Bluetooth is quickly becoming a vital part of our ever-changing world. Everything from phones, laptops, PCs, televisions, and other home appliances are coming equipped with Bluetooth compatibility. These Bluetooth features can help declutter your space by removing wires from the whole equation, or they can allow you to control the functions of devices from your phone remotely. To say the least, the introduction of Bluetooth technology has been absolutely revolutionary.If you're wondering about the benefits and drawbacks of a wireless vs Bluetooth mouse, connecting your Bluetooth device, whether it's a mouse, keyboard, headphones, or speaker, can help you determine which is better for you.
Depending on your device and operating system, syncing it up with other Bluetooth gadgets can vary quite a bit. When connecting your Bluetooth device, like a mouse or controller, you might start to question whether a wired or wireless gaming mouse would be better for your gaming setup.Below, we have included steps to connect any Bluetooth device with your Windows 10 operating system PC or laptop. Read more to learn how.
Follow These Steps
Connecting your Bluetooth device, whether it is a mouse, keyboard, headphones, or speaker, is relatively simple if you follow these simple steps below.
- Turn on Bluetooth on the device you want to connect to your PC.
- On your PC, find the Start menu and click Settings>Devices>Bluetooth and Other Devices.
- From there, turn Bluetooth on and click on the desired device you want to connect.
It should be noted that you also might need to double-check and make sure that your computer supports Bluetooth connectivity. For example, some PCs might run on the Windows 10 operating system but are not Bluetooth-compatible.
For Printers and Scanners
Printers and scanners can sometimes be troublesome, regardless of Bluetooth or wired. They follow a separate set of steps that you can read more about below.
- Power up the printer or scanner and make it discoverable. This might require a little bit of reading into the instruction manual, as it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
- On your PC, click Start>Settings>Devices>Printers & Scanners>Add Printer and Scanner. It will take a few seconds to search for nearby printers or scanners. Once the device shows up on the list, click Add Device.
Issues With Connecting
Sometimes there might be minor problems connecting your Windows 10 PC to a Bluetooth device. Below, we have compiled a list of some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them.
Have You Tried Turning It Off and Back On Again?
This phrase is the most basic and universal IT solution to everything. Sometimes, simply disabling Bluetooth on both devices and turning it back on will solve the problem. Other times, totally restarting might lead to better results.
Is Bluetooth On?
Yet another oversimplification, but you wouldn't believe the number of issues that arise from having one device in discovery mode and the other's Bluetooth capability turned off. Double-check to ensure both devices are able to discover each other to pair up properly.
The Distance Between Us
In some situations, location is critical. For example, some Bluetooth devices can have a range of up to 10 meters (33 feet), while others are somewhat limited. Try moving them closer together and avoid barriers and obstacles that may cause issues.
Are They Both Bluetooth Enabled?
This seems silly, but as mentioned earlier, some Windows 10 laptops and PCs might not support Bluetooth, as it is only an operating system. Just because the mouse, keyboard, and speakers have the ability doesn't mean it will work with your computer.
Check the Pulse
Assuming everything is copasetic and compatible, check the battery or power level of what you are trying to connect to the PC or laptop. If the battery power is too low, your device could have connectivity issues. These issues could range from totally not working to connectivity dropping off occasionally.
Is It Up To Date?
Because PCs, laptops, and other electronics constantly require updates, this could be a quick software fix. Check and see that your system and drivers are all up to date. This is usually done automatically, but just in case you want to do it manually, here are the steps:
- Click Start>Settings>Windows Update
- Click on the update and see which drivers and updates are available.
If it isn't a computer issue, check the device manufacturer's website. They will often provide users with information about updates for drivers and updates. Sometimes, all it takes is a quick download, and everything is up and running.
Forget About It
Too many remembered connections and pairings could be a problem for some devices. You might have to disconnect or forget all previous links and reconnect them one by one. Sometimes, you could also just disconnect the one giving you issues and then reconnect.
The Cordless Wrap-up
Connecting your Bluetooth devices shouldn't be a difficult task, but sometimes technology can be a burden unto itself. Hopefully, following the aforementioned information should make connecting your devices to a Windows 10 operating easy.