Almost every modern laptop from any manufacturer (lenovo, asus, toshiba, hp, dell, samsung, msi, etc.) is equipped with a built-in bluetooth module. Why is it needed? The functionality of this interface is extensive. Using Bluetooth, you can exchange various data with other devices (tablet, smartphone) without using USB or Wi-Fi. In addition, it is easy to connect a mouse, keyboard or wireless headphones through it.

However, few people use this feature. Why? Most often due to the fact that they simply do not know how to turn on bluetooth on a laptop. Although there is nothing complicated about it. Moreover, in this article you will find all the necessary information.

The first thing you need to find out is whether your laptop is equipped with a bluetooth module? After all, the presence of a corresponding button/switch on a laptop keyboard does not always indicate the presence of an adapter. Manufacturers sometimes save money by not installing this module on their equipment. Moreover, this information transmission technology has not been very popular lately. It has been supplanted by Wi-Fi and USB.

But how can you tell if a laptop has bluetooth? There are several options:

1. Go to the manufacturer's official website. Find your laptop model there and carefully study its characteristics. If your device is equipped with a Bluetooth adapter, you will definitely find out about it here.
2. Inspect the bottom cover of the laptop. Do you see a label there with the bluetooth brand logo and inscription? Then the device has this function.
3. You can also find out about the presence/absence of a Bluetooth adapter through Device Manager. This is quite easy to do. For example, in Windows 8 and 10, right-click on the Start icon. Then select "Device Manager". In the list that opens, you just need to find the line “Bluetooth radio modules”. If it is not there (and there is no other mention of Bluetooth), then it will not be possible to enable it. The corresponding module is simply not installed on the laptop.

Turn on bluetooth via hotkeys

So, you were able to find bluetooth in your laptop and are now sure that your device has this function. In this case, all that remains is to figure out how to activate or turn it off. This can be done different ways. The simplest is by pressing certain buttons on the laptop keyboard.

Almost all manufacturers (Lenovo, Samsung, Toshiba, Asus, Sony, etc.) provide a special key for turning on Bluetooth on a laptop. Usually this is one of the function buttons - F1-F12. It works in conjunction with the Fn key (located at the bottom left, next to Ctrl).

Finding out which button activates the function is easy. There will be a bluetooth icon on it. Exactly like in the picture. Reminds me of an antenna. You will only need to press this key in combination with Fn. In addition, there are laptops where Bluetooth is activated using a special switch. It is usually located on the side next to various connectors or above the keyboard.

How to check if bluetooth was turned on? It will appear in the notification panel on the right blue icon. Also, some laptops have a special indicator. If it lights up white, yellow, blue or green (depending on the model), it means you managed to turn on Bluetooth. What to do next?

1. Right-click on the icon.
2. Select the “Add device” item.
3. After which the laptop OS will start scanning. As soon as the search for Bluetooth devices is completed, you can select the equipment to which you need to connect to exchange music, videos, images and other files.

However, it also happens that you cannot turn on Bluetooth by pressing keys. You will find out further what needs to be done in this case.

For reference! Some laptop manufacturers combine the Bluetooth activation key with a button turn on Wi-Fi! A good example is models from the Acer Aspire line.

Install and update drivers

If bluetooth does not work, then most likely the problem is hidden at the software level. For example, quite often a function is not available due to a lack of drivers. Therefore, first of all, look at Device Manager. You can get into it like this: press Windows + R, type the command “devmgmt.msc” into the “Open” line and click OK. Then follow the following action plan:

1. Go to Device Manager and find your Bluetooth adapter. As a rule, it is displayed in the item " Network adapters", "Bluetooth radio modules" or separately.
2. Next, take a close look at the blue Bluetooth icon. If there is no markings in the form of a black arrow or exclamation point, then everything is fine. If there is an arrow, then you need to turn on the Bluetooth adapter via context menu by clicking “Engage”. An exclamation point on the icon indicates problems with the drivers. Just download them from the manufacturer’s website or click on “Update” in the “Driver” tab.
3. Still unable to turn on Bluetooth? Then, through the Control Panel, go to the “Network and Sharing Center” shared access" Next, click on “Change adapter settings.” Right-click on “Bluetooth Network Connections” and then on “Enable”.

