Windows: Add a Bluetooth device
This practical tip explains how to add a Bluetooth device under Windows. Many devices now use Bluetooth technology to communicate with each other - cell phones, mice, keyboards, printers or even headphones.
Add a Bluetooth device through the Control Panel
First, make sure that Bluetooth is activated on your computer or laptop as well as on the other device and that the devices can recognize each other. With smartphones, for example, you often have to set Bluetooth to "Visible". Then proceed as follows:
- Open the Control Panel ("Start" -> "Control Panel").
- In the "Devices and Printers" submenu, select the "Add Bluetooth device" option.
- Windows now searches for available devices and lists them. Select the Bluetooth device you want to add.
- Follow the steps of the setup wizard.
- After the Bluetooth device is paired, Windows installs the drivers automatically. After the driver installation, you can use the device.
- You can now find the device under "Control Panel" -> "Hardware and Sound" -> "Devices and Printers".
Install a Bluetooth printer
First of all, make sure that Bluetooth is activated on your computer or laptop as well as on the printer and that the devices can recognize each other. Then proceed as follows:
- Open the Control Panel ("Start" -> "Control Panel").
- In the "Devices and Printers" submenu, select the "Add Printer" option.
- Then select "Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer".
- Follow the steps of the wizard.
Manage Bluetooth devices
After adding the Bluetooth device to Windows, you can manage the device in the Control Panel. Right-click the device (under "Devices and Printers) to open the options for the Bluetooth device. Under" Properties "you can make various settings.
- In the "General" tab you will find the device information for the Bluetooth device.
- In the "Services" tab, you can activate or deactivate Bluetooth services.
- You can change the name of the Bluetooth device in the "Bluetooth" tab.
This practical tip relates to Windows 7. As an alternative to Windows' own tools, you can also download other software to manage your Bluetooth devices - for example the free program BluetoothView or the free Bluetooth Radar.