After reinstalling windows 10, 8 or Windows 7, or just deciding one day to use this feature to transfer files, connect a wireless mouse, keyboard or speakers, the user may find that the Bluetooth on the laptop does not work.
In the same material, in more detail what to do if the function does not work at all and Bluetooth does not turn on, errors occur in the device manager or when trying to install the driver, or it does not work as expected.
Finding out why Bluetooth is not working
Before starting direct action to fix the problem, I recommend that you follow these simple steps that will help you navigate the situation, suggest why Bluetooth is not working on your laptop, and possibly save time in further actions.
If, after going through the list, you stop at the 7th point, it can be assumed that the necessary drivers for the Bluetooth adapter of your laptop are installed, and the device is probably working, but disabled.
It is worth noting here: the status “The device is working normally” and its “on” in the device manager does not mean that it is not disabled, since the Bluetooth module can be turned off by other means of the system and laptop.
Disabled Bluetooth module (module)
First of possible causes situations - a disabled Bluetooth module, especially if you often use Bluetooth, quite recently everything worked and suddenly, without reinstalling drivers or Windows, it stopped working.
Function keys
The reason that Bluetooth does not work may be turning it off using the function key (keys in top row, can operate while holding down the Fn key, and sometimes without it) on a laptop. However, this can happen as a result of accidental keystrokes (or when a child or feline takes possession of the laptop).
If there is a key with an image of an airplane (Airplane mode) or a Bluetooth logo on the top row of the laptop keyboard, try pressing it, as well as Fn + this key, this may already turn on the Bluetooth module.
If you don't have airplane mode and Bluetooth keys, check if the same works but with a key that has a Wi-Fi icon (there is one on almost any laptop). Also, some laptops may have a hardware switch wireless networks, which also disables Bluetooth.
Note: if these keys do not affect either the Bluetooth status or Wi-Fi on/off, this may indicate that for function keys the necessary drivers are not installed (at the same time, the brightness and volume can be adjusted without drivers).
Bluetooth disabled in Windows
In Windows 10, 8, and Windows 7, Bluetooth can be disabled using settings and third-party software, which may look like "not working" to a novice user.
Laptop manufacturer's utilities to turn Bluetooth on and off
Another possible option for all versions of Windows is to turn on Airplane Mode or turn off Bluetooth using programs from the laptop manufacturer. For different brands and models of laptops, these are different utilities, but all of them can, among other things, switch the state of the Bluetooth module:
If you do not have the manufacturer's built-in utilities for your laptop (for example, you reinstalled Windows) and decided not to install proprietary software, I recommend trying to install it (by going to the official support page for your particular laptop model) - it happens that you can only switch the Bluetooth module state in them (with original drivers, of course).
Enabling and disabling Bluetooth in the BIOS (UEFI) of the laptop
Some laptops have the option to enable and disable the Bluetooth module in the BIOS. Among those - some Lenovo, Dell, HP and not only.
You can usually find an item for enabling and disabling Bluetooth, if available, on the Advanced or System Configuration tab in the BIOS in the Onboard Device Configuration, Wireless, Built-in Device Options items, while the value Enabled = "Enabled".
If there are no items with the words “Bluetooth”, look for the presence of the WLAN, Wireless items and, if they are “Disabled”, try also switching to “Enabled”, it happens that the only item is responsible for enabling and disabling all laptop wireless interfaces.
Installing Bluetooth drivers on a laptop
One of the most common reasons for Bluetooth not working or turning on is lack of required drivers or inappropriate drivers. The main signs of this:
Note: if you have already tried to update the Bluetooth driver using the Device Manager ("Update driver" item), then you should understand that the system message that the driver does not need to be updated does not at all mean that this is really the case, but only informs you that Windows cannot offer you another driver.
Our task is to install the necessary Bluetooth driver on the laptop and check if this solves the problem:
Often, several different Bluetooth drivers or none can be posted on official sites for one laptop model. How to be in this case:
In the list at the bottom of the devid.info search results page, you will see which drivers are suitable for this device (you do not need to download them from there - download them on the official website).
When there is no driver: this usually means that there is a single set of drivers for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for installation, usually placed under a name containing the word "Wireless".
