How-toBluetooth

How to pair a Bluetooth device with Windows

Connect headphones, a speaker, a keyboard or a mouse to a Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC, step by step, and learn how to remove a device you no longer use.

  • Updated
  • 6 min
  • Beginner
Applies to
  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10

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Pair a Bluetooth device, such as headphones, a speaker, a keyboard or a mouse, with a Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC. Afterwards, see what to do next and how to remove a device you no longer use.

Windows 10 no longer gets security updates

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Pairing still works the same way, but plan to move to Windows 11, or enroll in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates program if your PC cannot upgrade. Until then, take extra care with banking and email on that PC.

What you need

  • A PC with Bluetooth. Most laptops have it built in. If you have a desktop PC without it, see how to add Bluetooth to a desktop PC.
  • The accessory, charged or with fresh batteries, and within a few feet of the PC.
  • The accessory's manual, or the maker's support page, to find how to start pairing mode. Pairing mode makes the accessory visible for a short time. The method differs by product: often you hold the power or Bluetooth button until a light blinks. For the idea behind it, see how Bluetooth pairing works.
Pairing a device with Windows5 numbered steps, one under the other. The full text follows the picture.Pairing a device with Windows1Turn on BluetoothSwitch it on in Settings orQuick Settings2Pairing modeHold the accessory's buttonuntil its light blinks3Add the deviceChoose Add device, thenBluetooth4Select itPick the accessory's nameand follow any prompt5DoneThe device shows asConnected
Put the accessory in pairing mode right before you search.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Turn on Bluetooth: Switch it on in Settings or Quick Settings
  2. Pairing mode: Hold the accessory's button until its light blinks
  3. Add the device: Choose Add device, then Bluetooth
  4. Select it: Pick the accessory's name and follow any prompt
  5. Done: The device shows as Connected

Pair a device in Windows 11

  1. Select Start, then Settings.
  2. Select Bluetooth & devices. Make sure the Bluetooth switch at the top is On.
  3. Put your accessory in pairing mode. Check that its light is blinking.
  4. Select Add device, then select Bluetooth.
  5. Wait a few seconds. Select your accessory's name in the list.
  6. If a code or prompt appears, follow it. A code is usually the same on both screens, or a number to type on a keyboard. If you did not start this pairing, select cancel.
  7. Select Done. The device now appears under Devices and says Connected.

For a faster route, select the Network, Sound or Battery icon near the clock, then select the arrow (Manage Bluetooth devices) next to the Bluetooth tile. Under New devices, select your accessory. If the Bluetooth tile is missing, you can add it in the Quick Settings pencil (edit) menu.

Pair a device in Windows 10

  1. Select Start, then Settings, then Devices.
  2. Select Bluetooth & other devices. Switch Bluetooth to On.
  3. Put your accessory in pairing mode.
  4. Select Add Bluetooth or other device, then select Bluetooth.
  5. Select your accessory in the list and follow any prompt.
  6. Select Done.

Swift Pair

Some accessories support Swift Pair. With the accessory in pairing mode and close to the PC, a notification may appear. Select Yes the first time if Windows asks to allow Swift Pair, then select Connect in the notification. In Windows 10, select Close after it connects. If no notification appears, use the steps above.

Check that it worked

  • Headphones or a speaker: play a sound. If you hear nothing, open the sound options from the speaker icon near the clock and choose the Bluetooth device as the output. See no sound on Windows.
  • Keyboard or mouse: press a key or move the mouse. The pointer or text should respond within a second or two.

From now on, switching the accessory on should reconnect it by itself while Bluetooth is on. You pair once. You do not need to repeat these steps each time.

Remove a device you no longer use

  1. Open Settings then Bluetooth & devices then Devices in Windows 11, or Settings then Devices then Bluetooth & other devices in Windows 10.
  2. In Windows 11, select the three dots on the device, then Remove device. In Windows 10, select the device, then Remove device.
  3. Confirm when asked. The device disappears from the list, and you must pair it again to use it.

Removing and pairing again is also the usual first fix when a device that worked before stops connecting.

If something goes wrong

Common pairing problems and what to try
What you seeWhat to try
The accessory is not in the listPut it in pairing mode again and check the light is blinking. Move it closer. If it is connected to a phone, turn Bluetooth off on the phone first.
The Bluetooth switch is missingThe PC may have no Bluetooth, or the adapter is off or has a driver problem. See Bluetooth missing in Windows.
It pairs, then will not connectRemove the device on the PC, turn the accessory off and on, then pair it again.
Still not visibleMicrosoft says you can set Bluetooth devices discovery to Advanced in Bluetooth settings to show more devices. Use this only while you are pairing something you own.

For more fixes, see Bluetooth won't pair or connect. If the sound plays in one ear only, see Bluetooth headphones: one side or low volume.

Pair only what you started

If Windows shows a pairing request for a device you did not set up, decline it. Pair in a place you trust, such as your home.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to pair every time I use my headphones?

No. Pair once. After that, the PC and the accessory reconnect when both are on and close, and Bluetooth is on in Windows.

Can one accessory pair with both my phone and my PC?

Yes, it can be paired with both. Many accessories connect to only one at a time unless they offer a feature that lets them stay connected to two devices. Check the accessory's manual.

Why does the code on my screen not match?

If two codes are shown and they differ, cancel the pairing. Put the accessory back in pairing mode and try again, and make sure no other device is trying to connect.

How do I know which Bluetooth version my PC has?

Open Device Manager from the Start button's right-click menu, expand Bluetooth, and open the radio's Properties. On the Advanced tab, the LMP number under Firmware Version matches a Bluetooth version. Microsoft's page on Bluetooth versions has the table. Newer and older versions still work together, with the features that both support.

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Official resources used

Pages consulted while preparing this guide. Check them for the latest details.

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