How to use bluetooth on a laptop. How to enable bluetooth on a laptop under different versions of Windows. Adding third party devices

Before proceeding to the study of the issue itself, let's find out what Bluetooth is and how it works.

What is Bluetooth? This is a module for wireless transmission data. They can be voice, streaming (audio) and regular files. It works in two modes: both as a receiver and as a transmitter. This wireless device is indispensable when transferring files from your smartphone to your computer.

The Bluetooth adapter can come in different revisions or versions, starting with 1.0, which was released in 1998 and had a number of compatibility problems, and ending with version 4.1 with low power consumption and high speed.

AT mobile computers, module wireless communication, reduces the battery life of the device. Therefore, manufacturers have provided both hardware and software enable/disable of these modules. Below is an instruction on how to enable the bluetooth adapter on a laptop.

How to check if laptop has bluetooth

You can try to turn devices on or off, puzzle over why it does not work. But it simply may not be in the laptop.

There are several ways to check the availability of a function on a laptop.

by laptop part number;
according to the corresponding stickers;
by the presence of a bluetooth status indicator.

The part number is the full name of the laptop model. For example, if we are talking about ASUS, then it will look something like this: X102BA-DF010H. By entering this number into the search on the manufacturer's website, you can find out if the laptop has this function.

Be careful and carefully check that all letters and numbers match your model. A number with one slightest difference can correspond to a completely different laptop.

Sometimes laptop manufacturers indicate the availability of additional options using stickers. So, a sticker with the bluetooth model and version can be glued to the bottom of the case. If there is such a sticker on the bottom of your computer, then everything is in place.

If there is a small bluetooth logo on the laptop status indicator panel, this is a sure sign that it is present in this laptop. If it is not there, then you need to inspect the keyboard for hot keys for enabling this option. But the surest way is to check by part number, which never lies.

bluetooth in bios

Sometimes, after changing the hardware configuration, after reinstalling the OS, or after other manipulations with the computer, the system does not see wireless devices: neither bluetooth nor Wi-Fi modules. This is a sure sign that these modules are disabled by software through the BIOS.

How to enable bluetooth on a laptop in bios? You can do the following:

go to BIOS. To do this, hold down the DEL or F2 key when starting the laptop. AT latest versions laptops use the ESC or F1 keys to enter the BIOS;
check the status of the bluetooth module. Opposite the value of "bluetooth" should be "enable". If it is "disable" - change the value. If it is impossible to turn it on or off in BIOS, it means that it is constantly active. If at BIOS boot it is not visible - you need to flip through the pages and menus;
Be sure to save the settings and restart your computer. After that, the OS will detect a new device and request a driver.

Video: How to turn on wifi on an Asus laptop

How to turn on bluetooth on a laptop

First you need to install the drivers provided by the manufacturer. Even if after Windows installation sewn into the system standard drivers- they may not work correctly with different device models. You need to download drivers only from the official websites of laptop manufacturers.

Standard path:

in the notification area, click on the oval Bluetooth icon;
in the menu that opens, click enable / disable Bluetooth.

Ways to turn on

Main tools:

using hardware buttons;
using the keyboard;
through the OS control panel;
from the command line.

Some laptop models have hardware switches. If it is, you need to move it to the "ON" position. These switches are often found in premium laptops such as the Sony VAIO.

Keyboard shortcut

Almost all laptops are equipped with the FN key, which is always used to access additional features laptop. In combination with others, this key can control the speaker volume level, display backlight brightness, enable and disable optional equipment.

You can turn on bluetooth in a laptop using the FN key combinations + the key with the bluetooth icon. This key is usually F3. Often bluetooth and Wi-Fi are one module. Accordingly, they are also turned on and off together with the FN + F5 key combination. Next, consider how you can enable this module without a keyboard.

How to enable without a keyboard

If the keyboard does not work, the adapter can be turned on without it. Different OS versions provide different ways software inclusion wireless devices. Consider the simplest and easiest ways for each operating system. Let's start with the most recent.

