How to Turn On Bluetooth in Windows 7

Going wireless simplifies your work day

A woman using a laptop on a bench.

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by Tricia Goss
Tricia Goss has been a freelance writer and editor for 10+ years. She's written tips and tutorials for Microsoft Office applications and other sites.
Updated June 24, 2019

As long as your computer has Bluetooth, Windows 7 makes it easy to turn it on and get connected. Once you have enabled Bluetooth, you can connect to a wireless network, pair your PC with other wireless devices and more.

How to Turn On Bluetooth in Windows 7

Some computers have a button or keyboard key that allows you to turn on Bluetooth with a single tap. However, if you cannot find one of these, you can enable Bluetooth in your computer’s settings. 

  1. Click the Start button. 

  2. Type Bluetooth settings in the Start Search box. 

  3. Click on Change Bluetooth Settings in the search results. The Bluetooth Settings dialog box opens. 

    Bluetooth Settings in Windows 7

  4. Click the Options tab. 

  5. Select the Allow Bluetooth Devices to Find This Computer check box under Discovery.

  6. Select the Allow Bluetooth Devices to Connect with This Computer check box and the Alert Me When a New Bluetooth Device Wants to Connect check box under Connections.

  7. Click Apply.

  8. Click OK.

You should now see the Bluetooth icon on your taskbar or in the Hidden Icons folder to the left of the date and time on your taskbar. 

How to Pair Your Computer to Another Device Using Bluetooth

Once you turn on Bluetooth and made your computer discoverable, you can connect Bluetooth headphones to PC or any other Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a keyboard, mouse, or speakers.

Your device must be in pairing mode in order to connect with your computer. Pairing mode means that your device is discoverable by other Bluetooth devices so that the two can connect. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure the device is discoverable before you begin.

  1. Click the Start button. 

  2. Click Devices and Printers.

  3. Click Add a Device.

  4. Click on the name of the device with which you want to pair the computer. 

  5. Click Next.

The computer is now paired with the other device. They should automatically connect any time the two devices are within pairing range, provided Bluetooth is enabled on both.

Troubleshooting Bluetooth Issues

If you are unable to enable Bluetooth on your Windows 7 computer, or if you are not able to pair another device with your PC via Bluetooth, troubleshooting can help you find the solution.

  1. Update your Bluetooth drivers. In many cases, doing so will resolve the issue. If it does not, continue troubleshooting.

  2. Click the Start button.

  3. Type device manager in the Start Search box.

  4. Select Device Manager in the list of search results.

  5. Click the arrow next to Bluetooth Radios to expand it. If you do not see this category, find your Bluetooth adapter under Network Adapters.

    Windows 7 Device Manager Bluetooth Radios

  6. Right-click the device and choose Disable.

  7. Right-click it again and select Enable.

  8. Check the hidden icons folder on your taskbar to see if the Bluetooth icon is now visible. If not, continue troubleshooting.

  9. Click Start and type services.

  10. Select Services under Programs in the search results list.

  11. Right-click Bluetooth Support Service and choose Start. Select Restart if Start is not available.

    Windows 7 Bluetooth Support Service

  12. Right-click Bluetooth Support Service again and select Properties.

  13. Choose Automatic in the Startup Type drop-down list.

  14. Click Apply and click OK.

Bluetooth should now be enabled on your Windows 7 computer. If you were previously able to use this feature but it is no longer working and the troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, you might wish to consider using System Restore to revert to a previous restore point.