By the way, this way you can enable Bluetooth on Windows 7 and Vista.

Enable and configure Bluetooth on laptops with different operating systems

It's easy to connect to bluetooth and use it. However, each OS version has some features. Therefore, we decided to tell you how you can enable data transfer via wireless network in Windows 7, 8, 10 and even on the “old” XP, and also what is the easiest way to connect other devices to a laptop via Bluetooth.

1. In the “seven” you need to go through Start to “Devices and Printers”. A window will open in which all gadgets connected to the laptop will be displayed. Here you can “connect” a new device via Bluetooth. We talked above about exactly how to enable this function on a laptop with Windows 7.
2. Owners and users of laptops running Windows 8 must first open the sidebar via the Win + C key combination, and then click “Options”. All you have to do is select “Change computer settings”, click on “Bluetooth” and turn the switch to the ON position.
3. In Windows 10, Bluetooth is turned on almost the same as in the G8. You need to open “Settings” through Start. Next, go to the “Devices” section. The last step is to select “Bluetooth” and activate the “On” position. After which the laptop will search for devices with which it can be paired.
4. You can enable and configure Bluetooth on a laptop with Windows XP as follows. Let's go to Start. Click on Control Panel. Then go to the “Bluetooth devices” section. In this menu we add a new connection using a special wizard.

For reference! There are special programs on the Internet that allow you to turn on Bluetooth and set up connections via this communication channel. One of the most convenient and popular utilities is Widcomm.

Possible difficulties and ways to solve them

What to do if the laptop does not find a device to connect via Bluetooth? Most likely, your tablet, smartphone or some other gadget has invisibility turned on for unrelated objects. Or detection is disabled on the laptop in the Bluetooth settings. You need to click on the module with the secondary mouse button, go to the “Settings” tab and check the box next to “Allow devices to detect this computer.”

If you still can’t connect, then the device is probably out of range of the radio module. You need to place it as close to the laptop as possible. Although it is believed that the range when transmitting data via Bluetooth is 10-50 m, but in reality this value is much lower. After all, in residential premises and offices there are various devices (cordless telephones, microwave ovens, etc.) that create interference and interfere with detection.

Bluetooth allows you to connect two devices wirelessly. Thanks to it, you can transmit various information from mobile phone, smartphone and other handheld computers to a laptop.

The presence of Wi-Fi replaces some of the functions of Bluetooth, however, the latter still remains in demand. This is due to the fact that there are various wireless headsets, speakers, mice, headphones, etc., which are connected in a similar way. In addition, it is better to have several ways to connect two devices, so that if the operation of one is disrupted, it is possible to transfer information or connect using another option. Many people are interested in the question of how to turn on Bluetooth on a laptop? This is due to the fact that this device is the most efficient way to exchange information between two objects.

Signs of built-in bluetooth

New laptops usually have built-in Bluetooth, while older models require you to purchase a special USB device.

You must first enable this option. Before you decide, you need to make sure it is available. On models with this feature there is a button to turn on the device and an indicator of its operation. Confirmation of the presence of Bluetooth is also a sticker with special markings. However, it does not exist on all models. This sticker is a characteristic element if there is Bluetooth on an Asus laptop.

You can fully verify the presence or absence of built-in Bluetooth using the information in the instructions supplied with the product or information on the manufacturer’s website. In addition, the keyboard of a laptop equipped with this option may have a special key with a characteristic icon.

Setting up built-in bluetooth on a laptop

Initially, you need to find the bluetooth power button on your laptop. It is often combined with Wi-Fi and is indicated by an antenna-shaped icon. If the buttons are spaced apart, then you need to look for an image in the form of two triangles. Next to it will be the required power switch.

Another way to activate Bluetooth is through the key combination Fn with F3 or F5. There is also a software option, which consists of clicking on the corresponding icon in the tray and selecting the “enable” item. For convenience, some manufacturers have equipped this element with a color change from gray to blue when activated. In addition, certain laptop models are characterized by the presence of a special indicator that lights up when Bluetooth is turned on.

Bluetooth on popular brands Lenovo and Acer

If there is built-in bluetooth on a Lenovo laptop, then the process of turning it on is quite simple. Just press the key combination Fn with F5, which will cause a special window to appear that allows you to turn the connection on and off.

