In today's world, you can transfer files and documents between a laptop and a phone or tablet in a variety of ways. You can use a cable from a charger, or any installed cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox. But if such options do not suit you, then you can use bluetooth, which is built into almost all modern laptops.

Enabling the module

Turning on bluetooth on a Windows 7 laptop is easy enough. First you need to make sure that it supports this technology. We go to the "Start" menu and select the section "Control Panel".

In the control panel, we are looking for the item "Device Manager" and click on it.

In the list that opens, you need to find "Bluetooth radios"... Right-click on your model of the radio module - I have it Generic Bluetooth Adapter, your name may be different - and select "Properties" from the list.

Next, go to the "Driver" tab. If the drivers are installed - click "OK" or close the window, if not - you can click "Update" or download them from the official website for your laptop model.

We return again to "Control panels" and choose "Network and Sharing Center".

Go to the tab "Change adapter settings".

We choose "Bluetooth network connection", click on it with the right mouse button and select "Enable".

Allow detection

Now let's look at how to connect a laptop to other devices via bluetooth. To do this, in the tray, click on the small arrow with the left mouse button. Then find the bluetooth icon from the list and right-click on it.

In the next menu, select the item "Open parameters".

If you want to connect to a laptop via bluetooth from a tablet or phone, you must enable detection. To do this, on the "Parameters" tab, put a tick in front of Allow Bluetooth devices to find this computer... In the "Connections" section, we also put a checkmark in front of each item. If you want the bluetooth icon to be displayed in the notification area, put the appropriate checkboxes.

Go to the "Hardware" tab and click the "Properties" button.

In the next window, on the General tab, you can make sure that everything is working fine.

In the tab "Additionally" you can change the name of the radio. Then click "OK" and close the parameters window.

Adding a new device

Now you need to add a smartphone or tablet with which you will exchange data. In the tray, click on the triangle, then on the bluetooth icon and select from the list "Add device".

Then make sure that bluetooth is turned on on the device to which you want to connect the laptop. In the next window, the laptop will display all available gadgets on which bluetooth is enabled. Find the one you need and click "Next".

Now you need to compare the codes on the laptop and the connected smartphone (in this example). If the numbers match, put a marker opposite "Yes" and click "Next", and on the device, select the "Pairing" button.

If everything worked out, the next window will appear. We close it.

How to transfer files

To send the file to the connected device, again in the tray, click on the arrow and select the bluetooth icon. Then, from the list, click on the item "Send file".

The next window contains a list of all connected devices to the laptop, I have two of them. I select the one I want - the one that was just added - and click "Next".

Next, you need to select the files to send. Click "Browse" and look for the desired document, photo, video, etc., and click in that window "Open". When the file is selected, click "Next".

Then the file is sent, if necessary, confirm the file reception on the other device.

Bluetooth technology has long and firmly entered our lives. With its help, you can transfer files from one device to another without using cables and wires. However, not everyone knows how to enable Bluetooth on different devices and how to use it. Detailed instructions will be provided below.

Using Bluetooth: How to enable, configure, and transfer files

Currently, there are many ways to exchange data between devices. Memory cards, cables, file sharing - all these tools allow us to transfer files from one gadget to another with varying degrees of efficiency. But Bluetooth technology has been and remains the simplest and easiest way to exchange information.

What is Bluetooth and what is it for

Bluetooth is a wireless radio communication designed to transmit data between various devices over a short distance. In addition, this technology is used to create a personal network. With its help, you can remotely control all personal devices on which a special Bluetooth chip is installed.

The Bluetooth standard is implemented in most modern mobile phones, smartphones and headsets for them, as well as in communicators, PDAs, tablets, netbooks and laptops. There are also wireless mice, car audio devices, keyboards, game consoles, printers, MFPs, TV remotes and other gadgets equipped with these chips.

The Bluetooth standard is rarely installed on desktop computers, but special adapters with a USB connector are provided to connect it to a personal network. You can buy them at any computer store. Cheap adapters generally only support version 2.1, so it is better to buy devices that support version 4.0 and higher.

There are currently three varieties of Bluetooth chips:

• type No. 1 - long-range. They work at a distance of up to 100 meters (in open spaces without radio interference). Power consumption 100 mW;
• type No. 2 - medium range. It is this standard that is implemented on most modern gadgets. It works at a distance of up to 10 meters. Power consumption 2.5 mW;
• type No. 3 - short-range. It works at a distance of no more than 1 meter. Power consumption is 1 mW.

Low power consumption not only narrows the range of the device, but also significantly reduces the data transfer rate. However, most modern devices equipped with Bluetooth chips provide a transmission speed of 1 Mbps.

