How to Pair a Bluetooth Device in Windows

Tap through each step to see how a Bluetooth device gets paired.

  1. Go to Settings, Bluetooth & devices

    Open the Settings app and go to "Bluetooth & devices."

  2. Click "Add device"

    Click the "Add device" button, then select "Bluetooth."

  3. Put the device you want to connect into pairing mode

    On the earbuds, keyboard, mouse, or other device, press its pairing button or power it on so it enters pairing standby.

  4. Select the device from the list to finish connecting

    Click the device you want from the list of results, and the connection completes automatically.

  5. Why it is worth using

    The first time you connect a Bluetooth device like wireless earbuds or a keyboard to your computer, pairing gets it set up simply, with no cable required.

The first time you connect a wireless device

Wireless earbuds, keyboards, mice, and speakers all rely on the same basic Bluetooth pairing process the first time they connect to a new computer. Once paired, the device typically reconnects automatically the next time both it and the computer have Bluetooth turned on, so this setup only needs to happen once per device.

If the device is not showing up in the list

A device that will not appear almost always comes down to one of two things: it is not actually in pairing mode, or its Bluetooth is not turned on at all. Most devices need their pairing button held down for a few seconds -- a quick press is often not enough -- so it is worth confirming that specifically before assuming something is broken.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the device does not show up in the list?

Double-check that Bluetooth is turned on for the device and that it is actually in pairing mode -- usually entered by holding its pairing button down for a few seconds -- and confirm Bluetooth is on for your computer as well, then search again.

How do I remove a device I already connected?

On the same "Bluetooth & devices" screen, click the connected device and choose "Remove device" to delete the connection.