In Windows 8.1, this is also very easy.

In Windows 8, this is no more difficult to do:

In Windows 7, the easiest way to monitor the operation of the bluetooth is with the help of factory utilities, which often come with a laptop, or are available for download from the computer manufacturer's website. The interface of such programs is extremely simple, and they do not need an explanation.

It is also convenient to manage the status of the bluetooth adapter using a special icon to the right of the taskbar. By clicking on this icon right click you can access various modes and features of the adapter. You can turn it on and off, pair it with devices, control data transfer, and more.

If these methods do not help, make sure that the bluetooth module is enabled in the device manager. Also check if the drivers are installed correctly.

For this you need:

open the control panel;
in the "Administration" category, go to the "computer management" item. The computer control panel will open;
by going to the "Device Manager" tab, you can see all the devices and modules running on the computer. Find your Bluetooth device.

If an icon with a question mark or an exclamation mark is drawn next to it, the drivers need to be updated or reinstalled.

It may happen that in nature there is simply no driver for your bluetooth adapter for some older versions of Windows. For example, for XP, many laptop manufacturers do not test or even write drivers. This problem can be circumvented by purchasing an external bluetooth adapter.

Using the command line

You can also manage the status of wireless devices from the command line. But this method is much more complicated than all of the above.

For frequent use, you can simplify this process a little. The command: "devcon enable ID" can be placed in an empty text file, which will then be saved with the *.bat extension. To enable the adapter, it will be enough to run this file with the command.

If there is no fn button

It is extremely rare for laptops to have no FN button. Without the fn button, controlling a laptop is not so convenient. But, you can turn on Bluetooth without it. You can use software tools from different software vendors.

Some of them:

Lenovo ReadyComm - for Lenovo laptops;
ASUS Wireless Console - for ASUS laptops;
HP Utility Center - a comprehensive utility from HP to manage all devices, including Bluetooth;
Widcomm, AirShare - paid and free utility third party manufacturers.

These programs are extremely easy to use. For example, let's see how bluetooth is turned on through Widcomm software:

after installing the utility, a shortcut with the Bluetooth logo will appear to the right of the taskbar and on the desktop;
Right-clicking will open a menu with a lot of options. Among them will be the item "Enable / disable Bluetooth device";
by clicking on it with the left mouse button, the wireless adapter will turn on.

Also, in the absence of a function key, you can use the methods described above:

switching on via command line;
activation through the control panel;
enabling with hardware switches.

Bluetooth can be turned on in several ways. If you are not familiar with the operation of the computer, then use the method that you understand. You should not use the command line and other complex schemes.

If you are using Windows 8, then there should be no problems with launching the bluetooth module. All hardware manufacturers regularly update driver versions for this OS. In addition, the interface and work with Bluetooth are user-friendly and devoid of all sorts of problems.

Many people use technology to share Bluetooth data, but do not know what it is, and perhaps some are just going to use it. This article will briefly describe what Bluetooth is; how this kind of radio communication works; where it is used and how to use Bluetooth on your computer.

Bluetooth is a wireless radio standard that connects different types of devices over short distances and is designed to create personal networks. Bluetooth technology uses the same 2.4 GHz operating frequency as 802.11b and 802.11g wireless standards, but in turn consumes less power during operation.

Low power consumption results in a much narrower range and slower data transfer rates, but this connection method has found its niche and is used almost everywhere.
There are three classes of Bluetooth radios. Class 1, used for industrial purposes and providing a range of up to 100 meters; while 100 mW is used for power supply. Class 2 is the most widely used radio channel, using only 2.5 mW and providing a range of up to 10 meters. Class 3 uses 1 mW for power, but the coverage radius is only 1 meter.

This technology is used in many devices that have Bluetooth chips. The most common use of mobile phones is to communicate with computers, headsets and other devices. This type of connection allows remote control game consoles, many tablets and laptops also have Bluetooth chips. There are other Bluetooth-enabled devices: wireless mice and keyboards, car audio systems, and so on.

