Bluetooth has become one of the most convenient ways to connect devices wirelessly — from headphones and keyboards to smartphones and speakers. But if you’re using a Windows 10 computer and can’t seem to get Bluetooth to work, don’t worry. You’re not alone!
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through how to turn on Bluetooth in Windows 10, step by step. We’ll also cover what to do if Bluetooth isn’t showing up, how to connect devices, and how to troubleshoot common issues — all in simple, beginner-friendly language.
🔍 Quick Summary: Key Takeaways
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Settings | Click Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices |
| 2 | Turn On Bluetooth | Toggle the Bluetooth switch to “On” |
| 3 | Pair a Device | Select Add Bluetooth or other device to connect |
| 4 | Troubleshoot (if needed) | Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter or update drivers |
| 5 | Verify Connection | Check device connection in Bluetooth settings |
What Is Bluetooth and Why Is It Important in Windows 10?
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology that allows your PC to communicate with devices like:
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Wireless headphones or earbuds
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Bluetooth mice and keyboards
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Smartphones and tablets
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Printers and game controllers
It eliminates the need for messy cables and makes transferring files or using wireless accessories effortless.
Windows 10 comes with built-in Bluetooth support, but it’s turned off by default on some PCs. That’s why learning how to turn on Bluetooth in Windows 10 is the first step before you can connect any device.
How to Check If Your PC Has Bluetooth
Before you try turning Bluetooth on, let’s make sure your computer actually supports it.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
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Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
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Look for a category called Bluetooth.
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If you see entries like Intel Wireless Bluetooth, Realtek Bluetooth Adapter, or Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator, your PC supports Bluetooth.
Step 2: If You Don’t See Bluetooth
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Expand Network adapters — sometimes Bluetooth hardware is listed there.
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If there’s no mention of Bluetooth anywhere, your computer might not have a Bluetooth adapter.
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In that case, you can buy a USB Bluetooth dongle and plug it into your PC to enable Bluetooth support.
How to Turn On Bluetooth in Windows 10 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Now that you’ve confirmed your PC supports Bluetooth, let’s enable it.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
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Click the Start Menu.
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Select the Settings gear icon.
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Choose Devices from the options.
Step 2: Go to Bluetooth & Other Devices
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In the left sidebar, click Bluetooth & other devices.
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You’ll see a toggle switch labeled Bluetooth at the top.
Step 3: Turn On Bluetooth
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Flip the Bluetooth switch to On.
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When it’s on, the text “Now discoverable as [Your PC Name]” will appear below.
✅ Tip: If you don’t see a Bluetooth switch, it might mean your driver is disabled or missing — we’ll cover how to fix that below.
How to Turn On Bluetooth Using the Action Center
There’s an even faster way to enable Bluetooth without opening Settings.
Step-by-Step:
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Press Windows + A to open the Action Center (bottom-right corner of the screen).
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Look for the Bluetooth icon among the quick actions.
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Click it once to toggle Bluetooth On or Off.
If you don’t see the Bluetooth icon:
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Click Expand to view all quick actions.
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Still missing? You can customize Action Center to add Bluetooth (see below).
How to Add Bluetooth Icon to Action Center
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Go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions.
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Click Edit your quick actions.
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Press Add, then choose Bluetooth.
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Click Done to save changes.
Now, you’ll always have easy access to the Bluetooth toggle.
How to Connect a Bluetooth Device in Windows 10
Once Bluetooth is turned on, you can connect your wireless accessories easily.
Step-by-Step:
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Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
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Click Add Bluetooth or other device.
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Choose Bluetooth from the popup window.
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Make sure your device (headphones, phone, etc.) is in pairing mode.
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When it appears in the list, select it.
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Follow any on-screen instructions, and click Done.
Your device should now be connected wirelessly.
How to Turn On Bluetooth via Device Manager
If Bluetooth isn’t appearing in Settings, it might be disabled from Device Manager. Here’s how to fix that.
Steps:
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Press Windows + X → choose Device Manager.
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Expand Bluetooth.
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Right-click your Bluetooth adapter (e.g., Intel Wireless Bluetooth).
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Select Enable device.
If it’s already enabled, but you still don’t see Bluetooth in Settings, try updating the driver.
How to Update Bluetooth Drivers in Windows 10
Outdated or corrupted drivers can prevent Bluetooth from working properly.
Option 1: Update Automatically
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Open Device Manager.
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Right-click your Bluetooth adapter → Update driver.
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Choose Search automatically for drivers.
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Follow the prompts.
Option 2: Update Manually
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Visit your PC manufacturer’s website (like Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS).
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Search for your model number and download the latest Bluetooth driver for Windows 10.