Bluetooth on Acer laptop For example, Aspire models are activated using F3. On such laptops, confirmation that the device is turned on is the appearance of a special icon on the taskbar on the right. By pressing it, you can adjust the operation of Bluetooth.

Installing drivers and checking operation

None of the devices will work without drivers. To achieve a positive result, you need to know how to turn on Bluetooth on a laptop using these special programs. There are two options: use the disk supplied in the kit or if any problems arise, download the drivers from the manufacturer’s website. During installation, the application may ask you to turn on Bluetooth.

To check the operation of this connection method, you must use a telephone or other computer device with bluetooth available. To connect you need network name select an object, enter a special code for communication and try to transfer information. How are devices searched? Must click desired icon in the tray, where you will be able to find and connect to the mobile phone port.

Sometimes a situation arises that when Bluetooth is activated on a laptop, only the owner can connect to other devices. To ensure the possibility of connecting from the devices of friends and colleagues, you need to select the wording “Visible to everyone” in the settings.

Reinstalling drivers using an HP laptop as an example

The normal functioning of Bluetooth may be disrupted if the drivers fail. This event sometimes occurs when reinstalling Windows. For example, how to configure bluetooth on an HP laptop in this case. Initially, the system is scanned with a special program AIDA64/EVEREST. At the end, a report is issued about the type of installed Bluetooth, which will help you find suitable driver on the manufacturer's website. After downloading and installing software you need to restart your computer. On the manufacturer's website you can additionally download a special Connection Manager program.

How to set up Bluetooth on a laptop that is not equipped with this function

How to turn on bluetooth on a laptop without such a function. The only option is to connect a special module via a USB port. They are sold in many computer stores. The kit with such devices includes a disk with a set of drivers and software distribution.

The details of how to turn on Bluetooth on a laptop using an adapter come down to understanding that the installation process is normal. Any additional USB elements are configured in a similar way. After this, the system will write a message that new devices have been detected. When installing a disk, the wizard starts working in automatic mode. If problems occur, you can launch it manually through the Start menu. There you need to find the “run” option and enter “Disk name” in the empty line: \setup. Drivers for the Bluetooth adapter can be downloaded on the Internet if the disk is missing.

After installing the software, a shortcut will appear, by clicking on which you can adjust the operation of Bluetooth. After clicking on it, a window will open where you should enter a special name that other users will see when connecting. Next, you should specify the type of computer. In this case it will be a laptop. As when using the built-in Bluetooth, to connect via a USB adapter you must pass authentication, that is, enter a special code.

To enable Bluetooth on your laptop, you need to do a few fairly simple steps. First, make sure your laptop supports this technology. Second, determine your operating system: Windows or Mac. After that, go to the appropriate section in the table of contents and go through step by step instructions to turn on this device.

How to enable bluetooth Windows 7, Vista

Check the presence of the module in the list of devices “Bluetooth radio module” (step 3).

Necessary steps to enable bluetooth on a laptop:

1. Go to the “Start” menu, find “Control Panel” there and follow the link.

2. Find “Device Manager” in the control panel.

3. In the list of devices, find the line “Bluetooth radio modules”. Right-click on the corresponding model (highlighted in yellow) and select “Properties”.

4. Go to the “Driver” tab and if it is missing, go to “Update”. If everything is normal, close the window.

6. In “Network and Sharing Center” go to “Change adapter settings”.

7. Right-click “Bluetooth Network Connections” and select “enable”.

Windows 10

How to enable Bluetooth on Mac

On Mac laptops the process is even simpler:

1. Click on the “Bluetooth” icon;

2. Select the “turn on bluetooth” option.

Features of individual laptop models

On ASUS or Acer laptops there is a light that tells us that bluetooth is turned on. On them, a burning light bulb carries completely different information. Laptops have a sticker on the case showing the main characteristics this laptop. On these stickers we can see either just an icon in the form of the letter “B” or the full word Bluetooth. Switching on is done by pressing the button above the keyboard in the upper left corner.

There are two more options:

Not all brands of laptops have special drivers installed, which can be installed from the manufacturer’s official website.

