Windows 11 and Adding Bluetooth Devices

Introduction

Windows 11 provides support for Bluetooth and wireless devices provided that Bluetooth is installed and enabled on the computer.

Note: Installing Bluetooth itself is beyond the scope of this document and only covers making sure it is enabled if present.

 

Procedure

Step 1

Locate the Settings application on your device by either clicking Windows Key + I or by searching Settings in the taskbar.

Computer settings interface with a search bar and a list of app and system settings options.

 

Step 2

In the left-hand side, locate Bluetooth & devices in the menu and click it.

A computer screen displaying a settings menu with a light blue background; options include "Bluetooth & devices," "Network & internet," "Personalization," and others, with "Bluetooth & devices" highlighted.

 

Step 3

In the resulting page, you should see an option to toggle Bluetooth on your device. Ensure that this is set to On before trying to pair any devices.

Once you have done this, click Add device to begin the pairing process for your wireless device.

Settings interface for Bluetooth and devices, featuring an "Add device" button, a Bluetooth section displaying device name, and categories for managing connected devices.

 

Step 4

In the resulting pop-up, you will be presented with a few options for adding a device. Today, we will Bluetooth for our type of device, but know that these other options exist if you ever need to connect any other types of wireless devices.

Screenshot of a computer interface titled "Add a device," displaying categories for Bluetooth, wireless displays, and other devices, with a cancel button at the bottom.

 

Step 5

At this point, you will see a list of available Bluetooth devices nearby to connect to your device. Depending on the device your trying to add, you may need to put that device in pairing mode to be able to see it on this list. Consult the instructions from the manufacturer of that device to find out how to put it into pairing mode.

Once the device is in pairing mode, it should show on this pop-up. Once it is shown, click that device to complete the pairing process.

A device pairing interface showing three options: HATTIE, Unknown device, and Beats Studio Buds, with a Cancel button at the bottom.

 

Step 6

If the attempt to connect to your Bluetooth device was successful, you will see the page below.

You will also see in the Bluetooth & devices page that the device will now show up as an option, so you no longer have to go through the pairing process again. You can click on the Bluetooth device here to reconnect.

A device pairing interface showing three options: HATTIE, Unknown device, and Beats Studio Buds, with a Cancel button at the bottom.Bluetooth and devices management interface showing connected "Beats Studio Buds" and options for adding devices, printers, mobile devices, and cameras.

 

Disconnecting Bluetooth Devices

Step 1

If you ever need to disconnect a Bluetooth device, you can simply click the three dots at the top-right of device and click remove. The device will soon be removed from your system.

Bluetooth device management interface showing connected Beats Studio Buds with options to disconnect or remove the device, and a button to add a new device.

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