A Bit of Bluetooth History

The term Bluetooth is associated with the name of the 10th century Danish ruler Harald Blåtand - or Harald Bluetooth on English language. He was the first ruler to unite the warring factions now called Norway, Sweden and Denmark. If you translate Bluetooth, you get the phrase “titmouse tooth”, you can see Bluetooth or Bluetooth much more often.

Bluetooth was invented by the Swedish company Ericsson in 1994. Since 1998, the standard has been managed by the Bluetooth Special Group (SIG) - the body that oversees development Bluetooth standards, licensing of Bluetooth technologies and trademarks for manufacturers. This organization is focused on the development of the standard, new versions, but not the production and sale of Bluetooth products, leaving such an opportunity to licensed manufacturers.

The latest standard versions used in most modern Bluetooth devices 3.0 and Bluetooth 4.0 - 4.2.

Bluetooth 3.0 is used in most modern smartphones and other devices. The standard was adopted on 21 April 2009 and provides for theoretical data rates up to 24 Mbit/s.

Bluetooth 4.0 is an improvement over version 3.0 and provides more low power consumption at the same transfer rate. The standard was adopted on June 30, 2010, and the number of devices using this version is growing steadily. Some of the most famous smartphones using this version are the iPhone 6 and samsung galaxy S3.

The most up-to-date, at the time of this article's release, is Bluetooth 4.2, introduced on December 3, 2014.

How to use Bluetooth on your computer?

Bluetooth is integrated into almost every smartphone and tablet, and is also available in a number of laptops. But the presence of Bluetooth chips in stationary computers rather an exception to the rule.

That's why, the only way, to have Bluetooth on a desktop computer is to purchase a small Bluetooth adapter with a USB connection interface. Such adapters can be found in almost any computer store.

When choosing a Bluetooth adapter, you need to pay attention to the supported version of Bluetooth. You need to purchase at least version 3.0, if not 4.0 or later. Typically, the cheapest USB adapters only provide support for Bluetooth version 2.1. More expensive adapters tend to support the latest versions.

The installation of such devices usually takes place in automatic mode(Plug and Play). Windows 7, 8 or 10 simply detects the Bluetooth USB adapter and installs its drivers automatically. The device can then be used immediately.

If the operating system does not find the device driver, you need to use the CD that came with the device, or search for drivers on the manufacturer's website. You can use a dedicated utility to expand communication capabilities.

When the Bluetooth module on the computer is running, you can see it blue icon in the notification area of the taskbar. If the Bluetooth icon is not there, it means that the installation was not completed correctly or there is no Bluetooth at all.

So, now it has become clear what Bluetooth is, the principles of its operation, the possibilities and methods of use. But there is a Wi-Fi Direct communication standard, which has advantages over Bluetooth and therefore has every chance of replacing it.

The Bluetooth interface has now become quite widespread among different types devices, in particular personal computers, mobile phones, tablets and others. Of course, users are not immune from various problems. Most often, it is easy to understand the causes of problems, it is enough to be familiar with the basic principles of the functioning of the specified interface. "Bluetooth" - what is it? How to use it?

Technology features

Bluetooth is a short range wireless interface developed in 1994 by engineers at Ericsson in Sweden. In 1998, a number of companies created a special organization Bluetooth Special Interest Group (Bluetooth SIG), which is still working in the development, promotion and implementation of this technology. At the moment, the number of companies that have become members of the association has exceeded 13,000.

The main advantage of this technology is that the Bluetooth connection does not require large resources in terms of power consumption, and the cost of transceivers is relatively low compared to other wireless transmission technologies. All this makes it possible to use technical solution even in small devices with miniature batteries. For the use of the described interface, equipment manufacturers are not required to pay anything to the creators of the technology. This fact played an important role in such a wide distribution of this interface in various devices.

What is it for?

