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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Turn on Bluetooth on both devices, make the Android phone discoverable, then add it from Windows’ Bluetooth settings. Pairing saves the connection between the phone and PC; to transfer a file, you must start Windows’ separate Bluetooth file-receiving workflow.
Pair the Android phone and Windows PC
- Check Bluetooth on the PC. In Windows 11, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices and turn Bluetooth on. In Windows 10, open Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and turn Bluetooth on. If Bluetooth is not available, check the PC specifications and Device Manager for an adapter and its driver before assuming the PC supports it. Microsoft’s Windows pairing guide explains how to check and pair.
- Make the Android phone available. Open the phone’s Settings and turn Bluetooth on. Choose Pair new device, or the equivalent option to search for devices. Exact labels and menus vary by Android version and phone maker; searching Settings for “Bluetooth” can help locate the controls. Google’s Android pairing instructions describe the general path.
- Start the search in Windows. In Windows 11, select Add device > Bluetooth from Settings > Bluetooth & devices. In Windows 10, select Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth from Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Select the phone and confirm. When the Android phone appears in Windows, select it. Follow the prompts on both devices. If a code or confirmation appears, check that the two devices show a matching code before accepting it.
- Check that pairing was saved. The PC should appear in Android’s saved or paired devices. Paired devices generally remain paired until you remove or unpair them; with Bluetooth enabled and the devices in range, they may connect automatically.
If the devices cannot find each other
- Confirm Bluetooth is on on both devices, keep them nearby, and leave the phone’s Bluetooth screen or device-search view open while Windows searches. Windows requires the other device to be on and discoverable; how to make it discoverable depends on the device.
- Refresh Android’s available-device list or restart Bluetooth on both devices, then try adding the phone from Windows again. Android’s controls differ among manufacturers and versions.
- If Windows offers no Bluetooth controls, check the computer’s specifications and Device Manager for Bluetooth hardware and a working driver. A USB Bluetooth adapter is an option only if the PC lacks built-in Bluetooth; Microsoft does not recommend a particular adapter in its cited guidance.
Microsoft says support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 PCs still work, but Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for that version after that date. This is a support-status note, not a change to the pairing steps.
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Transfer a file over Bluetooth
Pairing does not open a file browser or automatically transfer anything. To receive a file from Android, first put Windows into its receive-ready state:
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- In Windows, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices > Send or receive files via Bluetooth. In the Bluetooth File Transfer window, choose Receive files.
- On Android, choose the file and use the phone’s Bluetooth share option to send it to the PC.
- When Windows prompts you, choose where to save the received file.
For a file sent from Windows to Android, choose Send files in the same Bluetooth File Transfer workflow, select the phone, and follow the prompts. If you do not see Send or receive files via Bluetooth, the PC may lack a Bluetooth adapter or may need its Bluetooth driver installed. Microsoft’s Bluetooth file-transfer guidance covers the send and receive process. If a transfer does not start after pairing, check that the receiving device is actively waiting for the file.
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TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC - Bluetooth 5.4 USB Dongle Receiver
- Bluetooth 5.4 + Broad Compatibility - Provides Bluetooth 5.4 plus EDR technology and is backward compatible with Bluetooth V5.3/5.0/4.2/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1.
- Faster Speed, Extended Range - Get up to 2x faster data transfer and 4x broader coverage compared to Bluetooth 4.0 — perfect for smooth audio streaming and stable connections.