Advantages and disadvantages of Bluetooth

Like any other technology, the Bluetooth data transmission system has its pros and cons. The advantages include:

• no problems with device compatibility;
• the ability to transfer without line of sight between gadgets, for example, from an adjacent room;
• completely wireless technology does not require connecting cables;
• the ability to use on low-power equipment;
• simple system for connecting and transmitting information;
• almost complete absence of the likelihood of an unauthorized connection.

However, in any barrel of honey there is always room for a fly in the ointment. The disadvantages of technology include:

• low speed of information transfer, for example, when using Wi-Fi, the speed can reach 100 Mbit per second;
• high level of power consumption, due to which the devices are quickly discharged;
• regular use of Bluetooth can lead to a decrease in the life of the gadget.

How to turn on Bluetooth on different equipment?

Most devices equipped with Bluetooth chips require the radio to be turned on first. This is done to protect pre-installed information so that attackers cannot transfer malicious files to the gadget. Let's take a look at how to enable Bluetooth on various devices.

On laptops and netbooks with Windows 7 and 8

First of all, you need to make sure that the gadget supports Bluetooth technology. To do this, you can check the documents of the device. In addition, many manufacturers place information about the availability of Bluetooth on special stickers on the front or back of a laptop or netbook.

Such a sticker can inform about the presence of Bluetooth on a laptop or netbook.

To turn on Bluetooth on a laptop or netbook, you need to find the button with the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth icon. The first option is more common, the second more rare. Basically, the icon is located under one of the F1 to F12 buttons or on the Print Screen button.

The most likely location for the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth power buttons

Depending on the manufacturer of the device, Bluetooth can be turned on by pressing this button or by pressing the FN + key combination from F1 to Print Screen (the one where the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth icon is located).

Sometimes to turn on Bluetooth, press the FN key and the key with the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi icon at the same time

Some laptops and netbooks are equipped with a separate button for turning on Bluetooth. It can be located on the back, front or side panels next to the power, USB, SD, etc. connectors. These buttons are found on notebooks and netbooks from Acer, Asus, Toshiba, HP and other manufacturers.

Another option for the location of the Bluetooth power key

On laptops and netbooks with Windows 10

To enable Bluetooth on Windows 10 devices, go to the Start menu and open the Settings tab. In the window that opens, click the "Devices" button, select the "Bluetooth" section and move the "on" slider. Bluetooth ".

This is how you can turn on Bluetooth if you have Windows 10 on your computer.

On smartphones

On monoblocks

To enable Bluetooth on all-in-ones, you need to check if the device drivers are installed. If the drivers are working correctly, then in the lower right corner of the candy bar there is a Bluetooth icon, by clicking on which you can turn it on.

How do I use Bluetooth?

Let's consider how to use Bluetooth correctly and safely on computers, laptops, netbooks, monoblocks and what are the differences between using this radio communication with mobile devices.

On computers

If the drivers are installed correctly and the device is turned on, a Bluetooth icon will appear in the lower right corner of the screen of a computer, laptop, netbook or candy bar. By clicking on it with the right mouse button, in the drop-down menu you need to select the "Settings" (or "Parameters") tab.

In the window that opens, you need to check the boxes opposite:

• "Allow devices to detect PC";
• "Allow devices to connect to this PC";
• "Notify when connecting Bluetooth devices";
• Display Bluetooth Icon on PC.

It remains to click on the "Apply" and / or "OK" button. After that, the computer will find all devices equipped with a Bluetooth chip within the signal range.

This is how the Bluetooth settings window looks like

The device search process may take several minutes.

After finding the desired device, you need to click on it and wait for it to sync with the PC. In some cases, you will need to enter a security code. It will appear on the device connected to the PC. Then enter it into the appropriate window on the computer.

Video: Configuring Bluetooth on a Windows 7 Laptop

When the devices are synchronized, a window will open with which you can start transferring files. In it, you need to select the "View files on (device name)" tab, select the files of interest and click the "Start transfer" button.

After synchronization, you can select a file on the connected device and click on it, select the "Start transfer" tab. This is important when there is a large amount of information, so as not to search for the desired file for a long time.

After completing your work, it is important to remember to turn off Bluetooth. To do this, click on the Bluetooth icon in the lower right corner of the screen and select the "Disable Bluetooth" menu item.

On smartphones

When you turn on Bluetooth on smartphones or other mobile devices, you can use the following settings:

Problem solving

In some cases, Bluetooth does not work correctly. Let's look at the main causes of the problems and how to fix them.

