disconnect Peripheral Using Bluetooth On Windows 10
If you no longer need a Bluetooth device, you can remove it using these steps:
Click the Remove device button.
Quick tip: If the “Remove device” button is grayed out, make sure to enable Bluetooth to make the option available.
Once you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the instructions to remove additional Bluetooth devices from your computer.
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Check Bluetooth In Settings
The third way to find out if your computer has Bluetooth is to use the Settings app on Windows 10. You can follow this guide to do the job:
If your computer has a built-in Bluetooth, you will be able to switch the Bluetooth button to on and then add the Bluetooth devices.
However, if you discover that your computer doesnt have Bluetooth, you should not worry about it. You can still add one to your desktop or laptop by using a Bluetooth USB dongle/adapter. You can just connect the Bluetooth USB dongle/adapter to your computer via the USB slot, and then enable the Bluetooth connection.
How Do I Install Bluetooth On My Pc
Some PCs, such as laptops and tablets, have Bluetooth built in. If your PC doesnt, you can plug a USB Bluetooth adapter into the USB port on your PC to get it.
In Windows 7
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Can I Download Bluetooth
Like everything else in your computer, Bluetooth requires both hardware and software. A Bluetooth adapter supplies Bluetooth hardware. If your PC didnt come with the Bluetooth hardware installed, you can easily add it by purchasing a Bluetooth USB dongle. Choose Hardware and Sound, and then choose Device Manager.
Does My Windows 10 Pc Have Bluetooth
The method below applies to Windows OS, such as Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows XP, and Windows Vista, either 64-bit or 32-bit. The Device Manager will list all of the hardware in your computer, and if your computer has Bluetooth, it will show the Bluetooth hardware is installed and active.
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How To Tell If A Linux Computer Has Bluetooth
If youre using a Linux laptop or PC and want to know if it has Bluetooth capability, you can find out with a simple command. This will work on both desktop and laptop.
If you are using Linux, be aware that some Linux kernels are not compatible with all Bluetooth modules so will not recognize them. While the query above works on most newer hardware and mainstream distros, if you compiled your own or are using something exotic, it may not return the correct result. I tested it on Ubuntu and Zorin and it worked fine. Your mileage may vary though.
Pair A Bluetooth Device In Windows
You can pair all kinds of Bluetooth devices with your PCincluding keyboards, mice, phones, speakers, and a whole lot more. To do this, your PC will need to have Bluetooth. Some PCs, such as laptops and tablets, have Bluetooth built in. If your PC doesnt, you can plug a USB Bluetooth adapter into the USB port on your PC to get it.
Before you start, make sure that your Windows 10 PC supports Bluetooth. For more info on how to check, see Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows 10. If you need help adding a device without Bluetooth capabilities, see Add a device to a Windows 10 PC.
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How Do I Know If My Laptop Has Bluetooth
Lets take Windows 10 as an example to show how to check if your laptop has Bluetooth.
1. Click on Search and enter device manager.2. Click Device Manager on the right in the search results.3. Expand Bluetooth Radios category, and you will see the Bluetooth hardware here.4. If you dont see the Bluetooth Radios category, please find your Bluetooth in the Network adapters category.
If you find that there is no Bluetooth Radios category in Device Manager and there is no Bluetooth device in the Network adapters category, that means your laptop does not have a Bluetooth device. You can easily add it by purchasing a USB Bluetooth adapter.
What Else Can Cause Bluetooth Failure
Although one or more of the above methods generally solve Bluetooth problems in Windows 10, theres a small chance that youre still struggling to get Bluetooth to work. In this case, contacting the manufacturer or your retailer would be your best bet. If not, getting a USB Bluetooth adapter should help.
Sometimes, its as simple as forgetting to install or adequately reattach the Bluetooth board/device when performing a laptop or desktop teardown, whether for cleaning or repairs. That scenario would cause Bluetooth to disappear from the Device Manager and make it not work.
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Windows is a very old technology. Sure, Windows 10 is relatively new, but its still just the latest iteration of a decades-old operating system, designed for a bygone era .
Now that we have the internet, fast connection speeds, free cloud storage, and endless web apps , the entire Windows way of doing things with locally installed programs and local file storage is totally outdated.
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For most people, the simplest way to solve Windows problems is to ditch Windows altogether, and switch to a faster, more reliable, more secure, easier to use and cheaper operating system
That means you dont have virus and malware problems, and your computer doesnt slow down over time, or become unstable.
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How To Check If Your Computer Has Bluetooth
If you are having trouble determining whether your computer is capable of supporting a Bluetooth connection, this article will guide you through it. In an attempt to accommodate every possible need, well feature two different way of investigating if your machine has Bluetooth capabilities.
If youre looking to take the manual route that will also tell you specific details like your Bluetooth version, follow Method 1. In the event that youre looking for a method that will give you the answer with only a few clicks, follow Method 2 where we use a freeware to find out if your PC is equipped with Bluetooth.
