Connect Bluetooth on PC, laptop or netbook in Windows

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bluetooth_in_windows

What is Bluetooth used for? Today it is a modern common wireless standard. It might be used when we want to use a wireless keyboard and mouse with our computer, to use our phone as a modem, etc. Generally, it allows us to connect different types of equipment without any cables or wires.

So we should know how to set up Bluetooth with different units. The generic main steps for Bluetooth connection on a computer are

  1. Make sure that the wireless hardware component is turned on our computer according to the User’s Guide. E.g. on many laptops there is a particular function key to do that like Wi-Fi and special software might be installed that allows it switching on or off.
  2. Activate this technology and searching for the second unit. In other articles, we can find pairing instructions for mobiles, various gadgets, etc.
  3. Start searching for other ones on the computer and choose the second one to connect with.
  4. Type or compare provided Bluetooth passkey required for authorization and finish connection if required.

Further, they automatically connect when they are in the range of each other with turned on the wireless technology.

Unpair they via remove each one from paired list of another one in case of no need if applicable.

Here are detailed steps for each version of Windows that is used nowadays:

Windows 10 (Server 2016)

  1. Check that our computer has a recognizable external name.
  2. Activate Bluetooth on the second unit. Particular descriptions are available for computer gadgets and mobiles.
  3. Ensure that the technology is on under “Start Menu\Settings\Devices\Bluetooth”. The system will start searching. Choose the second one to connect with and use the “Pair” button. Or accept incoming connection attempt by click on the balloon.

    windows_10_bluetooth_devices_list

  4. Validate Bluetooth pairing code (or enter it if necessary) to accept pairing and continue.

    windows_10_bluetooth_passkey_validation

Now the second one is connected. Choose “Unpair” in the list item to disconnect it if it no needed anymore.

Windows 8\8.1 (Server 2012)

  1. Check that our computer has a recognizable external name.
  2. Enable discoverable state for others via “Desktop\Bluetooth Tray icon\Open Settings\Options” in case of initiate connecting from the second one.

    windows_8_bluetooth_discoverable_settings

  3. Check that the pairing mode is enabled on the second unit. E.g. there are pairing instructions for keyboard, mouse, headphones, and mobiles.
  4. Ensure that wireless technology is on and choose the second one to connect with.
    • In 8.1 version the settings are located in “Charms Bar(Win + C)\Settings\Change PC Settings\PC and devices\Bluetooth”.

      windows_8_1_pc_devices_settings_location
      windows_8_1_bluetooth_devices_list

    • In 8.0 version go to “Charms Bar(Win + C)\Settings\Change PC Settings\Wireless”. The list of the connected equipment is in the “Devices” section. Choose “Add a device” to begin connecting procedure.

      windows_8_0_bluetooth_switch
      windows_8_0_bluetooth_devices_list
      windows_8_0_bluetooth_connect_device

  5. Validate pairing pin (or enter it if necessary) to accept pairing and continue.

    windows_8_bluetooth_passkey_validation

Now the unit is connected.

Choose “Remove device” to disconnect the unit in “All apps\Control Panel\Devices and Printers”.

windows_8_bluetooth_disconnect_device

Windows Vista\7 (Server 2008)

  1. Check that our computer has a recognizable external name.
  2. Ensure that a particular hardware component is enabled in “Start Menu\Control Panel\Hardware and Sound \Device Manager\Bluetooth Radios”.

    windows_7_bluetooth_hardware_check

  3. Check that associated network connection is enabled via “Start Menu\Control Panel\View network status and tasks\Change adapter settings”.

    windows_7_bluetooth_network_connection

  4. Check visibility for other equipment if needed.

    windows_7_bluetooth_discoverable_settings

  5. Activate pairing mode on the second unit. Particular descriptions are available for computer gadgets and mobiles.
  6. Add the second unit or open incoming connection attempt.

    windows_7_bluetooth_connect_device

  7. Validate Bluetooth passkey (or type the same on the second unit if necessary) and finish the process.

    windows_7_bluetooth_passkey_validation

Now the unit is connected.

To act device as the Internet connection to computer set it as “Access point”, Bluetooth network connection will be activated and we will be able to connect to the Internet.

windows_7_bluetooth_device_as_access_point

To unpair them go to “Start Menu\Control Panel\Hardware and Sound\Device and Printers” and choose “Remove device” from the popup menu.

windows_7_bluetooth_disconnect_device

Windows XP (Server 2003)

  1. Check that our computer has a recognizable external name.
  2. Ensure that the wireless equipment is enabled in “Start Menu\Control Panel\System\Hardware\Device Manager\Bluetooth Radios”.

    windows_xp_bluetooth_hardware_check

  3. Make sure that “Bluetooth Network Connection” isn’t disabled in “Start Menu\Control Panel\Network Connections”. E.g. it allows using a connected mobile unit to act as an Internet modem.

    windows_xp_bluetooth_network_connection

  4. Check for visibility for other equipment if necessary in “Start Menu\Control Panel\Bluetooth Devices\Options” by enabling “Turn discovery on”.

    windows_xp_bluetooth_discoverable_settings

  5. Enable pairing mode on the second thing. Particular instructions are available for computer gadgets and phone pairing.
  6. Use add wizard via “Start Menu\Control Panel\Bluetooth Devices\Devices\Add” or accept the incoming connection by click on the balloon.

    windows_xp_bluetooth_connect_device

  7. Validate the pairing pin (or enter it if necessary) to accept the pairing and finish the wizard process.

    windows_xp_bluetooth_passkey_validation

To unpair the second unit choose “Remove”.

windows_xp_bluetooth_disconnect_device

To use the unit as the Internet connection press “Connect”. E.g. we can share the Internet from our mobiles such as Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows phone to PC.

windows_xp_bluetooth_device_as_access_point

Notice that sometimes Windows might unable to connect our unit e.g. long driver installation. In such case try to reconnect or repeat connection procedure.

More information can be discovered in the original post about Connect Bluetooth on PC, laptop or netbook in Windows and on the main site.

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