How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to PC

Bluetooth headphones are a super convenient way to listen to music, watch movies and TV, or play games, and that goes for your PC as much as your phone, tablet, or console. But as with all Bluetooth headphones, whether you prefer traditional over-ear designs or the more modern wireless earbuds, you’ll still need to connect them to your PC in order to use them.

Here’s how to connect your Bluetooth headphones to your Windows PC.

How to Connect Your Bluetooth Headphones to a PC

Your PC must support Bluetooth in order to connect to Bluetooth devices. While built-in support is common on laptops and some desktop PCs, not all PCs support it out of the box. If yours doesn’t have it, you can add a third-party wireless transmitter and receiver to add that connectivity.

Step 1: To turn on Bluetooth (if it isn't already), select the small arrow by the clock at the bottom right of your screen, then right-click on the icon that says Bluetooth and select Go to Settings. You can also search for "Bluetooth" in the Windows search bar. Then select the option that says Bluetooth and other devices.

Anyway, once you're on the Bluetooth & other device settings page, use the toggle on the screen to turn on Bluetooth.

Step 2: Turn on Bluetooth to On if it isn't already.

Step 3: Put your headphones into pairing mode. Different companies do this in different ways. Usually there is a pairing button that you have to press, or you have to put the earbuds in and hold the touch input for a few seconds. If you are unsure, check the manual for your device or the manufacturer's website.

Step 4: Select Add Bluetooth or other device and then click on the option that says Bluetooth.

Step 5: You should see your device in the list of available Bluetooth devices that appears. Select your device and then select Connect.

What makes the connection process so much better is that you only have to do it once. Once you have successfully paired your device once, the headphones will automatically connect to your PC the next time, provided they are close to your PC, in pairing mode and your PC’s Bluetooth is turned on.

No Bluetooth icon? You may not have it

If you try to enable Bluetooth or add a new Bluetooth headset or headphones and don’t see a Bluetooth icon, your PC may not support it. If not, you can always add a third-party Bluetooth transceiver. They’re relatively inexpensive, but if you want specific Bluetooth codec support, you’ll need to buy one with the right support.