Connectivity is vital for adding new devices and sharing files. That’s 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 can add it.
Built-in Bluetooth
The first question you should ask yourself is “does my computer have Bluetooth already?”
Most new devices, whether Windows, Linux, or macOS, have 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, especially durable ones that you’ve had for years and are still in top condition.
Not to mention, parts break, and Bluetooth hardware isn’t excluded from this. Maybe it broke on accident or just stopped working for unknown reasons.
Regardless, all is not lost. There are many ways you can add Bluetooth to your PC without breaking the bank with a new computer or laptop.
Bluetooth Adapters to Consider
There are two ways to get Bluetooth on your PC. The simpler option would be to use a USB Bluetooth dongle. They’re fairly cheap, easy 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 card.
So, if you’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’s USB Bluetooth 4.0 adapter
This is the best option for the average user. It works with Windows from XP to Windows 10, and macOS 10.7 and newer.
The dongle has a compact design at 0.9 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 risk of accidentally bumping into it and breaking your USB port or adapter.
It also has impressive coverage of around 65 feet and low-energy consumption. Using this adapter will add to your experience and ask for close to nothing in return.
Plugable Bluetooth Adapter for Windows and Linux
If you’re using a Linux system or are likely to need Bluetooth on one at some stage, this Windows and Linux-compatible USB dongle is ideal.
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 Bluetooth to Your PC
With a Bluetooth USB dongle attached, you’re ready to connect Bluetooth devices to your computer.
Windows
To use Bluetooth, in addition to the hardware, you need the right driver. 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 example, with Hideez’s USB Bluetooth adapter, start by downloading the Windows driver from Hideez’s website, then follow these installation steps:
- Right-click the ZIP file and select Extract Here.
- Enter the file you extracted csrDongleDriverWindows > driver then double click DPInst.exe.
- The software will most likely ask for permission to make changes to your computer, if so, click Yes.
- Allow it to install, click Next > Finish.
After installing the necessary driver, reconnect the Bluetooth dongle.
The Bluetooth icon will appear at the right corner of your taskbar. Right-click it to see all the options you need, from adding Bluetooth devices to sending and receiving files.
For Windows XP:
- Click Start > Control Panel, double-click Bluetooth Devices.
- Click Add from the new window and select your Bluetooth dongle.
- When you click Next you’d have the option to set a passkey on your Bluetooth.
- Finish the process by clicking Next > Finish.
To connect a device on Windows XP:
- Go to Control Panel > Network Connections.
- Double-click Bluetooth Network Connection under Personal Area Network.
- Select your device then click Connect.
MacOS
With compatible versions of macOS, start by inserting the dongle into a USB port, then follow these steps:
- Reboot your device, choose Apple Menu > Restart.
- When it restarts, use the search function to open a Terminal window.
- In the Terminal window type in the command line: sudo nvram bluetoothHostControllerSwitchBehavior=always
- Enter your device’s password and press enter.
- 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 one—when not connected.
Note 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 driver pre-installed, you’d only need to make sure it’s turned on. For example, in Ubuntu:
- Through the Activities overview, type Bluetooth.
- Click on the switch at the top to turn On.
- To connect a device, click on Devices, browse the Devices list and choose the device you want to connect to.
If your device doesn’t have a Bluetooth driver, download and install a Bluetooth configuration and interface tool for Linux, such as Blueberry, BlueZ, and Blueman.
Why Throw Away Old Devices?
Now that technology is rapidly evolving, and new devices come out every other day, the definition of an ‘old device’ is changing. While it used to mean a PC that’s ten years old, now the number is arguably closer to three.
Still, that doesn’t mean you have to throw away your old computer if it’s not showing any signs and replace it every few years to use something as basic as Bluetooth. There are always ways you can upgrade your PC and catch up without spending a ton of money.
Image Credit: Brina Blum/Unsplash.
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