Device driver problem

It is this problem that prevents you from turning on Bluetooth. The procedure for correcting this problem is as follows:

1. Click on the "My Computer" icon with the right mouse button.
2. Select Properties.
3. Go to "Device Manager".
4. Go to the "Network adapters" tab and find Bluetooth in the list. If there is no driver or it does not work correctly, then there will be an exclamation mark next to the device name. In this case, you need to go to the manufacturer's website, download and install the driver.

This method of installing Bluetooth drivers is about the same for all laptops, netbooks, all-in-ones and computers.

Headset connection problem

To solve common problems associated with connecting a headset via Bluetooth, there is a special Bluetooth Fix & Repair program. You can download it in the Play Market.

The Bluetooth Auto Connect program, which can also be found in the Play Market, can be just as useful. It allows you to eliminate problems when connecting a headset, headphones, mice and other devices.

Problem connecting keyboard

The Bluetooth Keyboard Bug Fix program will help you troubleshoot problems with connecting the keyboard to mobile devices, such as tablets. It can be downloaded from the Play Market.

• If one device does not see the other, then, first of all, it is worth trying to restart both gadgets.
• The visibility problem may lie in the range, so you can try to get closer.
• Another common problem is interference from other radio waves. It is especially common when stationary radios are turned on, which simply interrupt the signals of the devices.

Bluetooth is a convenient and popular technology that allows you to easily transfer files at a distance, as well as connect various wireless devices: headphones, mice, keyboards, etc. It is indispensable for car headsets, as it allows the driver to communicate freely on the phone while driving ... However, do not forget about the shortcomings, because it quickly consumes the device's charge. Therefore, after use, you should always turn it off so that the gadget works longer.

Many modern laptop models are equipped with built-in Bluetooth adapters. This makes it easy to exchange files, for example with a mobile phone. But sometimes it turns out that Bluetooth on a laptop does not work. In this article, I would like to dwell on the main reasons for this, to analyze the options for solutions so that you can quickly restore your laptop to work.

The article is primarily aimed at novice users.

1. We decide on a laptop: does it support which buttons to turn on, etc.

The first thing to do is to make sure that Bluetooth is present on this particular laptop. The thing is that even in the same line of models there can be different configurations. Therefore, be sure to pay attention to the sticker on the laptop, or the documents that came with it (I, of course, understand - it sounds ridiculous, but when you come at a “tearful” request, you help your comrades set up the computer, but it turns out there is no such possibility ... ).

Example. In the documentation for the laptop, we are looking for the section "communications" (or similar). In it, the manufacturer clearly indicates whether the device supports Bluetooth.

Also take a closer look at the laptop keyboard - especially the function keys. If the laptop supports Bluetooth, there should be a special button with a distinctive logo.

Aspire 4740 laptop keyboard.

By the way, in the reference manual for the laptop, the purpose of the function keys is always indicated. For example, for an Aspire 4740 laptop, to turn on Bluetooth - you need to click on Fn + F3.

Aspire 4740 Reference Manual.

Also pay attention to the taskbar, on the right side of the screen next to the clock, the Bluetooth icon should be lit. Using this icon, you can turn Bluetooth on and off, so be sure to check it also.

Bluetooth in Windows 7.

2. How to find and update drivers to enable Bluetooth

Very often, when reinstalling Windows OS, Bluetooth drivers are lost. Therefore, it does not work. Well, by the way, the system itself can inform you about the lack of drivers when you press the function keys, or on the tray icon. Best of all, go to the task manager (you can open it through the control panel: just type in the "manager" in the search bar and the OS will find it itself) and see what it tells us.

Pay particular attention to the yellow and red icons next to Bluetooth devices. If you have the same picture as below in the screenshot - update your drivers!

There are no Bluetooth drivers in this OS. You need to find and install them.

How do I update my drivers?

1) It is better to use the official website of the laptop manufacturer, which is indicated in your reference manual. There is probably the best version of the driver there, tested by hundreds of users around the world. But, sometimes, this cannot be done: for example, you changed the OS, and the site does not have a driver for such an OS; or trite, the download speed is very low (I personally encountered it when I downloaded drivers for Acer: it turned out that downloading a 7-8 GB file from a third-party site was faster than 100 MB from the official one).

2) The second option is suitable if the official drivers did not suit you with something. By the way, I also use this option lately for its speed and simplicity! After reinstalling the OS, just run this package (we are talking about DriverPack Solution) and after 15 minutes. we get a system in which there are absolutely all drivers for all devices installed in the system! For the entire time of using this package, I can remember only 1-2 cases when the package could not find and determine the driver correctly.