Briefly, we examined what "Bluetooth" is. That this is a useful thing is already clear. And how to use it, still needs to be figured out. The main purpose of this technology is to create personal networks, providing opportunities for data exchange between gadgets located nearby. It can be laptops, desktops, mobile and peripheral devices, as well as many other things that belong to this category.

Application

Bluetooth can be used for various purposes. We have already learned that this is a device that allows you to combine several devices into a network. But how does the connection take place? In the case of two gadgets, the connection is carried out according to the point-to-point scheme, and in the case of a large number of devices, this will already be a point-to-multipoint scheme. Regardless of the scheme used, a master and slaves are allocated.

The master device sets the template used by all slaves, and it is also responsible for the tasks of synchronizing all devices. Through such a connection, a piconet is formed. Within the framework of one such solution, the combination of one master and seven slave devices is allowed. In addition, it is possible to add several more devices to the piconet, which will be slaves, but only in the status of temporarily blocked. They do not take part in information exchange, however, are synchronized with the master using the Bluetooth interface. What it is, it becomes clear if you imagine how data from one source is received by all others in real time. It is convenient and opens up a lot of opportunities for organizing work.

Maximum number of devices

Another level of interfacing is the combination of several piconets into a single distribution network. To do this, a device that is a slave in one piconet takes over the tasks of a master in another. In this case, the peculiarity is that piconets belonging to the same distribution network use different templates and are not synchronized with each other. One distribution network cannot include more than 10 piconets. It turns out that by organizing a distribution network, including Bluetooth devices, it is possible to combine up to 71 devices in total.

Features of data transfer

For a radio channel of 2.4-2.4835 GHz is used, supplemented by the method of pseudo-random tuning of the operating frequency. The specified range is divided into 79 channels, for each of which a 1 MHz bandwidth is allocated. The top and bottom of the range contains unused bands that are considered guard bands. Data transmission is carried out using Gaussian phase modulation, which implies a change in time of the carrier frequency, respectively, with a Gaussian curve, and this significantly limits the spectrum of the emitted signal.

The "Bluetooth" adapter exchanges data within time intervals, the length of which is 625 μs. The transmission of each slot ends with a transition to a new frequency channel. The link layer assumes that data is exchanged in packets, each of which is one to five slots long. A certain part of them can be reserved for synchronous channels intended for broadcasting streaming data. It turns out that the transfer can be carried out not only by synchronous data, but also by asynchronous ones.

The specification of the Bluetooth device provides for the possibility of using two types of communication: synchronous with connection establishment, as well as asynchronous, in which connection is not established. The use of the first option is relevant when creating point-to-point channels between master and slave devices. The purpose of the second is to organize point-to-multipoint pairing between the piconet master and all slaves.

Bluetooth device classes

Depending on the power and efficiency of the range of the "Bluetooth" adapter, there are three classes of transceivers. The most common option, relevant for use in most computers and mobile devices, produced by modern industry, are second-class transceivers. Medical equipment is equipped with low-power class 3 transmitters, and the most long-range modules belonging to class 1 are used in control and monitoring systems for industrial equipment.

Customization Features

If you want to install "Bluetooth" on a computer, and then use it to pair with any devices, then you should be guided by the features of its settings. With this technology, short range radio waves can be used to connect to wireless networks, as well as access to peripheral devices compatible with the technology version: printer, mouse, mobile phone, as well as other computers and communicators.

Since it is about wireless connection, that is, carried out by means of radio waves, then any peripheral device it is allowed to move in space, while the connection will not be lost if it does not leave the "visibility" zone. If you want to connect, you should know that this is done automatically when the device enters the transmitter's coverage area. You only need to make all the necessary settings once. In most laptop models, transmitters are built in from the beginning, you only need to configure them correctly so that everything will work without interruptions later.

Setting up a Bluetooth device for Windows

To carry out this operation, you need to perform very specific actions. First you need to make sure that the laptop has this adapter. After that, you need to download all the necessary drivers. After activating the driver installer and launching the Add Device Wizard, everything will be determined automatically.

