How to Turn On Bluetooth Windows 10 (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you use wireless headphones, speakers, a keyboard, or even want to transfer files from your smartphone, you’ll need to know how to turn on Bluetooth Windows 10. While Bluetooth is built into most laptops and many desktop PCs, some users struggle with missing toggles or hidden settings.

This guide will show you the different ways to turn on Bluetooth in Windows 10, connect your devices, and fix problems if the option doesn’t appear.

Why Use Bluetooth on Windows 10?

Bluetooth makes your computer far more versatile. With it, you can:

• Connect to wireless headphones, earbuds, or speakers.
• Use Bluetooth-enabled keyboards and mice without dongles.
• Send and receive files between your PC and phone.
• Save battery by switching Bluetooth on and off when needed.

Whether you want to pair devices or just explore the Bluetooth settings on Windows 10, the steps below will help.

How to Turn On Bluetooth Windows 10 via Settings

The most reliable way to turn on Bluetooth Windows 10 is through the Settings app.

1. On your Windows 10 computer click on the Start button
2. Click on the “Settings” gear icon, which will open the Windows Settings app or just press the shortcut keys “Windows key + I“.
3. Select Devices.
4. Click Bluetooth & other devices from the left-hand menu.
5. Find the Bluetooth toggle switch and turn it On.

After turning it on, your Windows 10 PC can now be detected by nearby Bluetooth-enabled devices, making pairing possible.

Turn On Bluetooth Windows 10 Using Action Center

If you’re looking for a quicker way to turn on Bluetooth Windows 10 without opening the full Settings app, use the Action Center. This method is ideal if you frequently need to toggle Bluetooth on and off for different devices.

1. Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen and click the Action Center icon (speech bubble).
2. Look for the Bluetooth tile among the quick settings.
3. Click the tile to turn Bluetooth on/off.

Tip: If the Bluetooth tile doesn’t appear, click Expand to show all available quick actions. If it’s still missing, you may need to check your Bluetooth driver or hardware.

Access Bluetooth Settings in Windows 10

To manage devices after enabling Bluetooth:

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
2. Click Add Bluetooth or other device.
3. Select Bluetooth and wait for your PC to scan.
4. Choose your device from the list.
5. Confirm the pairing request if prompted.

This is the same place where you’ll see all paired devices under Bluetooth and other devices settings.

How to Turn On Bluetooth on PC (or Laptop)

The steps are the same for both laptops and desktops:

• Laptops usually have Bluetooth built-in.
• Some desktops may require a USB Bluetooth adapter before you can use the feature.

If you don’t see any Bluetooth on/off switch in Settings, check whether your PC has Bluetooth hardware.

How to Pair a Bluetooth Device on Windows 10

After turning on Bluetooth, follow these steps to pair your smartphone or other devices:

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
2. Click the + Add Bluetooth or other device button.
3. Make sure your device’s Bluetooth is turned on and set to discoverable.
4. Select Bluetooth (for mice, keyboards, pens, phones, etc.).
5. Wait for Windows 10 to scan for nearby devices.
6. When your smartphone appears in the list, click it.
7. A pairing request will appear—select Pair.

Now your smartphone is successfully connected to your Windows 10 computer via Bluetooth.

How to Remove a Paired Bluetooth Device or Turn Off Bluetooth

If you no longer need a device connected:

1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
3. Select the device you want to remove.
4. Click Remove device, then confirm with Yes.

To turn Bluetooth off on Windows 10, simply toggle the switch under Bluetooth & other devices back to Off.

Fix: Bluetooth On/Off Toggle Missing in Windows 10

Sometimes, you may not see the Bluetooth toggle in Settings or Action Center. Common fixes include:

• Check Device Manager:
  1. Right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Bluetooth.
  3. If missing, your PC may not support Bluetooth.
• Enable the driver: Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select Enable device.
• Update Bluetooth drivers
  1. Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Bluetooth.
  3. Right-click your adapter and select Update driver.
• Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter:
  1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  2. Click Additional troubleshooters.
  3. Select Bluetooth > Run the troubleshooter.

Advanced Fixes If Bluetooth Still Won’t Turn On

If Bluetooth won’t turn on in Windows 10 even after the above fixes:

• Restart your PC.
• Uninstall and reinstall the Bluetooth driver.
• Turn off Airplane mode.
• Install the latest Windows 10 updates.
• Try an external USB Bluetooth dongle.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to turn on Bluetooth Windows 10 is simple once you know where to look. You can use either the Settings app or the Action Center to enable it. If the Bluetooth on/off switch is missing, updating drivers or using the troubleshooter usually solves the problem.

With Bluetooth enabled, your PC is ready to pair with headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, and other devices — making your Windows 10 experience more seamless and wireless.

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