With a high probability, if the problem was in the drivers, Bluetooth will work after they are successfully installed.
Additional Information
It happens that no manipulations help turn on Bluetooth and it still does not work, in such a scenario the following points may be useful:
Perhaps this is all I can offer on the topic of restoring Bluetooth functionality on a laptop. If none of the above helped, I don’t even know if I can add something, but in any case - write comments, just try to describe the problem in as much detail as possible, indicating the exact laptop model and your operating system.
To enable the bluetooth module installed on your laptop, you need to either find a hardware power button or do it programmatically from the notification panel.
- To enable it programmatically, you need to find the bluetooth icon in the notification panel and enable it through the context menu. The notification bar is at the bottom right, next to the clock.
- You can use a separate Bluetooth button on the case.
- Use the Fn + (F1÷F12) button combination, which is rare today. From the F1÷F12 buttons, you need to select one on which the antenna or the Bluetooth symbol itself is drawn.
If a button is used to turn on, then there may be such a sequence of operation: “wifi ⇒ wifi+bluetooth ⇒ bluetooth ⇒ all off”.
That is, these switching modes are sequentially sorted out, and you can choose what should be turned on at the moment.
If you get a message that “bluetooth is disabled by the user”, then just in this case you definitely need to use the button.
How to turn on bluetooth on a laptop, you can read in the instructions, because there are a lot of models and there are features that only this device can have.
Learn more about software inclusion
On some laptops, the bluetooth module is put into operation through the operating system. To do this, check the tray of your laptop and turn it on there.
- Press the right mouse button (RMB) after hovering over the bluetooth icon, select "enable" in the context menu that appears.
- If this icon was in the tray, and then somehow disappeared, then try updating the bluetooth driver from the laptop manufacturer's website.
- Another option is to restore the system to the point when the bluetooth was still working fine.
- You can also check on the official website of the laptop manufacturer, maybe they have a special utility to enable wireless networks (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) on your laptop.
How to turn on bluetooth on Windows 8
For turn on bluetooth in windows 8 you need to find "settings" in the lower right corner of the screen and click "change computer settings". There, find "wireless", then find "bluetooth" and put it on.
By clicking on this item, you will activate the search for Bluetooth devices by the laptop itself, and the laptop itself will become available for search by other devices.
Bluetooth on Windows 7
Turning on the seven can be done using the bluetooth icon in the notification area (bottom right, next to the clock). By right-clicking on the icon, you will see the module management menu. Do not forget that during these actions the bluetooth switch on the laptop case, if any, must be turned on.
But, if you do not find the "bluetooth" icon in the notification area, then we can advise you to follow this path: go to the "Control Panel" and open "devices and printers", there you will see "Bluetooth Adapter" (there may not be such an item, even if everything is fine with the device) and by pressing the right mouse button you will see menu for this item. In the menu, you can configure the icon display in the notification area and other options. If there is no “Bluetooth Adapter” icon, then in the “Devices and Printers” window, click “Add Device”. If the drivers are installed correctly, then the device will be found, and if not, then we do as it is written further.
The second way to find the "bluetooth" icon if it's not in the notification area. In the same notification area, click on "network and sharing center" or you can find it in the control panel. On the left side there will be an item "change adapter settings" click on it.
There you should see "Bluetooth network connection", right-click on it and click on "properties". Going to the properties, open the "bluetooth" and there we already find the parameters. If you do not find the “Bluetooth network connection” item, then the drivers or other cause of the malfunction are not installed correctly.
Bluetooth on Mac laptops
Apple laptops have a Mac operating system, and in this system, turning on bluetooth is easy. There is always a "bluetooth" icon on the screen and by clicking on this icon, you click "turn on bluetooth".
If bluetooth does not turn on
First . Make sure your laptop has a Bluetooth module. After all, in almost the same models of laptops there can be different composition hardware. Even if there is a special button on the case to turn on the bluetooth, or you see an indicator of the operation of this module, still make sure that the module itself is on the laptop.
To do this, look at the device manager. Through the "start" press "control panel" and go to the "device manager".
Bluetooth will be immediately in the list or in the "network adapters" item.