It is an ISO image, about 7-8 GB in size. It downloads quickly if you have high-speed Internet. For example, on my laptop it downloaded at a speed of about 5-6 Mb / s.

After that, open this ISO image with some program (I recommend) and run a system scan. Then DriverPack Solution will prompt you to update and install drivers. See screenshot below.

As a rule, after a reboot, all devices in your system will work and function as expected. Including Bluetooth.

3. What if the laptop does not have a Bluetooth adapter?

If it turns out that your laptop does not have a Bluetooth adapter, then you can buy it. It looks like an ordinary USB flash drive that connects to the USB port of a computer. By the way, the screenshot below shows one of the Bluetooth adapters. More modern models are even smaller, you may not even notice them, they are no more than a couple of centimeters high!

The cost of such an adapter is around 500-1000 rubles. The kit usually comes with drivers for the popular Windows 7, 8. By the way, if anything, you can use the DriverPack Solution, its kit contains drivers for such an adapter.

On this note, I say goodbye to you. All the best ...

How to find out if there is Bluetooth on a laptop if you are not sure about it? Simple enough. I often help friends solve "computer" issues - and have studied well all the ways to check for a wireless adapter. There are, of course, non-obvious cases, a lot of nuances. But usually the issue is easily resolved. If you need to check your PC, follow these steps in order:

1. A description of the laptop in the store (if you have not bought it yet, or have just done it). Or stickers on the case, at the bottom of the laptop.
2. Buttons and hotkeys.
3. System tray icon.
4. "Windows Mobility Center".
5. Device Manager.
6. BIOS check.
7. Driver update.

If all the steps did not help, most likely you do not have a Bluetooth adapter, or it is faulty. I will not advise disassembling the laptop to find out if the module is there. It's much easier to buy a portable adapter.

Step 1. Description of the laptop or stickers on it

When buying a PC, ask if there is Bluetooth on your computer. Most often - yes, but some budget models are not equipped with it. Manufacturers also release assembly variations: almost identical laptops with a slight difference in the model number may differ in the Bluetooth adapter.

If you have had a laptop for a long time, then you can look for stickers on the case. Finally, check your model on the brand's website. If the stickers on the case are erased, or you do not want to rewrite a long row of numbers, you can proceed to the next steps.

Step 2. Buttons for hardware activation

If the adapter is turned off with the button on the case, then it will not work to check if there is Bluetooth on the laptop in other ways. It will completely disappear from all settings. You need to check the space around the keyboard and touchpad, at the ends of the laptop, at the back. However, my previous laptop from Acer had such a button, but Bluetooth was not on it.

Now check the hotkeys on your laptop. This is a combination on the keyboard: Fn + F buttons. You can find out Bluetooth by the icons on the keys. Wireless waves, antenna, network logo or airplane - manufacturers depict this function in different ways, place it on different buttons. After pressing the combination, a window will appear on the screen where you can find out if the network we need is active.

There are nuances here:

• the combination of buttons for working with adapters is disabled in Windows 10 (by default), but it can work if the utilities are installed;
• the combination will not work if the laptop keyboard drivers are not native;
• in rare cases, the use of the F buttons is "inverted" - you just need to press the button, without a combination with Fn. You can find out by the color of the inscriptions.

Step 3. Icon in the notification area

The icon next to the watch is an almost 100% way to test Bluetooth. Sometimes the button is hidden - you need to press the small triangle next to the clock. On a PC with Windows 10, you can additionally click and check the "Notification Center" - an icon in the same area.

Step 4. Win + R menu

If you press the combination "Win + R", then you can also find out if there is Bluetooth on the computer. The "Windows Mobility Center" window will appear on the screen. Wireless networks can be combined under one icon. Some laptop manufacturers have provided their own system: in the tray there may be a "wireless assistant" icon (or with a similar name). It is worth finding out if Bluetooth is there.

Step 5. Checking devices

The surest way to find out if there is Bluetooth on a laptop is to check the list of equipment and internal devices. You can get to the "Device Manager" of Windows through the control panel and navigate through the menu. I prefer to open the Start menu and type Device Manager in search. You can immediately open the desired window.

Look to see if Bluetooth is there. It can hide in network adapters, be moved to a separate branch. If it is, then the module is definitely present on the laptop. If not, it might be an "Unknown Device". You need to install a driver on it.

Step 6. Checking the BIOS

You can find out whether Bluetooth is in a laptop or not through BIOS. Among the settings, you can find lines with the name of the adapter. You can also turn it on or off there. Please note that both the entrance to the BIOS and the menu in it differ significantly for different PCs.

