Connectivity is vital for adding new devices and sharing files. That'due south when Bluetooth saves the day. It allows you to transfer files between devices with no fuss and connects gadgets without tangled wires.

Even if your PC doesn't support Bluetooth, there are many ways you tin add it.

Built-in Bluetooth

The showtime question you should inquire yourself is "does my computer accept Bluetooth already?"

Most new devices, whether Windows, Linux, or macOS, take a Bluetooth radio built-in. It allows wireless connection and communication with other Bluetooth-enabled devices; PCs, smartphones, headphones, etc.

But that probably doesn't include older devices, particularly durable ones that yous've had for years and are notwithstanding in top condition.

Not to mention, parts break, and Bluetooth hardware isn't excluded from this. Maybe it broke on accident or merely stopped working for unknown reasons.

Regardless, all is not lost. There are many ways you tin can add Bluetooth to your PC without breaking the bank with a new computer or laptop.

Bluetooth Adapters to Consider

usb stick on a tree stump

There are ii ways to get Bluetooth on your PC. The simpler choice would be to use a USB Bluetooth dongle. They're fairly cheap, like shooting fish in a barrel to use, and small enough to fit in your pocket.

Alternatively, you could invest in a long-term solution and replace, or add, a Bluetooth radio to your PC's motherboard using a PCI bill of fare.

And so, if yous're wondering how to add Bluetooth to PC, here are a few Bluetooth adapters to consider if you don't know where to start.

Hideez'southward USB Bluetooth four.0 adapter

This is the best option for the average user. It works with Windows from XP to Windows ten, and macOS 10.7 and newer.

The dongle has a meaty design at 0.ix inches in length. That makes it easy to shove in your pocket or wallet, and it won't stick out when you're using it, reducing the gamble of accidentally bumping into information technology and breaking your USB port or adapter.

It also has impressive coverage of around 65 anxiety and low-energy consumption. Using this adapter will add to your feel and inquire for close to zero in return.

Plugable Bluetooth Adapter for Windows and Linux

If you're using a Linux system or are likely to need Bluetooth on i at some stage, this Windows and Linux-compatible USB dongle is platonic.

Measuring 0.75 x 0.25 x 0.5 inches, this compact Bluetooth transmitter has a range of up to 32 feet.

How to Add together Bluetooth to Your PC

Laptop and gadgets on a minimalist desk

With a Bluetooth USB dongle attached, you're ready to connect Bluetooth devices to your figurer.

Windows

To use Bluetooth, in addition to the hardware, you need the right commuter. In Windows 10, this should install automatically, or as part of a Windows Update.

If this doesn't happen, or you're using an older version of Windows, you'll need to install the driver manually, by downloading or installing from disc. For instance, with Hideez's USB Bluetooth adapter, start by downloading the Windows commuter from Hideez's website, and then follow these installation steps:

Windows 10 Screenshot
  1. Right-click the Nix file and select Extract Here.
  2. Enter the file you extracted csrDongleDriverWindows > driver and then double click DPInst.exe.
  3. The software volition most probable enquire for permission to make changes to your calculator, if so, click Yep.
  4. Allow it to install, click Next > Finish.

After installing the necessary driver, reconnect the Bluetooth dongle.

The Bluetooth icon will announced at the right corner of your taskbar. Right-click it to meet all the options y'all need, from calculation Bluetooth devices to sending and receiving files.

For Windows XP:

  1. Click Start > Control Console, double-click Bluetooth Devices.
  2. Click Add from the new window and select your Bluetooth dongle.
  3. When you click Side by side you'd accept the choice to set a passkey on your Bluetooth.
  4. Finish the process by clicking Side by side > End.

To connect a device on Windows XP:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Network Connections.
  2. Double-click Bluetooth Network Connexion under Personal Area Network.
  3. Select your device then click Connect.

MacOS

With compatible versions of macOS, starting time by inserting the dongle into a USB port, then follow these steps:

  1. Reboot your device, cull Apple tree Bill of fare > Restart.
  2. When information technology restarts, use the search role to open up a Concluding window.
  3. In the Terminal window type in the control line: sudo nvram bluetoothHostControllerSwitchBehavior=always
  4. Enter your device's password and printing enter.
  5. Restart the computer.

That way, your device will use the USB dongle whenever you insert it and go back to its previous Bluetooth radio---if it had ane---when non connected.

Annotation that you'll lose Bluetooth connectivity during installation and you'll need to turn on Bluetooth on your mac and re-pair your devices.

Linux

Connecting your Bluetooth adapter will take care of the hardware part of using Bluetooth on Linux devices. If your PC has a Bluetooth commuter pre-installed, you'd only need to make sure it's turned on. For example, in Ubuntu:

  1. Through the Activities overview, type Bluetooth.
  2. Click on the switch at the top to turn On.
  3. To connect a device, click on Devices, browse the Devices list and choose the device you lot want to connect to.

If your device doesn't take a Bluetooth driver, download and install a Bluetooth configuration and interface tool for Linux, such every bit Blueberry, BlueZ, and Blueman.

Why Throw Away Old Devices?

Now that technology is apace evolving, and new devices come out every other twenty-four hour period, the definition of an 'quondam device' is changing. While it used to mean a PC that'due south 10 years former, at present the number is arguably closer to three.

Nevertheless, that doesn't hateful you have to throw away your old reckoner if it's non showing any signs and replace information technology every few years to use something equally basic as Bluetooth. In that location are ever ways you can upgrade your PC and catch up without spending a ton of money.

Image Credit: Brina Blum/Unsplash.