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Check The Device Manager
The easiest way to check for Bluetooth support is via Device Manager. To check if your PC has Bluetooth, do the following:
- Press the Windows key + X or right-click Start, to open the Win + X menu.
- Select Device Manager on that menu to open the window.
- On the window, look for the Bluetooth Radios category. That should be listed somewhere nearer the top of the window.
- If you cant find Bluetooth Radios, click Network adapters on the Device Manager window. Bluetooth Radios might be listed there instead.
How To Master Bluetooth On Windows 10
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that provides a medium to connect peripherals over a short distance to your computer without the need for messy wiring cluttering your space. In addition, it’s a technology that also offers the ability to send and receive data between devices.
Whether you have a laptop, tablet, or desktop, you can connect a long list of accessories, including keyboards, mice, headphones, printers, scanners, game controllers, even your phone, and more without sacrificing any of the available USB ports. However, you’ll need a compatible Bluetooth adapter before you can pair any device, but even though most devices include this technology built into the system, it’s not always the case.
In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to master the necessary knowledge to get started using Bluetooth, including the steps to confirm the technology is available on your computer, configure the adapter and pair a peripheral, as well as the instructions to use some of its features, and the steps to troubleshoot and fix common problems.
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How Can I Tell If My Pc Has Bluetooth
To determine whether your PC has Bluetooth hardware, check the Device Manager for Bluetooth Radio by following the steps:
- a. Drag the mouse to bottom left corner and right-click on the Start icon.
- b. Select Device manager.
- c. Check for Bluetooth Radio in it or you can also find in Network adapters.
Update Or Rollback Drivers
If the Bluetooth option has suddenly disappeared after a major Windows 10 update e.g. you updated from Creators Update to Fall Creators Update, its possible the generic Bluetooth drivers that Windows 10 uses are no longer compatible with your hardware. This is likely to happen if you have an exceptionally old laptop.
Open Device manager and expand Bluetooth device. Doble-click your Bluetooth device to go to its properties. Go to the Driver tab. Click the Rollback button, if its active. If it isnt active, it means there is no previous version to go back to. In this case, check for an update.
If Windows is unable to find an update, proceed to the next solution below.
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How To Lock Device Using Bluetooth On Windows 10
On Windows 10, Dynamic lock is a security feature that offers the ability to lock your computer automatically when you step away. The feature works sensing the proximity of personal Bluetooth devices paired to your computer. When enabled, if the Bluetooth device is near your computer, Windows 10 will lock itself automatically after a short period.
To allow Windows 10 to lock automatically, first pair your phone to your computer, and then use these steps:
Under the “Dynamic lock” section, check the Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away option.
After you complete the steps, you can test the feature by walking away with your phone, for example, and returning after a few minutes to find the device locked. Alternatively, you can always turn off your phone temporarily to test the feature.
Of course, you’ll still need your password or PIN to sign in again, unless you’re using Windows Hello.
Find A Bluetooth Adapter
Getting a Bluetooth adapter for your PC is the easiest way to add Bluetooth functionality to a desktop or laptop. You don’t need to worry about opening your computer, installing a Bluetooth card, or anything like that.
Bluetooth dongles use USB, so they plug into the outside of your computer via an open USB port. They’re inexpensive, compact, and easy to find at places like , Newegg, Best Buy, etc.
Generally speaking, you want to get the fastest Bluetooth transmitter your PC will support. For most modern PCs, that means a USB 3.0 adapter. However, if you look at your PC’s USB ports and they’ve got black plastic inserts, they’re probably USB 2.0. If they’re blue or labeled SS , they’re USB 3.0. This matters because while USB 3.0 devices work in USB 2.0 ports, they won’t work as fast as when plugged into USB 3.0 ports.
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How To Turn On And Use Bluetooth In Windows 10
Brady Gavin has been immersed in technology for 15 years and has written over 150 detailed tutorials and explainers. He’s covered everything from Windows 10 registry hacks to Chrome browser tips. Brady has a diploma in Computer Science from Camosun College in Victoria, BC. Read more…
These days, most mobile devices come with Bluetooth. If youve got a reasonable modern Windows 10 laptop, its got Bluetooth. If you have a desktop PC, it might or might not have Bluetooth built, but you can always add it if you want. Assuming you have access to Bluetooth on your system, heres how to turn it on and get it set up.
Using Bluetooth Version Finder To Find Out If Your Pc Has Bluetooth
If you found the method above to be too time-consuming for your needs, we have an even easier method that you can use to check if your machine has Bluetooth .
This method involves using a free third party tool called Bluetooth Version Finder. This portable freeware is extremely lightweight and will allow you to verify for Bluetooth hardware with a single double-click. Heres a quick guide on downloading and using Bluetooth Version Finder:
Note: If your PC doesnt have Bluetooth, you will see a question mark icon instead of the Bluetooth version.
Example of a PC without an integrated Bluetooth feature
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