Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows you to connect devices as long as they're relatively close to each other physically. Nowadays, Bluetooth can be used to power devices like wireless headphones, mice, keyboards, and more, and it's as essential to many people as Wi-Fi or even cellular connectivity.
Most modern laptops and PCs already come with Bluetooth support out of the box, so all that stands between you and your Bluetooth devices is actually connecting them. Thankfully, this is fairly easy to do in Windows 11. If you're not sure how to do it, we're here to help.
Windows 11: Everything you need to know
Windows 11 is the latest and greatest operating system from Microsoft, and it packs a ton of changes. Here's what you need to know.
How to turn on Bluetooth in Windows 11 with Quick Settings
One of the new features in Windows 11 is the Quick Settings panel, which gives you fast access to certain features, including turning Bluetooth on or off. In Windows 11 version 22H2, it also gained the ability to connect to Bluetooth devices more easily. Here's how it works:
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Click the Wi-Fi, sound, or battery icons on the system tray of your Windows 11 taskbar to open the Quick Settings panel.
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You should see the Bluetooth button in the middle. If the button is colored, that means Bluetooth is already on. If it's not colored, click the Bluetooth icon to turn it on.
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The icon will likely still say "Not Connected" underneath, which is normal. Click the arrow next to the Bluetooth icon.
You may not see this arrow if you're running the original Windows 11 release. You'll have to use the Settings app, as explained below.
- Your PC will search for Bluetooth devices. Make sure the device you want to connect is turned on and in pairing mode. Devices may not be detected if they're connected to another device.
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Select your Bluetooth device from the list.
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Your PC will try to connect to the device you selected, and you should see a screen like this when it's done.
You can now use your Bluetooth peripheral with your Windows 11 PC. Devices like mice, keyboards, and headphones should work as intended, without needing additional setup.
How to turn on Bluetooth with the Settings app
If you'd rather use the full Settings app to connect to your Bluetooth devices, you can do it that way, too.
- Open the Settings app.
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Choose Bluetooth & devices from the menu on the left side.
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Click the toggle next to Bluetooth to switch it On if it isn't already.
- To add a Bluetooth device, click the + Add device button at the top of the page.
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Choose Bluetooth in the window that pops up.
- Your PC will start searching for devices. Make sure your Bluetooth device is turned on and in pairing mode.
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Choose your device from the list.
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Click Done once the connection is established. You'll see your connected device at the top of the Settings page.
What is Swift Pair?
Similar to Android or iOS, Windows 11 comes with a feature called Swift Pair. This feature allows compatible Bluetooth devices to automatically detect your PC and prompt you to connect. When a Swift pair-compatible device enters pairing mode, you'll see a notification on your desktop asking you if you want to connect to the device. All you have to do is click Connect, skipping all the steps above.
There's an option to disable this feature by going into the Bluetooth & devices section of the Settings app and then choosing Devices. Simply toggle Show notifications to connect using Swift Pair.
There should be no reason to disable this feature, though, as it makes it much easier to connect to modern Bluetooth devices.
Bluetooth is easy to use in Windows 11
That's pretty much all you need to know to turn on Bluetooth and connect your favorite devices to Windows 11. If you're looking for more help with your PC, check out how to customize Windows 11, where we've compiled a ton of information on all kinds of customization options.