Second. Buying a laptop with a pre-installed operating system Windows system, you may encounter Bluetooth driver missing issue, the same problem occurs when reinstalling the system. And although the bluetooth module itself is working, but due to the lack of a driver, you will not be able to turn it on. When checking the hardware through the device manager, you will see that there is bluetooth among the devices, but it is with an exclamation mark in the yellow triangle.
This means that the driver is not installed.
Third . Another rare driver issue is use of 32 and 64 bit systems. The installed bluetooth module can only work with one of them, and if you reinstall the operating system with a different bit depth, your bluetooth module may refuse to work. The only solution to this problem is to reinstall the system.
Fourth. When installing drivers, look carefully at the messages that appear, the installer may ask you to press the "Bluetooth" button, which is on the case, during installation.
If the laptop manufacturer's website has a driver only for Windows 7, and you installed 8 yourself, then you can install the driver in compatibility mode with the previous version.
Fifth. What exactly make sure the bluetooth module is working properly try turning on bluetooth on your other device. For example, on the phone. Then on the laptop in the bluetooth window you will see the available enabled devices, namely your phone.
At connecting a laptop via Bluetooth with smartphones you may need to install additional software from the smartphone manufacturer. With such programs, you can definitely organize the transfer of files between devices; without these programs, errors may occur when connecting devices via bluetooth.
Sixth. More one of the reasons for Bluetooth not working may be the failure of the hardware module itself. But this happens very rarely, the main reasons are not correct operation still software. These are correctly installed drivers, conflicts with other equipment, etc.
If the bluetooth icon in the notification bar is greyed out so it's not included. Then, through the control panel, go to the "Network and Sharing Center", there on the left click on "Change adapter settings". Find bluetooth in the list and click RMB. You should now see a menu and at the top it should say either "on" (meaning it's off) or "off" (meaning it's on). If it is written to enable, then you turn it on. Next, click "Properties", go to the "Bluetooth" tab and go to "Bluetooth Settings" and there, in the settings section, check the boxes everywhere.
V modern world you can transfer files and documents between your laptop and your phone or tablet different ways. You can use cable from charger, or any established cloud storage, such as Google Drive or Dropbox. But if these options do not suit you, then you can use bluetooth, which is built into almost all modern laptops.
Turning on the module
Turning on bluetooth on a laptop with Windows 7 is quite simple. First you need to make sure that it supports this technology. Go to the "Start" menu and select the section "Control Panel".
In the control panel, look for the item "Device Manager" and click on it.
In the list that opens, find "Bluetooth radios". Right-click on your radio module model - I have it Generic Bluetooth Adapter, you may have a different name - and select "Properties" from the list.
Next, go to the tab "Driver". If the drivers are installed, click "OK" or close the window, if not, you can click "Update" or download them from the official website for your laptop model.
We return again to "Control Panels" and choose "Network and Sharing Center".
Go to tab "Change adapter settings".
Choose "Bluetooth Network Connection", right-click on it and select "Enable".
Allow discovery
Now let's look at how to connect a laptop to other devices via bluetooth. To do this, in the tray, click on the small arrow with the left mouse button. Then, from the list, find the bluetooth icon and right-click on it.
In the next menu, select the item "Open Options".
If you want to connect to a laptop via bluetooth from a tablet or phone, you must enable discovery. To do this, on the "Settings" tab, check the box next to "Allow Bluetooth devices to discover this computer". In the "Connections" section, we also put a checkmark in front of each item. If you want the bluetooth icon to be displayed in the notification area, put the appropriate checkboxes.
Go to the tab "Equipment" and press the button "Properties".
In the next window, on the General tab, you can verify that everything is working fine.
On the tab "Additionally" you can change the name of the radio. Then click "OK" and close the options window.
Adding a new device
Now you need to add a smartphone or tablet with which you will exchange data. In the tray, click on the triangle, then on the bluetooth icon and select from the list "Add device".
Next, make sure bluetooth is enabled on the device you want to connect your laptop to. In the next window, the laptop will display all available gadgets that have bluetooth turned on. Find the one you need and click "Next".
Now you need to compare the codes on the laptop and the connected smartphone (in this example). If the numbers match, put a marker opposite "Yes" and click "Next", and on the device select the button "Pairing".