Checking the correct connection

First, check how bluetooth works on any device. When you try to connect your phone to other devices, in the program window you can see phones that were detected with bluetooth enabled and available.

Above is how it looks on an iPhone. In the “Settings” section, “Bluetooth” subsection, you can find and check the functionality of the Bluetooth module.

Manufacturers of modern laptops equip their devices with a Bluetooth module, but users have a logical question - how to turn it on. It is important to understand the differences between WiFi and Bluetooth, although they are both protocols for wireless transmission data.

• WiFi is designed for wireless connection to the Internet and is not intended for data transfer between devices. We are talking specifically about modules built into laptops;
• The Bluetooth protocol, or “blue tooth” as it is called, is used to connect devices to each other and exchange information between them. For example, your laptop and wireless speakers.

We’ve sorted out the differences and purpose, let’s move on to the practical part.

Determining the presence of a Bluetooth module

Before turning on bluetooth on your laptop, it would be a good idea to check the presence of an adapter in your gadget and its correct operation.

For the most part, manufacturers combine both mentioned modules into one chipset, which, in the event of a physical breakdown, often leads to their joint shutdown.

Availability information wireless adapter may be present on the service label, on the bottom cover of the laptop, or in the device manager.

Once we have verified that the module is present, we can proceed to enable it.

Enabling Bluetooth using hotkeys

Most quick way activate “blue tooth” () – use a combination of hot keys carefully preset by the manufacturer. The key combination may differ not only depending on the manufacturer, but also on the model. Below is a table with popular combinations.

Before pressing, make sure that the “F” button has an icon wireless connection.

Found it? Now check if the icon appears on the right side of the taskbar and add required device to connect.

If your keyboard does not have this icon, you must turn on Bluetooth in Windows Settings.

Enable on computers running Windows 10

There are several ways to enable Bluetooth in Windows 10; we will look at the fastest one, through the computer settings.

1. From the Start menu, select Settings and go to the Devices tab.

2. The first section will be “Bluetooth and other devices”. Move the slider to the On position. The search for accessories available for connection will begin.

3. From the list provided, select what you need to start synchronizing.

Nothing found? Check whether the adapter is activated on the second device. If you are sure that everything should work, pay attention to the end of the article, where we will look at typical problems and ways to solve them.

Connection on Windows 8/8.1

1. Move your mouse to the far right side of the screen to pop up new panel, go to PC Settings - Computer and Devices.

2. Open the "Bluetooth" section.

3. Move the slider to the “On” position, after which the search for devices to pair will begin. Among the results, find the one you need and click connect.

The fastest way to get to your wireless settings is to use the Windows search tools.

Instructions for Windows 7

Enabling "blue tooth" on Windows 7 can be called universal– the method is 100% suitable for older versions of the operating system, although it is very problematic.

1. Open “Control Panel” - “Network and Internet”.

2. Go to Network and Sharing Center.

3. Select Change adapter settings.

4. Among others, find the “Network” shortcut bluetooth connection" Right-click on it and click “Enable”. You have enabled the wireless adapter.

5. To synchronize with other devices, return to the “Control Panel” and select “Add a device”.

6. Windows will begin searching for gadgets available for pairing; they will appear in the specified window. To connect, select the found equipment and click “Next”.

7. Depending on the type of gadget, additional confirmation may be required.

Once again this is universal method, suitable for operating system versions 7 and higher.

Solving possible problems

It is possible that you have completed all the steps described, but were unable to turn on Bluetooth. The reason may be software glitch in the hardware or the OS itself. One way to correct the situation would be to remove and re-add the module and then update the drivers.

1. Go to “Device Manager” (quick access using the Win + R key combination) and find your wireless adapter in the list.

2. Select it by clicking right button mouse and delete in the context menu.

3. On the “Action” tab, click “Update hardware configuration”, the Bluetooth module will appear in the list again.

4. Finally, search for new drivers through the context menu.

Also, installed antivirus software or, on the contrary, a virus may interfere with proper operation - this can be treated by reinstalling the system or temporarily disabling the antivirus. In other cases, I advise you to contact service center to solve the problem.

