You need to be able to access Bluetooth on your computer and your phone to use Bluetooth headphones, transfer files or wirelessly connect with your phone. It is easy to turn Bluetooth on in Windows 10. Some errors may occur which can make things more difficult. Here are the steps to fix or turn on Bluetooth in Windows 10.
How to activate Bluetooth in Windows 10
Windows 10 automatically recognizes Bluetooth functionality on your computer. Here’s how you activate the device if it isn’t showing.
Option 1: Turn Bluetooth On Through Settings
- To open the Start Menu, click the Windows icon. then click on “Settings.”
- Select “Devices,” then click “Bluetooth & Other Devices.”
- You should now switch the “Bluetooth” option to “On.” Windows 10 Bluetooth should now be active.
Option 2: Turn Bluetooth On Using Keyboard
- To turn Bluetooth on, look for the icon “Bluetooth” and click it.
The icon may appear in the Function Keys at top. To make it work, press and hold the button first, then the key. This depends on the configuration of your computer’s keyboard.
Pairing with Devices
Bluetooth doesn’t change your computer except for the fact that it consumes your battery. It allows you to connect to Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Bluetooth headphones, earbuds and smartphones.
It is easy to connect your computer with a Bluetooth device by simply finding it in the “Bluetooth and other devices” menu. The device must be set to pairing mode, and must also be discoverable. The instructions manual will contain all the information you need to pair any Bluetooth device.
Click on the device to connect. Then select “Connect.” It should be established quickly.
Troubleshooting
The Bluetooth function on Windows 10 computers can sometimes malfunction. While the official methods mentioned above are the easiest way to turn Bluetooth on, sometimes they don’t work. Restarting your device is the fastest way to go. Restart your computer after it reboots.
Bluetooth Support on Your Computer?
Try “Device Manager” to check if Bluetooth is available. Your PC might support Bluetooth functionality, but it may not be listed in the devices list. This happens if there is not a Bluetooth driver installed for the internal adaptor or component. But, the majority of internal Bluetooth devices are detected regardless of whether they have been installed.
- Click on Cortana’s search bar, type Device Manager,, and then select it from the drop-down menu.
- You should look for Bluetooth entries in Device Manager. If they are there, it means that the computer supports Bluetooth. However, it might not be functioning correctly. Bluetooth locations in “Device Manager”, include Network adapters, Bluetooth, and Other devices. You can skip step 3 if the driver and item are not listed.
- Your PC can still support Bluetooth, but it will not be listed in Device Manager. You will need to install the driver in that situation.
If you can’t find your Bluetooth device in Device Manager, it is likely that the problem lies elsewhere.
Updating the Bluetooth Driver
You should always check for updates whenever a feature of a Windows computer stops working. Bluetooth adapters, like all components, require software to function properly. Windows 10 updates can cause device drivers and functionality to be broken.
You can update drivers manually or automatically. Although it is a tedious process, the manual method will still do the job. You can find the Bluetooth device that your computer uses (using Device Manager). Next, search for the device’s name and download drivers from the official site.
You can also download a third-party software that will automatically install any missing drivers on your computer. These services can be expensive. Be careful when installing third-party software. Certain programs are more likely to install the wrong drivers. Before you use the software to update system components, back up your system drivers.
Restart your computer after installing the drivers.
Re-Enable the Bluetooth Software
Sometimes components stop working properly due to system errors. Bluetooth components are often affected by this problem. To prevent it from happening again, go to Device Manager to locate your Bluetooth component. Right-click the entry and choose Disable device. Right-click again on the entry and choose Enable device. Restart your computer to turn on Bluetooth.
Try uninstalling the driver if you are still having problems with Bluetooth. Sometimes a new installation is enough for the device. This won’t cause any damage to the device or take it off the list, unless you delete the driver.
Bluetooth Support Service
We’ll have to dig a little deeper. If none of these solutions work, you can use the “Run” feature.
- To bring up the Run window, hold down the key.
- Enter “services.msc”, without quotes, in the command box. Click “Enter” or “OK”.
- A new window with a list will open. Right-click on the “Bluetooth Support Service”, and choose “Start.”
- If you don’t want to go through the same steps every time your computer starts, there is one more thing you can do. Click Bluetooth Support Service in the “Services” window. Navigate to the “Startup type”, found under “General” tab, and click “Automatic.” If necessary, click “Apply” then “OK”.
What else can cause Bluetooth failure?
While the majority of these methods will resolve Bluetooth issues in Windows 10, there is a chance that Bluetooth still doesn’t work. If this happens, you should contact the manufacturer or retailer. A USB Bluetooth adapter can be purchased if this is not possible.
Sometimes it is as easy as forgetting to attach or properly reattach Bluetooth when you tear down a laptop or desktop for cleaning or repair. This would make Bluetooth not work and cause it to disappear from Device Manager.
Turning on Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a feature that Windows computers have built in. But that is often not the case. Software or hardware problems can cause it. Before you do anything, make sure your computer supports Bluetooth. Many older computers don’t support it. Also, update the software. Most likely, at most one of these methods will work.