- EDR and BLE Technology - This Bluetooth dongle is quipped with enhanced data rate and Bluetooth low energy, UB500 has greatly improved data transfer speed and operates at the optimal rate of power consumption
- Nano-Sized - A sleek, ultra-small design means you can insert the Nano Bluetooth receiver into any USB port and simply keep it there regardless of whether you are traveling or at home
- Plug & Play with Free Driver Support - Plug and play for Windows 8.1/10/11 (internet required). Supports Win7 (driver required and can be downloaded from website for free). Download the latest driver from TP-Link website to utilize Bluetooth 5.4
Choose the right way to connect or copy files
Bluetooth pairing, phone integration, nearby sharing, and a wired copy solve different problems:
| Option | Best for | What it needs | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth pairing and file transfer | An occasional manual file send between paired devices | Bluetooth hardware and drivers on the PC; both devices nearby; Windows must be set to receive before Android sends | Pairing alone neither transfers files nor exposes phone features. |
| Phone Link | Using supported phone features from Windows, such as calls, messages, or photos | Microsoft lists Windows 10 with the October 2022 update or later, or Windows 11; Android 10 or later; and a shared Wi-Fi network. Setup uses Phone Link on Windows and Link to Windows on Android, typically with a QR code or manual code. | Available features depend on permissions and support. Microsoft’s Phone Link requirements and setup. |
| Quick Share | Nearby file sharing between Android and a Windows PC | Google lists Windows 10 64-bit or later (Windows 11 or later for ARM-based PCs), Android 6 or later, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi or Ethernet enabled, the same network, and devices within five meters. Regional availability and some PC or network capabilities can affect discovery. | The five-meter figure and system requirements are Quick Share requirements, not a universal Bluetooth range claim. Google’s Quick Share requirements. |
| USB cable | Directly copying files in Windows | A data-capable USB cable; unlock the phone, connect it, then choose File Transfer in the USB notification | Not all USB cables transfer data. Google’s Android USB file-transfer instructions. |
Pairing does not connect phone features to Windows
To access supported phone features on the PC, set up Phone Link rather than relying on Bluetooth pairing. Start Phone Link on Windows, follow its setup prompts, then connect the Android phone with Link to Windows. A QR code or manual code is typically used during setup, and you grant permissions for the features you want to use. The requirements and availability are listed in Microsoft’s Phone Link documentation.
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Long Range USB Bluetooth 5.4 Adapter for Desktop PC Plug&Play Mini Dongle
- Bluetooth 5.4 dongle: Applies the latest Bluetooth 5.4+EDR technology, compatible with Bluetooth 5.3/5.2/4.2/4.2 LE/4.0/2.1+EDR, and supports Dual mode (BR/EDR+ Bluetooth Low Energy) to achieve low energy consumption and high speed. Quick response and better anti-interference.
- Plug & Play: USB wireless Bluetooth is not limited by network and location, no need to install drivers, just plug the USB wireless adapter into your computer, you can use it directly. You can use the Bluetooth function at any time. Greatly improve your work efficiency and save your time.
- Long Range Bluetooth Adapter: The USB Bluetooth 5.4 dongle uses Class 1 radio technology, equipped with extra long antenna, and the transmission range in the open area can reach 500ft/150m, Bluetooth connections are no longer affected by distance. Note: The actual transmission range will be affected by physical obstructions and wireless interference.
- Fast Transmission Rate: This upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 adapter features EDR technology and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) configuration up to 3Mbps, which greatly improves transmission rates and reduces the loss of transmission efficiency due to interference in the 2.4GHz band. Enables fast, no delay wireless data connections between your computer and Bluetooth devices.
- System Support: The upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 dongle has a wide range of applications. You can connect up to 5 devices at the same time using Bluetooth wireless. Such as Bluetooth speakers,keyboards,headsets,mice, and Bluetooth printers,etc. Only supports Windows 11/10/8.1, Not compatible with Mac OS, Linux,car stereo systems,XBOX,ps4 or TVs.
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USB Bluetooth 6.0 Adapter for Desktop PC: Plug & Play 600FT Long Range Wireless Dongle with 5dBi Antenna for Laptop Windows 11/10/8.1, Pair BT Headphones/Headset/Speaker/Mouse/Keyboard/Print Servers
- Long Range Bluetooth Adapter: Techkey USB Bluetooth 6.0 dongle utilizes Class 1 radio technology and features an extended antenna, providing a transmission range of up to 600ft/200m in open areas, ensuring that Bluetooth connections are no longer limited by distance. (Please note that physical obstructions and wireless interference may affect the actual transmission range.)
