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How to Connect Bluetooth Speakers to a PC

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Updated December 5, 2022

Wires are quickly fading out of style. Look at any list of the latest and greatest gadgets, and you’ll find brands touting the wirelessness of their products. It’s true across many forms of technology, including the best speakers, TVs, and headphones. However, the best Bluetooth speakers have a unique pairing process, requiring more know-how than simply plugging a wire into the USB port. So, before using them, you must know how to connect Bluetooth speakers to a PC.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Access PC Bluetooth settings by going to the control panel and selecting the speaker as the computer’s default device.
Put the speaker into pairing mode. Pairing mode allows a device to appear on the computer’s available device list.
Follow any screen instructions after pairing to establish a successful connection.

If you aren’t a PC user but have some wireless speakers you’re dying to connect to, we have some related articles. For example, we have a great guide on how to connect Bluetooth speakers to an Xbox One.

Insider Tip

Windows has a sound settings shortcut on the main menu bar, allowing users to access Bluetooth devices quickly.

How to Connect My PC to Bluetooth Speakers

Navigating your sound settings to connect a device is simple whether you’re trying to connect to a PC or understand how to connect Bluetooth speakers to a phone. All you need to know is where to look on your device settings, select it from the available list of devices, and you’re good to go.

If you’re looking to crank up the volume, we have a guide on how to make Bluetooth speakers and computer speakers play simultaneously and how to charge your speakers.

STEP 1 Open Your Computer’s Bluetooth Settings

How to do this depends on what version of Windows you have installed on your PC. Just remember that older PCs may not have Bluetooth capabilities.

In Windows 11: Open the Windows start menu and select “Settings.” Then select “Bluetooth & Devices.”
In Windows 10: Open the start menu and then go into settings. Press “Devices” and then “Bluetooth & Other Devices.”

STEP 2 Toggle Bluetooth On

Make sure that your computer’s toggle switch to turn on Bluetooth is on.

STEP 3 Make the Device Ready to Pair

To initiate the pairing process, look into your speaker’s user manual and check what to press to make it discoverable. Usually, you press and hold the power button for a few seconds to put it into pairing mode. Other devices will have a dedicated Bluetooth button.

STEP 4 Add the Device

After making your device ready to pair, go back to your computer’s Bluetooth settings. Then press “Add Device” and then select “Bluetooth.” A device list will pop up. Select your desired audio device. Wait a few seconds to connect to the external speaker. Once paired, press “done.”

Warning

Many older Windows computers will not support Bluetooth. Always check if your computer is Bluetooth enabled before purchasing a wireless audio device.

STAT: Bluetooth speakers typically have a single-charge battery life of 10-20 hours. (source)

How to Connect Bluetooth Speakers to a PC FAQs

What should I do if my speaker isn't connecting to my computer?

Restart both the computer and the speaker. If you still run into issues, make sure your computer supports Bluetooth.

Does using a Bluetooth Speaker increase the sound quality?

The computer's default speakers are usually cheap, and using a Bluetooth speaker will significantly enhance the sound quality.

What is pairing mode?

Pressing the pairing button activates the device's Wi-Fi hotspot. This opens the connection and puts the device in discovery mode.

Nathan Rizzuti

An abiding consumer, Nathan cares a great deal about advocating and informing fellow users on their latest rights, options, and news updates concerning their beloved and expanding assembly of gadgets.