Step 7. Updating the driver

To finally find out if your computer has Bluetooth, you need to update its driver. The software is searched for on the manufacturer's website, by model number. If an error occurs during the installation process, the adapter appears to be missing.

If you checked these methods, then you can definitely find out how and where to find Bluetooth on a laptop. If they don't help, buy an external module. The problems can be complex and you don't need to go into them. Install the USB adapter and enjoy wireless connectivity. So you will know exactly where Bluetooth is on your laptop.

To begin with, almost every laptop has a built-in Bluetooth module. Not even on the newest models. This means that Bluetooth on a laptop should work without installing additional devices. I have introduced USB adapters which are required for desktop computers. Since there is simply no built-in module there. Although, some motherboards already have built-in Bluetooth.

In this article, I will try to show in detail how to enable Bluetooth on a laptop. How to do this in Windows 10, Windows 8 (8.1) and Windows 7. I will also show you how to configure the wireless module and connect different devices to the laptop. I have a mouse and wireless headphones connected to my laptop via Bluetooth. Very comfortably. You can also connect, for example, a wireless speaker, keyboard, mobile phone, etc.

All that is needed for Bluetooth to work on a laptop is an installed driver. The driver must be downloaded and installed from the official website of the laptop manufacturer. For your model and installed Windows system. But do not rush to go to the manufacturer's website and download drivers. It is quite possible that you already have everything installed and working. Especially if you have Windows 10 installed. As a rule, it installs the necessary drivers by itself. Then you just need to turn on Bluetooth in the laptop settings and you can use it.

Where can I find Bluetooth on my laptop and how to turn it on?

Most likely, you already have everything included and everything works. Regardless of the Windows installed, if the Bluetooth driver is installed, then there will be a blue "Bluetooth Devices" icon on the notification bar. This means that it is turned on and ready to go. Check on your laptop. In rare cases, this icon may be disabled in the settings.

By clicking on this icon, you can perform various operations: add a device, show connected devices, receive / send a file, configure the adapter itself, etc.

If you don't have such an icon, then there are three options:

1. Bluetooth on the laptop is disabled and needs to be turned on.
2. Removed the BT icon itself from the notification bar.
3. Or the required driver is not installed.

Let's try to turn it on.

BT in Windows 10

The easiest way is to open the action center and click on the corresponding button.

Or go to the parameters, then to the "Devices" section, and on the "Bluetooth and other devices" tab, enable the module with the slider.

For Windows 10, I wrote a separate article:. After that, an icon should appear in the notification bar, as I showed above.

How to connect the device?

Click on "Add Bluetooth or other device" and select the appropriate item in the next window.

Turn on Bluetooth on a laptop with Windows 8 and 8.1

Opening the side panel (you can use the keyboard shortcut Windows + C) and select "Options". Then click on "Change computer settings". Go to the "Bluetooth" section and turn on the module with the switch.

Windows will start looking for available devices to connect to.

An icon should appear on the notification bar, through which you can manage connections.

How to activate Bluetooth in Windows 7?

If there is no blue icon in the notification bar, then go to "Network and Sharing Center" - "Change adapter settings" and see if there is a "Bluetooth Network Connection" adapter there. If not, then install the driver for your laptop model, or check for an adapter in the device manager (about this below in the article)... And if there is, then see if it is turned on. It may need to be turned on on the laptop.

How to connect the device?

Click on the "Bluetooth" icon and select "Add device ..."

A new window will open in which to connect your device following the instructions.

Or go to the "Control Panel", in the "Devices and Printers" section. And click on the "Add Device" button. You can also open the "Bluetooth Adapter" properties and enable the display of the icon in the notification area. This will make it easier to connect and manage devices.

How to check and enable bluetooth in device manager on laptop?

If you cannot find Bluetooth on your laptop, there are no settings, adapter, buttons, icons, etc., then most likely the necessary drivers are not installed. You need to go to the device manager and check it out. Or maybe you just need to use the BT adapter.

Open Device Manager. You can right-click on "My Computer" and select "Properties." In a new window go to "Device Manager". Or press the keyboard shortcut Win + R and execute the command devmgmt.msc.

There you should see the "Bluetooth" section (may be called differently in Windows 7), which will contain the module itself (the name may also be different)... On my laptop like this:

If there is one, but with an "arrow" (icon near the adapter) then just right-click on it and select "Engage".

Perhaps you don't have anything similar to Bluetooth in your device manager. In this case, you need to download and install the driver.

Go to the official website of your laptop manufacturer. Through the search (or menu) find your model, and in the "Support", "Downloads", etc., download the driver for the Bluetooth module. Install it, restart your laptop and everything should be working after that.