Does my computer have Bluetooth? How to add it if you don’t have it

Bluetooth is a very mature technology used in headsets, keyboards, mice, webcams and other peripherals. Bluetooth has come a long way since those frustrating early days where you’d spend an hour or more trying to pair two devices. Now the protocol and devices are much more evolved and will (normally) pair in seconds and work perfectly.

As long as you have a Bluetooth receiver on your computer, you should be able to pair any compatible device with it. If you want to go wireless or just like the look of a particular Bluetooth device, here’s how to tell if a computer has Bluetooth and how to add it if it doesn’t.

How to tell if a Windows computer has Bluetooth

If you use Windows, it’s very easy to tell if your computer has Bluetooth capability or not. This will work on both desktop and laptop computers.

1. Right click on Windows start button and select Device administrator.
2. Search the device list Bluetoothif the input is present, you have Bluetooth on your device.
3. You can also look at Network adapters for a Bluetooth input. If present, it has Bluetooth capability. If not, you don’t do it.

The exception to this is if you rebuilt Windows yourself and haven’t used Bluetooth since setting everything up. You may not have installed all the drivers, so it will not necessarily appear in Device administrator. If you purchased the computer, check the manufacturer’s website or manual. If you built it, check the specifications of the hardware you purchased.

How to tell if a Mac computer has Bluetooth

Most Macs have Bluetooth capability of one kind or another, so even if you bought one used or were given one as a gift, you can usually count on having Bluetooth. If you want to make sure, do this:

1. Open the apple menu and About this Mac.
2. Now, select System information… to generate a report on all connected hardware.
3. Look for Bluetooth and then select it to know what you have and where.
4. You can also look at System preferences If you prefer. Just search Bluetooth low Internet and wireless. This will work on both desktop and laptop computers.

How to tell if a Linux computer has Bluetooth

If you are using a Linux laptop or PC and want to know if it has Bluetooth capability, you can find out with a simple command. This will work on both desktop and laptop computers.

1. Open a terminal and type ‘dmesg | grep -i blue‘ and hit Get into. You can also write ‘lsusb | Bluetooth‘ to see if you have Bluetooth.
2. If you see a return that includes hardware, it has Bluetooth. If you don’t see a hardware list, you don’t see it.

If you are using Linux, please note that some Linux kernels do not support all Bluetooth modules, so they will not be recognized. While the above query works on most newer hardware and major distributions, if you compiled your own or are using something exotic, it may not return the correct result. I tried it on Ubuntu and Zorin and it worked fine. However, your mileage may vary.

How to add Bluetooth capability to a computer

If the above checks told you that your computer doesn’t have Bluetooth capability but you still want to use it, you’ll need to add some hardware. Bluetooth adapters come as mPCIe network cards with antennas or USB dongles. Which one you use depends on the computer and your situation.

Typically, mPCIe Bluetooth adapter cards have a stronger signal and longer range thanks to their ability to carry more voltage to larger antennas. They will work better on a PC. If you’re using a small form factor laptop or PC, you may not have space or want the antennas to stick out, so a USB dongle would work better.

Costs range from $15 to $45 and Adapters come in all shapes and sizes.. Some are dedicated Bluetooth, while others are a combination of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

1. Once you have your hardware, add it to your computer and boot it up.
2. The operating system should select the new device automatically and download or request a driver.
3. Insert the driver CD if you have one or download it from the manufacturer’s website.
4. Restart your machine if prompted and start using Bluetooth!

Adding Bluetooth capability to a computer is surprisingly simple. With the sheer quantity and quality of peripherals out there right now, it’s a great time to go wireless, and Bluetooth is the way to do it!

Bluetooth

Whether you want to connect a wireless headset, mouse, or keyboard, you now know how to check if your computer has Bluetooth capability and add it if it doesn’t. Share your thoughts and experiences about Bluetooth below.