- Fast Transmission Rate: With EDR technology and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) configuration, this upgraded Bluetooth 6.0 adapter achieves speeds of up to 3Mbps, greatly improving transmission rates and reducing efficiency loss due to interference in the 2.4GHz band. This allows for fast, seamless wireless data connections between your computer and Bluetooth devices.
- Real Plug & Play with Free Driver Support: Techkey USB wireless Bluetooth is not constrained by network or location, requiring no driver installation. Just plug the USB wireless adapter into your computer and start using it right away. Enjoy the convenience of Bluetooth functionality at any time, enhancing work efficiency and saving time.
- Latest Bluetooth 6.0 dongle: Utilizes the latest Bluetooth 6.0+EDR technology, compatible with Bluetooth 6.0/5.4/5.3/5.2/4.2/4.2 LE/4.0/2.1+EDR, and features Dual mode (BR/EDR+ Bluetooth Low Energy) for reduced energy consumption and enhanced speed, ensuring quick response and superior anti-interference capabilities.
- Up to 7 Devices Sync Connected: The upgraded Bluetooth 6.0 dongle is designed for a wide range of applications, allowing simultaneous connections with up to 7 Bluetooth wireless devices such as speakers, keyboards, headsets, mice, and printers. It is exclusively compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1 and does not support Mac OS, Linux, car stereo systems, XBOX, PS4, or TVs.
Rank #3
UGREEN USB Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter for PC Bluetooth Dongle Receiver
- Upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter: This bluetooth adapter for pc uses the latest upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 BR+EDR technology, greatly improves the stability of the connection data transfer speed, reduces the possibility of signal interruption and power consumption.
- Up to 5 Devices Sync Connected: UGREEN Bluetooth dongle for PC supports up to 5 different types of Bluetooth devices to be connected at the same time without interfering with each other, such as Bluetooth mouse/keyboard/mobile phone/headphones, etc. If Bluetooth audio devices of the same type (such as speakers/headphones) are connected, only one device can play music.
- Plug and Play: The Bluetooth adapter is developed for Windows systems only and does not support other systems. No driver installation is required under Windows 11/10/8.1. NOTE: Win 7, Linux and MacOS System are NOT supported.
- Mini Size: An extremely compact Bluetooth stick that you can leave on your laptop or PC without removing it.The compact size does not interfere with other USB ports. Convenient to carry, no space occupation.
- What Can I do if the Bluetooth adapter can not work?: Ensure there are no other Bluetooth devices installed on the computer. If there are, disable all existing Bluetooth devices in "Device Manager", then insert the adapter and try again. (For detailed information please read the user manual)
Rank #2
Amazon Basics Bluetooth 5.4 USB Adapter Dongle for PC, USB Receiver for Bluetooth Mouse, Keyboard, Laptop, Works with Windows 11/10/8.1
- INSTANT BLUETOOTH ACCESS: Bluetooth dongle adapter receiver for PCs converts non-Bluetooth devices into Bluetooth-capable with simple USB connection
- WIDE COMPATIBILITY: Supports Bluetooth 5.4 and is backwards compatible with Bluetooth 5.3/5.2/5.1/5.0/V4.2/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1; ONLY works with Windows 8.1, 10, and 11
- MULTI-DEVICE CONNECTION: Connect up to 6 devices simultaneously; Not compatible with all other operation systems e.g. Mac, Linux, Chrome, Unix, Playstation(PS), Windows 7 and below; Nano bluetooth receiver can be plugged in via any standard USB port
- ENHANCED PERFORMANCE: EDR and BLE technology offers enhanced data rate/transfer speed and low energy consumption
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Not compatible with all other operation systems e.g. Mac, Linux, Chrome, Unix, Playstation(PS), Windows 7 and below; Disable any built-in Bluetooth of the device before use this product, refer to the user manual for detail
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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