When the device is discovered, it will need to be added. If the system was unable to find it, then you should make sure that the device is fully charged and receiving power, that it is turned on and located in the coverage area. Information about the range of any device can be found in the accompanying documentation. After the detailed check of the component is completed, you need to restart the Add Device Wizard.

Problems that may arise

If you are puzzled by how to enable Bluetooth, you may notice that if the component itself is not present on the laptop taskbar, the corresponding icon may be present. It must be hidden. To do this, click on the icon, and then on the "Settings" item.

When Bluetooth devices are turned on, the display shows a list of all paired devices that are available within the operating range. Moreover, each, as mentioned earlier, has its own range, which must be taken into account when pairing.

Features of work

All latest models phones, tablets and laptops receive a Bluetooth module as a mandatory component, the presence of which is confirmed by a logo icon on the screen or device case. When a connection is established, the corresponding logo will appear on the screen, and data exchange is accompanied by additional indication. Now manufacturers are embedding a Bluetooth device on a tablet, phone, and computer.

In addition to mobile devices, this technology applicable to desktop computers, to provide communication between mice, keyboards, digital cameras, scanners, printers, headphones and a variety of headsets. This equipment supports communication over a distance of up to 100 meters. Sometimes, wireless support is possible even when using devices located in different rooms.

Pairing different devices

If you use Bluetooth for a phone or other devices when connected to a PC, then you need to install a connector port on the computer, shaped like a regular USB flash drive. Driver and necessary programs are usually supplied with the equipment, but if they are not, then you can always use the help of the official website to obtain the necessary applications.

If we consider the device "Bluetooth" for the phone, then those using this technology have become the most. With their help, you can talk on the phone even when your hands are busy: when playing sports, driving a car, etc. If you know how to turn on Bluetooth to activate the headset, you can always free your hands while talking by phone. The device itself can be in a bag or pocket at this time.

Bluetooth, as a medium for transferring large amounts of data, is practically not used due to the widespread use of Wi-Fi.

However, to connect wireless mice, headsets, this technology is still widely used.

In today's review, we will talk about turning on bluetooth on a laptop.

At the very beginning, we should mention the fact that for the normal functioning of the wireless bluetooth adapter, you should take care of installing the correct drivers .

The fact is that after reinstallation, the operating system installs the drivers automatically and often after installing such drivers, the device may not work correctly.

Therefore, you should take care of this and download them from the official website of the equipment manufacturer.

Setting up Bluetooth in Windows 7

Setting up Bluetooth in Windows 8

For turning on Bluetooth in Windows 8 you need:

Move the mouse cursor to one of the corners of the display and open the Charms-bar, then click "Settings".
Select "Change computer settings", then select "Wireless Network".
In the wireless modules management menu, you can enable wireless adapters including bluetooth.

In order for devices to be able to connect via bluetooth, go to the “Devices” menu and click the “Add device” item.

If the above method did not help, try going to the device manager.

To do this, press the key combination Win + R and enter the command "devmgmt.msc" without quotes and click "OK".

In the menu that opens, go to the properties of the adapter and look at the warnings for errors.

Go to the "Driver" tab and pay attention to the developer (supplier) of the driver and the date of development.

As shown in the example, the driver is 9 years old and it is desirable to install more new version from the manufacturer.

Setting up Bluetooth in Windows 8.1

To enable Bluetooth in Windows 8.1, you must:

Move the mouse cursor to one of the corners of the display and open the Charms-bar, then click "Settings" and "Change PC settings".
Next, go to the "Computer and Devices" menu, and then go to the "Bluetooth" submenu.
After selecting this menu, the wireless module will automatically search for available Bluetooth devices, also automatically making the laptop visible to other devices.

