How to Turn On Bluetooth & Pair Devices on Windows 8

Download Article

A step-by-step guide to activating Bluetooth on a Windows 8 computer

Co-authored by Brandon Phipps and Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: January 18, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Turning On Bluetooth

|

Pairing a Device

|

Expert Interview

|

Q&A

|

Tips

If you need to connect Bluetooth headphones, a speaker, or another device with Windows 8, we can help. You'll just need to activate Bluetooth in your PC settings, which only takes a few seconds on both Windows 8.0 and Windows 8.1. If your PC doesn't have Bluetooth built in, you can connect a Bluetooth dongle to give it Bluetooth capabilities. This wikiHow article will teach you how to enable Bluetooth on your Windows 8 or 8.1 desktop or laptop computer.

Things You Should Know

On Windows 8.1, go to Settings > Change PC Settings > PC and devices > Bluetooth and toggle on the switch.
On Windows 8.0, go to Settings > Change PC Settings > Wireless > Bluetooth and toggle on the switch.
Once Bluetooth is enabled, your PC will scan for nearby Bluetooth devices. Click a device to pair.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Turning On Bluetooth

Download Article

1
Open the Charms bar. You can do this by pressing Windows key + C at the same time, or by moving your mouse cursor to the top-right corner of the screen.
- If your Windows 8 or 8.1 PC does not have built-in Bluetooth, connect your Bluetooth dongle to a USB port now.
- Check your Bluetooth dongle's instructions to make sure it's compatible with Windows 8, as many modern dongles are not.
It's the gear icon on the menu.

Advertisement
You'll see this at the bottom of the screen.^{[1]
X
Research source}
You'll see one of these two options in your PC Settings.
If Bluetooth is off, the toggle switch will be in the Off position.
6
Click the switch to turn on Bluetooth
. Once Bluetooth is enabled, you can pair your Bluetooth mouse, keyboard, headphones, and other devices.
- If you don't see a switch next to Bluetooth, click the back button in your Settings, select Network, and then click Airplane mode. Then, click the slider to enable Bluetooth.
- If the Bluetooth option still isn't available, there's likely a problem with your Bluetooth dongle. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the dongle. If that doesn't work, go to the manufacturer's website and download any updated drivers or software for the dongle.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Pairing a Device

Download Article

Some Bluetooth devices enter pairing mode as soon as you turn them on. Others have a pairing button that you'll need to press or hold down. Check the instructions that came with your Bluetooth device.
2
Pair a device with Windows 8.1.
- If you just activated Bluetooth and still have your Bluetooth settings open, click your Bluetooth device. If prompted to enter a pairing code, do so to connect.
- If your Bluetooth settings aren't open, go to Settings > Change PC settings > PC and Devices > Bluetooth, then click your Bluetooth device to pair.
3
Pair a device with Windows 8.
- If your Bluetooth settings are still open, click the Devices tab in the left panel. If not, go to Settings > Change PC settings and click Devices now.
- Once you're there, click + Add a device at the top of the right panel. Your PC will scan for nearby Bluetooth devices.
- Click your Bluetooth device when it appears. If prompted, enter the pairing code provided by your Bluetooth device.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

My bluetooth has been deactivated. Nothing I try reactivates it. What can I do?

Community Answer

You may want to restart you devices, so it can refresh. If that does not work, go to settings, go to bluetooth, press the switch to turn it on and off and keep pressing it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 21 Helpful 10
Question

Should I have an internet connection for this to work?

Community Answer

Not to connect to the device. Bluetooth does not need any internet connection, as it is a separate type of signal.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 5
Question

Where is the Bluetooth tab in the Windows 8 settings?

Ski

Community Answer

It should be located in PC Settings > PC and Devices > Bluetooth. Or, you can hit the Windows key and search for it from the Start screen and select Bluetooth settings from the results.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 4