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To pair a Bluetooth device in Windows 11, turn on Bluetooth, put the accessory in pairing mode, then select it from Quick Settings or Settings. To remove a paired device, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices and choose Remove device from its More options menu.
Before you pair a Bluetooth device
- Check that the PC supports Bluetooth. Most Windows devices include it. If yours does not, a USB Bluetooth adapter can add Bluetooth support; an adapter is not needed when the PC already has working Bluetooth.
- Turn Bluetooth on. Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices and switch Bluetooth on. You can also open Quick Settings by selecting the network, sound, or battery icon on the taskbar and use its Bluetooth tile.
- Make the accessory discoverable. Turn it on and put it in pairing mode. The button press or other action varies by device, so check its manufacturer’s instructions. Keep it close to the PC.
Microsoft’s Bluetooth pairing instructions cover these prerequisites and both Windows 11 pairing routes.
Pair a device in Windows 11
Use Quick Settings if the device is visible under New devices. Use Settings if you are already managing Bluetooth devices there. Both routes require Bluetooth to be on and the accessory to be in pairing mode.
Pair from Quick Settings
- Select the network, sound, or battery icon on the taskbar to open Quick Settings.
- Select the chevron next to Bluetooth to open Manage Bluetooth devices.
- Under New devices, select the accessory you want to pair.
- Follow any on-screen prompts, then select Done.
Pair from Settings
- Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
- Start adding a device from the Bluetooth controls and select the accessory when Windows displays it.
- Follow the prompts to complete pairing.
Some supported accessories can also pair using Swift Pair. After pairing, Windows can reconnect automatically when Bluetooth is on and both devices are in range.
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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
Remove a paired device
- Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
- Find the device, select its More options (…) menu, then choose Remove device.
- Confirm the removal when prompted.
Windows’ Bluetooth troubleshooting guidance documents removing and re-adding a device as a remedy when it is listed but will not connect.
Fix pairing and connection problems
The device does not appear
- Confirm Bluetooth is on and that the PC supports Bluetooth.
- Turn on the accessory, put it in pairing mode, and move it closer to the PC. The pairing-mode procedure depends on the accessory’s model.
- In Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices, check whether the Bluetooth device discovery setting needs to be changed to Advanced.
- If the steps above do not help, consult the accessory manufacturer’s instructions.
The device appears but will not connect
- Check that the accessory is powered, charged, in pairing mode, and within range.
- Remove it using the steps above, then pair it again.
- Switch Bluetooth off and back on, and try Microsoft’s Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
- If it still does not connect, check for Windows updates and restart the PC.
Microsoft’s connection troubleshooting page states: “Your Bluetooth device must be in pairing mode and within range of your PC.” These steps may help identify a problem; they do not guarantee a fix.
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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
The Bluetooth toggle is missing
A missing Bluetooth switch may mean the PC does not have a Bluetooth adapter or its adapter driver is not installed. Microsoft’s Bluetooth troubleshooting guidance covers adapter and driver checks. If the PC has no Bluetooth hardware, a USB Bluetooth adapter is one option.
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Best Value
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.
Rank #4
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UGREEN USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC Bluetooth 6.0 Dongle Receiver
- This Bluetooth adapter for PC utilizes the latest Bluetooth 6.0 EDR technology, delivering faster data transfer speeds, seamless high-quality audio/video streaming, and efficient large-file transfers.
- Up to 5 Devices Sync Connected: This 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. Note: If Bluetooth audio devices of the same type (such as speakers/headphones) are connected, only one device can play music.
- Ultra-High Data Transfer Speeds: With Bluetooth 6.0 technology, this bluetooth dongle will bring us a faster speed experience. And Bluetooth 6.0 is backward compatible with Bluetooth5.4/5.3.
- EDR and BLE Technology - This Bluetooth dongle is equipped with enhanced data rate and Bluetooth low energy, it wil optimize energy.
- Plug and Play: The Bluetooth receiver is developed for Windows systems only and does not support other systems. No driver installation is required under Windows 11/10/8.1. NOTE: Linux and MacOS , Win 7 System are NOT supported.
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)
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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