Check if Your Computer Has Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows you to connect nearby devices, even if they aren't in direct line of sight. Most newer laptops come with Bluetooth hardware already installed, but the chances are lower if your computer is older, or if you're using a desktop. See Step 1 below to learn how to determine if your computer is Bluetooth-capable, and what you can do if it isn't.

Steps

Windows

  1. Open the Device Manager. Bluetooth requires certain hardware before it will function on a computer. Most laptops come with Bluetooth, while many desktop PCs do not. The Device Manager lists all of the hardware that your computer is comprised of, and will let you see if Bluetooth hardware is installed. Accessing the Device Manager quickly is a little different for each version of Windows:
    • Windows 8 - Press ⊞ Win+X and select Device Manager
    • Windows 7/Vista - Click the Start Menu and type Device Manager into the Search box. Select it from the results.
    • Windows XP - Click the Start Menu and right-click on My Computer. Select Properties and then click the Hardware tab. Click the Device Manager button.
    • Note: If there is a Bluetooth symbol in your System Tray, then you have Bluetooth hardware installed and active.
  2. Look for the Bluetooth Radios category. By default, the device manager should have your computer expanded, showing all the categories of devices attached, such as Disk drives, Display Adapters, Processors, etc. Look for the Bluetooth Radios category. The categories are listed alphabetically, so it should be towards the top. If you see this category, you have Bluetooth installed.
    • Expand the category to ensure that the hardware is functioning correctly. If there is a yellow exclamation icon over the hardware, you may need to install the proper drivers before Bluetooth will work.
  3. Look in the "Network adapters" category. If you don't see the Bluetooth Radios category, you may find your Bluetooth adapter in the "Network adapters" category. This normally contains your network card that you use to connect to wireless or wired networks. Look for any entries that contain the words "Bluetooth".
    • If you do not have Bluetooth hardware installed, you can purchase Use-a-Bluetooth-Dongle for just a few dollars off Amazon or a variety of other retailers. Installation is as simple as plugging it into a spare USB port.
  4. Use your Bluetooth devices. Once you've checked that Bluetooth is present, you can start using your Bluetooth devices. See Use-Bluetooth-Technology for ideas on how to get the most from your Bluetooth devices.

Mac OS X

  1. Open "About this Mac". Most Mac computers come with Bluetooth installed. If Bluetooth is installed and activated, you will see the Bluetooth logo in the upper-right corner of your screen. If you don't see the logo, you can check to ensure that you have the proper hardware installed.
    • Click the Apple menu and select "About this Mac".
  2. Click "More Info". This will open a new window, displaying all of the hardware, network protocols, and software installed in your Mac computer. Make sure the Hardware category is expanded, and look for the Bluetooth entry.
    • If the Bluetooth option is not available or nothing appears when you click it, then you don't have any Bluetooth hardware installed. You will need to purchase a Use-a-Bluetooth-Dongle, which are a few dollars on Amazon or other retailers.
  3. Use the System Preferences window. You can also check for Bluetooth capability from the System Preferences window. Click the Apple menu and select "System Preferences". Look for Bluetooth in either the "Hardware" or "Internet & Wireless" section.
  4. Use your Bluetooth devices. Once you've checked that Bluetooth is present, you can start using your Bluetooth devices. See Use-Bluetooth-Technology for ideas on how to get the most from your Bluetooth devices.

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