If everything worked out, the following window will appear. We close it.
How to transfer files
To send a file to the connected device, again in the tray, click on the arrow and select the bluetooth icon. Then from the list click on the item "Send File".
The next window shows a list of all devices connected to the laptop, I have two of them. I choose the one I need - the one that was just added - and click "Next".
Next, you need to select the files to send. Click "Browse" and search desired document, photo, video, etc., and click in that window "Open". When the file is selected - click "Next".
Then the file is sent, if necessary, confirm the receipt of the file on another device.
Despite the emergence of new methods of data transmission, Bluetooth technology is still in demand. Almost all laptops are equipped with a wireless module, so the question of how to enable Bluetooth on a laptop periodically arises from different users.
Hardware enable
On some laptop models, the Bluetooth module is controlled using a hardware switch located on the device case. Sometimes the switch is responsible for turning on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth right away, so be careful.
Another way to enable the module is to use hotkeys. For example, for a number of Acer laptop models, you can turn on bluetooth with the Fn + F3 combination. The module is enabled in a similar way on ASUS (Fn + F2) and HP (Fn + F12) laptops. To find the desired button, carefully study the row F1-F12. Look for the key with the Bluetooth icon and press it in combination with the Fn button. 
Pay attention to the indicator lights. When you turn on the wireless modules, the corresponding icon should light up. If it is enabled, then you can proceed to configure the adapter in the system.
Driver installation
After enabling the adapter hardware, you need to check that the wireless module drivers are installed correctly in the system:
- Open device manager.
- Find equipment that provides Bluetooth functionality.
- Make sure the device is working properly.
Update device drivers if necessary. Choose automatic search. If this installation method did not help, go to the laptop manufacturer's website and download software for your laptop model.
Establishing a connection
Some manufacturers (Samsung, Lenovo, ASUS) pre-install utilities for managing the Bluetooth adapter on laptops. If you have such a program on your laptop, then it is better to use it to add / remove devices and transfer files. If there is no proprietary utility, or you cannot use it, then you can establish a connection via bluetooth using the built-in system tools.
Windows 7
If you set the hardware switch to the "On" position or used hotkeys to launch the adapter, and then made sure that the wireless module software is working correctly, look for the Bluetooth icon in the notification area. With it, you can quickly add a new device.
If there is no tray icon, use the following instruction:
Another way to establish pairing with Bluetooth equipment:
The system will start searching for available devices. If the adapter drivers are working properly, and Bluetooth is enabled on the device that you want to connect to the laptop, then in a special window you will see the equipment available for connection. If you connect a phone, a code will appear on the screen that you need to enter on the mobile device to establish pairing.
If the built-in Windows tools do not solve the problem with adding a new Bluetooth device, try using third-party programs to establish pairing, such as BlueSoleil or WIDCOMM. These utilities are suitable for different models laptops and wireless adapters, establishing a connection with peripheral devices and making it possible to transfer and receive files.
Windows 8
On Windows 8, Bluetooth configuration is carried out through the Charms bar, which can be called up by moving the cursor to the upper right corner of the screen (or using the Win + C combination). Further:
The adapter is enabled and configured - now you can add a new device. Turn on Bluetooth on the phone or other device you want to connect to your laptop. Return to the "Change PC settings" section and open the "Devices" section. Click Add Device to pair the equipment wirelessly.
On Windows 8.1, the order in which the adapter is enabled has changed slightly:
- Call the Charms panel, open "Options".
- Go to the "Change PC settings" section.
- Open the Computer and Devices tab.
- Find and open the Bluetooth submenu.
The laptop will automatically start searching for devices available for connection. At this point, Bluetooth should already be running on the device you want to pair with the laptop.
Windows 10
With the release new version systems from Microsoft, the procedure for turning on Bluetooth and adding a new device has changed a little more. Since the Charms bar is no longer in Windows 10, you will have to go the other way:
- Expand "Start" and launch "Settings".
- Go to the "Bluetooth" tab.
The computer will start searching for Bluetooth devices. There is also a "More Options" button - click on it to make sure that your laptop is detected by other devices. 