Hardware enable Bluetooth on a laptop

At the moment, most laptop manufacturers do not make a separate button to turn on Bluetooh and Wi-Fi, but combine the inclusion of both wireless modules with one button, or rather, the Fn + one of the function keys from F1 to A12.

Paying attention to the function keys (from F1 to F12) of your laptop, you can find the wireless icon on one of them.

Almost all laptops have indicator lights for wireless modules, and a glowing indicator indicates that the adapter is on, otherwise there is no backlight.

Operation indicators are placed by laptop manufacturers, usually on one of the sides or front of the laptop.

Quite rarely, the indicators are located directly near the touchpad or on the laptop display case.

Some HP notebook models have an indicator light built into the keyboard button (F12).

Below is a list of keyboard shortcuts that enable / disable the Bluetooth module for some laptops.

Acer: Fn+F3

Asus, Dell, Gigabyte: Fn + F2

Fujitsu: Fn + F5

How to easily enable and set up Bluetooth on a laptop

How to enable Bluetooth on Asus laptop, HP, Dell, Acer

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 sure 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 are, 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. Windows tools and the device itself without the use of third-party applications.

Is there a "boy"?

The first thing to make sure before trying to turn on the Blue Tooth is that it is available. The presence of a bluetooth button / switch on the laptop case is not always a sign that the adapter is really installed. Manufacturers of equipment often indicate in product descriptions that they can change their packaging at their discretion, for example, in order to reduce the cost. The absence of a Bluetooth adapter does not affect the “life” of the laptop in any way, so it could well have been saved on it.

To find out if your device has a Bluetooth module, you do not need to disassemble anything. It is enough to inspect the stickers on the case, as well as the packaging and enclosed documentation. The fact that the adapter is installed is indicated by the presence of the technology logo.

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

If nothing is clearly indicated on the stickers, and the packaging has not been preserved, look for information on the laptop manufacturer's website or ask a question to the support service.

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 identify it by the Blue Tooth logo icon. On others, a combination of pressing Fn and one of the function keys (F1-F12). To determine exactly where to press, the symbols on the keyboard will help.

On some laptops, such as the MSI X460 DX, a separate key is allocated to enable bluetooth:

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

After the adapter is activated, the Blue Tooth indicator on the case will light up (if there is, not all devices are equipped with it).

Driver installation

If, after hardware enabling, Bluetooth still does not work, check. Look into the device manager (to get there, press Windows + R, type in the "Open" command devmgmt.msc and click OK). Find the bluetooth adapter in it: it may be in the list " Network adapters”, “Bluetooth radio modules” or separately.

If the adapter is not marked with a black arrow or exclamation mark in the yellow triangle means it is installed and ready to work. If there is an arrow, it is disabled in operating system. To enable it, open its context menu and click " Engage».

A yellow triangle, a question mark, or absence from the list of devices indicate problems with the driver - it is either not installed or does not work correctly. Go to the laptop manufacturer's website and download the appropriate driver 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 that will display all the devices connected to the computer, including bluetooth.

Windows 8.1

Click hot windows keys+ C to open the charms sidebar. Click " Options».

Then click " Changing 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 " Devices».

It also configures the visibility of the computer to other Bluetooth devices, the display of an icon in the system tray, and notification when a new device is connected. Open the connection properties, go to the "Bluetooth" tab and click " Options". Check the boxes for the items you need and save the setting by clicking OK.

Why is Bluetooth not working?

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

The function key driver is missing. If you 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 on the chipset, then on the Bluetooth adapter.
Disable the Bluetooth Assistance Service. Check this through the "Services" system snap-in.
Sources of electromagnetic interference near the notebook (power cables, microwaves etc.). Try to establish a connection elsewhere in the apartment.
Connection blocking by incorrectly configured antivirus or other security software. Check their settings.
Malfunctions in the operating system, prohibition using local policies security, viral infection. It is solved according to the situation, the maximum is by reinstalling the OS.
Mechanical defect of the switch or defective adapter - contact the service center for repair.

Good luck with your connection!