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Install it and restart your computer.
How to Turn On Bluetooth Using a Keyboard Shortcut
Some laptops have Bluetooth hotkeys on the keyboard — usually combined with the Fn (Function) key.
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Look for a key with the Bluetooth symbol (🔵) or wireless icon.
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Press Fn + [that key] to toggle Bluetooth on or off.
If your laptop doesn’t have this shortcut, you’ll need to use Settings or Action Center.
How to Send and Receive Files via Bluetooth in Windows 10
Once your device is paired, you can easily transfer files.
To Send a File:
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Press Windows + S, type Bluetooth File Transfer, and open it.
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Click Send files.
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Select the paired device and follow on-screen instructions.
To Receive a File:
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Open Bluetooth File Transfer again.
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Choose Receive files.
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Send the file from your phone or another computer.
How to Fix Bluetooth Not Working in Windows 10
Sometimes, Bluetooth refuses to turn on or connect. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
1. Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter
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Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
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Click Additional troubleshooters.
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Select Bluetooth > Run the troubleshooter.
2. Restart Bluetooth Services
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Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
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Find the following:
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Bluetooth Support Service
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Bluetooth Handsfree Service
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Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service
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Right-click each → Restart.
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Set their Startup type to Automatic.
3. Check Airplane Mode
Sometimes, Airplane mode turns off Bluetooth automatically.
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Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode.
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Make sure Bluetooth is turned On while Airplane mode is Off.
Why Is the Bluetooth Option Missing from Windows 10?
If the Bluetooth toggle is missing, here are possible reasons:
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Disabled Bluetooth adapter
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Outdated or missing drivers
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Windows update glitch
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Hardware issue (especially on older PCs)
Quick Fixes
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Re-enable Bluetooth in Device Manager.
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Reinstall Bluetooth drivers.
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Restart your PC after a Windows Update.
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Use a USB Bluetooth adapter if the internal one fails.
Advanced Tip: Use Command Prompt to Enable Bluetooth
If you prefer tech shortcuts, you can enable Bluetooth services via the Command Prompt.
Steps:
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Type cmd in the Start menu and select Run as administrator.
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Enter this command:
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Press Enter — this starts the Bluetooth Support Service.
How to Remove or Forget a Bluetooth Device
If a Bluetooth device isn’t connecting properly, you might need to remove it and reconnect.
Steps:
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Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
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Select the device you want to remove.
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Click Remove device > Yes.
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Re-pair it using the Add Bluetooth or other device option.
Bluetooth Battery Level: How to Check It
Windows 10 can show your Bluetooth device’s battery percentage (if supported).
Steps:
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Open Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
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Under the connected device, look for the battery level indicator.
Tips for Better Bluetooth Performance
To keep your Bluetooth connection stable:
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Keep devices within 10 meters of your PC.
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Avoid physical obstructions like walls or metal objects.
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Turn off Wi-Fi 2.4GHz if it interferes with Bluetooth.
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Keep Bluetooth drivers updated regularly.
Conclusion: Turning On Bluetooth in Windows 10 Made Simple
And that’s it — you now know how to turn on Bluetooth in Windows 10 and connect your favorite wireless devices effortlessly!
By following this guide, you can:
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Enable Bluetooth quickly using Settings or Action Center
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Pair and manage devices easily
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Troubleshoot common connection problems
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Keep your PC’s Bluetooth working smoothly for all your wireless needs
So, go ahead — connect your headset, pair your phone, or send files in seconds without cables.
FAQs About Turning On Bluetooth in Windows 10
1. Why is there no Bluetooth option in Windows 10?
This usually happens when your Bluetooth driver is missing or disabled. Check Device Manager and reinstall or enable your Bluetooth adapter.
2. How do I turn on Bluetooth without the Settings app?
Use the Action Center (Windows + A) or a keyboard shortcut (Fn + key) if available. You can also use Device Manager to enable it.
3. How can I fix Bluetooth not connecting to my device?
Remove the device and reconnect it, update Bluetooth drivers, or run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter in Windows Settings.
4. Can I use Bluetooth on a desktop PC without built-in Bluetooth?
Yes! You can buy a USB Bluetooth dongle and plug it into any USB port to add Bluetooth functionality.
5. How do I know if my PC has Bluetooth?
Open Device Manager → Look for the Bluetooth section. If it’s missing, your PC might not support it natively.
Key Takeaways
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Bluetooth makes wireless connectivity easy on Windows 10.
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Enable it via Settings, Action Center, or Device Manager.
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Pair devices through the Add Bluetooth or other device option.
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Troubleshoot issues with drivers, services, or the built-in troubleshooter.
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Always keep Bluetooth drivers up to date for the best experience.