How to Turn On Bluetooth in Windows 10

This article explains how to enable Bluetooth on Windows 10. Bluetooth comes built-in to all Windows 10 laptops, but if your desktop PC doesn't support it, you can always add a Bluetooth adapter.

How Do I Enable Bluetooth on My PC?

Before you can connect printers, headsets, and other devices to your computer wirelessly, you need to make sure Bluetooth is enabled.

1. Open Windows Settings. Go to Start > Settings, or use the keyboard shortcut Window Key+I.

   

2. Select Devices.

   

3. Select Bluetooth & Other Devices in the left sidebar, then make sure the Bluetooth switch is set to On.

   

Turn On Bluetooth From the Windows Action Center

Alternatively, toggle Bluetooth from the Windows 10 Action Center. Select the speech bubble icon in the taskbar, or press Windows Key+A to bring up the Windows Action Center. Look for the Bluetooth icon and make sure it's highlighted. You may have to expand the list of options to find it.

Manage Bluetooth Devices and Settings

To add and manage your wireless devices, go to your Bluetooth settings, or select the Bluetooth icon in the Windows taskbar (you may have to click the up-arrow first to expand the list of icons). You'll get a pop-up window with a list of options. From here, you can add devices, transfer files over Bluetooth to nearby devices, join a Personal Area Network, or go directly to your Bluetooth settings.

How to Connect a Bluetooth Device to Windows 10

Once Bluetooth is enabled, you can connect a device:

1. Go to your Bluetooth settings and select Add Bluetooth or other device.

   

2. Select Bluetooth.

   

3. Turn on the Bluetooth device and put it in pairing mode.

4. Wait for the device to show up in the list of devices and then select it.

   

   Depending on the device, you may have to enter a PIN displayed on the Bluetooth device.

Why Can't I Turn on My Bluetooth in Windows 10?

If the Bluetooth option is grayed out, your computer may not support it, in which case you need a USB Bluetooth adapter. There could also be a hardware problem with the Bluetooth device, or there could be an issue with Windows Services.

Troubleshoot Bluetooth in Windows 10

If you know your computer has Bluetooth built-in, but it's still not working, try running the Windows troubleshooter:

1. Type Troubleshoot in the Window search bar and select Troubleshoot settings.

   

2. Scroll down to Find and Fix Other Problems, select Additional troubleshooters > Bluetooth, then select Run the troubleshooter.

   

3. Your computer will scan for problems and either fix them automatically or make suggestions for further action.

Set Bluetooth Service to Automatic

If you're still having problems with Bluetooth on your PC, another option is to set the Bluetooth service to automatic:

1. Press Windows Key+R on the keyboard, type Services.msc in the Run box, then select OK.

   

2. Right-click Bluetooth Support Service and select Properties.

   

3. Set the Startup type to Automatic, select Start under Service status, then select OK.