In the "Discovery" field, set the permission for Bluetooth devices to see your computer's name. Additionally, you can turn on notifications and display an icon wireless connection to the notification area. With this icon, you can later quickly add new devices, view connected equipment, transfer and receive files.
Bluetooth technology has long and firmly entered our lives. With its help, you can transfer files from one device to another without using cables and wires. However, not everyone knows how to enable Bluetooth on different devices and how to use it. Detailed instructions will be provided below.
Using Bluetooth: How to enable, set up and transfer files
Currently, there are many ways to exchange data between devices. Memory cards, cables, file sharing - all these tools allow us to transfer files from one gadget to another with varying degrees of efficiency. But Bluetooth technology has been and remains the simplest and easiest way to exchange information.
What is Bluetooth and what is it for?
Bluetooth is a wireless radio communication designed to transfer data between various devices at a short distance. In addition, this technology is used to create a personal network. With its help, you can remotely control all personal devices that have a special Bluetooth chip installed.
The Bluetooth standard is implemented in most modern mobile phones, smartphones and headsets for them, as well as in communicators, handhelds, tablets, netbooks and laptops. There are also wireless mice, car audio devices, keyboards, game consoles, printers, MFPs, TV remotes and other gadgets equipped with these chips.
The Bluetooth standard is rarely installed on desktop computers, but special adapters with a USB connector are provided to connect it to a personal network. You can buy them at any computer store. Cheap adapters mostly only support version 2.1, so it's better to buy devices that support version 4.0 and higher.
There are currently three varieties of Bluetooth chips:
- type No. 1 - long-range. They work at a distance of up to 100 meters (in open spaces without radio interference). Power consumption 100 mW;
- type No. 2 - medium range. This standard is implemented on most modern gadgets. It works at a distance of up to 10 meters Power consumption 2.5 mW;
- type No. 3 - short range. It works at a distance of no more than 1 meter. Power consumption is 1 mW.
Low power consumption not only narrows the range of the device, but also significantly reduces the data transfer rate. However, most modern devices equipped with Bluetooth chips provide a transfer rate of 1 Mbps.
Advantages and disadvantages of Bluetooth
Like any other technology, the Bluetooth data transmission system has its pros and cons. The advantages include:
- no device compatibility issues;
- the possibility of transmission without line of sight between gadgets, for example, from the next room;
- completely wireless technology does not require cables;
- the ability to use on low-power equipment;
- simple system of connection and information transfer;
- almost complete absence of the possibility of unauthorized connection.
However, in any barrel of honey there is always room for a fly in the ointment. The disadvantages of technology include:
- low information transfer rate, for example, when using Wi-Fi, the speed can reach 100 Mbps;
- high power consumption, due to which the devices are quickly discharged;
- Regular use of Bluetooth can reduce the life of the gadget.
How to turn on Bluetooth on different devices?
Most devices equipped with Bluetooth chips require the radio to be enabled beforehand. This is done to protect pre-installed information so that intruders cannot transfer malicious files to the gadget. Consider how to enable Bluetooth on various devices.
On laptops and netbooks with Windows 7 and 8
First of all, you need to make sure that the gadget supports Bluetooth technology. To do this, you can check the documents of the device. In addition, many manufacturers place information about the availability of Bluetooth on special stickers on the front or back of a laptop or netbook.
The presence of Bluetooth on a laptop or netbook can be informed by such a sticker
To turn on Bluetooth on a laptop or netbook, you need to find the button with the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth icon. The first option is more common, the second is rarer. Basically, the icon is located under one of the buttons from F1 to F12 or on the Print Screen button.
The most likely location of the buttons turning on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Depending on the manufacturer of the device, Bluetooth can be turned on by pressing this button or by pressing the FN + key combination from F1 to Print Screen (the one where the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth icon is located).
Sometimes you can turn on Bluetooth by pressing the FN key and the keys with the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi icon at the same time Some laptops and netbooks are equipped with a separate button to turn on Bluetooth. It can be located on the back, front or side panels next to the power connectors, USB, SD, etc. Such buttons are found on laptops and netbooks from Acer, Asus, Toshiba, HP and other manufacturers.