Laptops equipped with Bluetooth go on sale, as a rule, with the Blue Tooth adapter disabled: just in case, so as not to jeopardize the information stored on the device. Manufacturers are confident that the user himself will be able to turn it on when he needs it. What if he can’t?

To make working with Bluetooth easier, manufacturers install proprietary utilities on laptops. When they exist, the task is simplified, but what if there is no such utility or you cannot figure it out? Today I will tell you how to turn on bluetooth on a laptop using Windows and the device itself without using third-party applications.

Is there a “boy”?

The first thing you should make sure of before attempting to enable Blue Tooth is that it is present. The presence of a Bluetooth button/switch on the laptop body is not always a sign that the adapter is actually installed. Equipment manufacturers often indicate in product descriptions that they can change their configuration at their discretion, for example, in order to reduce the cost. The absence of a Bluetooth adapter does not in any way affect the “life activity” of the laptop, so they could easily save money on it.

To find out if your device has a Bluetooth module, you don’t need to disassemble anything. It is enough to inspect the stickers on the case, as well as the packaging and included documentation. The presence of the technology logo indicates that the adapter is installed.

This is what the sticker with the Blue Tooth logo looks like on the bottom of the Toshiba Satellite U500:

If the stickers do not clearly indicate anything, and the packaging has not been preserved, look for information on the laptop manufacturer’s website or ask the support team a question.

Hardware enable adapter

To figure out how to turn on Bluetooth on your type of laptop, take a look at the keyboard and the front and sides of the case. On some models, a switch is used for this - you can recognize it by the Blue Tooth logo icon. On others - a combination of pressing Fn and one of function keys(F1-F12). The symbols on the keyboard will help you determine where exactly to press.

On some laptops, such as the MSI X460 DX, there is a separate key to turn on Bluetooth:

On others, more often, it is combined with the Wi-Fi power button:

After activating the adapter, the “Blue tooth” indicator on the case will light up (if there is one, not all devices are equipped with it).

Driver installation

If, after turning on the hardware, Bluetooth still does not work, check. Look at the device manager (to get there, press Windows + R, enter the command in the “Open” line devmgmt.msc and click OK). Find the Bluetooth adapter in it: it can be in the list of “Network adapters”, “Bluetooth radio modules” or separately.

If there are no symbols near the adapter in the form of a black arrow or an exclamation mark in a yellow triangle, then it is installed and ready for use. If there is an arrow, it is disabled in operating system. To enable it, open its context menu and click " Engage».

A yellow triangle, question mark, or absence from the list of devices indicates problems with the driver - it is either not installed or is not working correctly. Go to the laptop manufacturer's website and download the driver appropriate for your operating system. Install it as a normal application and restart Windows.

Turn on Bluetooth in the OS and connect devices to it

Windows 7

• Go to Start and click " Devices and Printers».

• The window that opens after this will display all devices connected to the computer, including via Bluetooth.

Windows 8.1

• Click hot Windows keys+ C to open the Charms sidebar. Click " Options».

• Then click “ Change computer settings».

• Select from the list " Bluetooth» and in the right part of the window, move the slider to the ON position.

Windows 10

• Go to “Start” and launch the application “ Options».

• Open the section " Devices».

Here you can configure the visibility of the computer to other Bluetooth devices, display the icon in the system tray, and notify you when a new device is connected. Open the connection properties, go to the “Bluetooth” tab and click “ Options" Check the boxes that you need and save the settings by clicking OK.

Why doesn't Bluetooth work?

Problems with the launch and operation of Blue Tooth arise for the following reasons:

• The function key driver is missing. If you have recently reinstalled Windows, download it from the manufacturer's website and install it.
• Improper functioning and interaction of drivers. To solve this problem, first reinstall the driver for the chipset, then for the Bluetooth adapter.
• Disable Bluetooth support service. Check this through the Services system snap-in.
• Sources of electromagnetic interference located near the laptop (power cables, microwave ovens, etc.). Try establishing a connection in another place in the apartment.
• Blocking the connection by an incorrectly configured antivirus or other security programs. Check their settings.
• Problems in the operating system, prohibition using local security policies, virus infection. It can be solved depending on the situation, at most by reinstalling the OS.
• Mechanical defect of the switch or malfunction of the adapter - contact a service center for repair.

Good luck with your connection!