Another option for the location of the Bluetooth power button On laptops and netbooks with Windows 10
To turn on Bluetooth on devices running Windows 10, go to the Start menu and open the Settings tab. In the window that opens, click the "Devices" button, select the "Bluetooth" section and move the "on" slider. Bluetooth".
So you can turn on Bluetooth if you have Windows 10 on your computer On smartphones
On monoblocks
To enable Bluetooth on monoblocks, you need to check if the device drivers are installed. If the drivers work correctly, then in the lower right corner of the monoblock there is a Bluetooth icon, by clicking on which you can turn it on.
How to use Bluetooth?
Let's consider how to use Bluetooth correctly and safely on computers, laptops, netbooks, monoblocks, and what is the difference between using this radio connection with mobile devices.
On computers
If the drivers are installed correctly and the device is turned on, then the Bluetooth icon will appear in the lower right corner of the computer screen, laptop, netbook or monoblock. By clicking on it with the right mouse button, in the drop-down menu you need to select the “Settings” (or “Options”) tab.
In the window that opens, check the boxes next to:
- "Allow devices to detect PC";
- "Allow devices to connect to this PC";
- "Notify me when Bluetooth devices are connected";
- "Display Bluetooth icon on PC".
It remains to click on the "Apply" and / or "OK" button. After that, the computer will find all devices equipped with a Bluetooth chip within the range of the signal.
This is what the Bluetooth settings window looks like The process of searching for devices may take several minutes.
After finding the desired device, you need to click on it and wait for it to sync with the PC. In some cases, you will need to enter a security code. It will appear on the device connected to the PC. Then enter it in the appropriate box on the computer.
Video: Setting up Bluetooth on a laptop with Windows 7
When the devices are synced, a window will open to start transferring files. In it, you need to select the “View files on (device name)” tab, select the files of interest and click the “Start Transfer” button.
After synchronization, you can select a file on the connected device and by clicking on it, select the "Start transfer" tab. This is relevant when in large numbers information so as not to search for the desired file for a long time.
After completing the work, it is important not to forget to turn off Bluetooth. To do this, click on the Bluetooth icon in the lower right corner of the screen and select the "Turn off Bluetooth" menu item.
On smartphones
When Bluetooth is enabled on smartphones or other mobile devices, the following settings can be used:
Problem solving
In some cases, Bluetooth does not work correctly. Consider the main causes of problems and how to fix them.
Device driver problem
It is this problem that prevents turning on Bluetooth. The procedure to resolve this issue is as follows:
- Click on the "My Computer" icon with the right mouse button.
- Select "Properties".
- Go to "Device Manager".
- Go to the "Network Adapters" tab and find Bluetooth in the list. If there is no driver or it does not work correctly, then opposite the device name will be Exclamation point. In this case, you need to go to the manufacturer's website, download and install the driver.
This method of installing Bluetooth drivers is about the same for all laptops, netbooks, all-in-ones and computers.
Headset connection problem
For solutions common problems, which are related to connecting a headset via Bluetooth, there is a special program Bluetooth Fix & Repair. You can download it in the Play Market.
No less useful can be the Bluetooth Auto Connect program, which can also be found in the Play Market. It allows you to fix problems when connecting a headset, headphones, mice and other devices.
Keyboard connection problem
The Bluetooth Keyboard Bug Fix program can help you troubleshoot keyboard connection issues with mobile devices such as tablets. It can be downloaded from the Play Market.
- If one device does not see the other, then, first of all, you should try to restart both gadgets.
- The problem of visibility may lie in range, so you can try to get closer.
- Another common problem is interference from other radio waves. It is especially common when turning on stationary radios, which simply interrupt the signals of devices.
Bluetooth is a convenient and popular technology that allows you to easily transfer files over a distance, as well as connect various wireless devices: headphones, mice, keyboards, etc. It is indispensable for car headsets, as it allows the driver to freely communicate on the phone while driving . However, do not forget about the shortcomings, because it quickly consumes the charge of the device. Therefore, after use, you should always turn it off so that the gadget works longer.
Mixed Personality Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, Types and Treatments
GTA 4 control settings
FAQ on Smuggling in GTA Online
LSPDFR - welcome to the police
The huge map of Grand Theft Auto San Andreas and its secrets