Why isn't Windows finding my Bluetooth or other wireless device?

Here are a few things to try if Windows isn't finding your wireless device, such as a Bluetooth-enabled device or a printer on your network. If you’re having problems with a wired device, see What if a wired device isn't installed properly?

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Use Advanced printer setup

If you're adding a printer, you can try using Advanced printer setup.

To add a printer in Advanced printer setup

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, then tap Search.
    (If you're using a mouse, point to the bottom-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, then click Search.)

  2. Enter Advanced printer setup in the search box, and tap or click Advanced printer setup.

  3. Do one of the following:

    • Choose a printer in the list.

    • Tap or click The printer that I want isn’t listed, then either enter the printer name or choose one of the other options.

  4. Tap or click Next, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Make sure Bluetooth is on

If your PC can connect to wireless devices, check that Bluetooth is turned on.

Note

Note

If your PC doesn't support Bluetooth, you won't see a settings page for Bluetooth. If you're certain that your PC supports Bluetooth but there's no settings page for it, check the info that came with your PC or your manufacturer's website for steps to turn on Bluetooth.

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, then tap Change PC settings.
    (If you're using a mouse, point to the bottom-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, click Settings, then click Change PC settings.)

  2. Tap or click PC and devices, and tap or click Bluetooth.

  3. Turn Bluetooth on.

Make sure Bluetooth-enabled devices and other wireless devices are on and discoverable

Turn on the Bluetooth-enabled device, or other wireless device, then make it discoverable. Methods for making it discoverable can vary widely depending on the device. To learn how to make a Bluetooth-enabled device discoverable, read the information that came with your device or go to the manufacturer’s website.

If your device has a wireless switch, make sure it’s turned on. The switch could be on the front, back or side, and it could be small and unmarked. Look at the information that came with your device to see if a picture shows where it’s located.

Also, make sure that wireless communication is turned on and flight mode is turned off in Windows. For more information, see Why can't I connect to a network?

If you’re still having problems connecting your device, try using the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to fix common problems.

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, then tap Search.
    (If you're using a mouse, point to the bottom-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, then click Search.)

  2. Enter Troubleshooting in the search box, tap or click Troubleshooting, then tap or click Hardware and Sound.

  3. Tap or click Hardware and Devices, and follow the on-screen instructions. Administrator permission required You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.

    Note

    Note

    To get the most up-to-date troubleshooters, make sure your PC is connected to the Internet.

For more information about adding devices, see Adding, removing and managing your devices and printers.

Make sure your PC can share files and devices on a network

To connect to devices or PCs on a network, make sure Find devices and content in PC settings is turned on for the network you’re connected to. For more information, see Finding PCs, devices and content on your network.

You can also turn sharing on by joining a homegroup, which lets you share pictures, music, videos, documents and printers with other people in your homegroup.

Try using a troubleshooter

For wireless device or devices connected to a homegroup, you can try running a troubleshooter to fix some common problems.

To open the HomeGroup troubleshooter

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, then tap Search.
    (If you're using a mouse, point to the bottom-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, then click Search.)

  2. Enter Troubleshooting in the search box, tap or click Troubleshooting, then tap or click Network and Internet.

  3. Tap or click Homegroup, and follow the on-screen instructions. Administrator permission required You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.

To open the Network troubleshooter

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, then tap Search.
    (If you're using a mouse, point to the bottom-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, then click Search.)

  2. Enter Identify and repair network problems in the search box, and tap or click Identify and repair network problems.

To open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, then tap Search.
    (If you're using a mouse, point to the bottom-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, then click Search.)

  2. Enter Troubleshooting in the search box, tap or click Troubleshooting, then tap or click Hardware and Sound.

  3. Tap or click Hardware and Devices, and follow the on-screen instructions. Administrator permission required You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.

Make sure network devices are turned on

Before you try to connect to a network device, such as a printer or another PC, make sure it's turned on. For more information about network connection problems, see Why can't I connect to a network?

Check with your device manufacturer

See if the information that came with your device includes troubleshooting tips. You can also check the support pages on the manufacturer’s website for info and new drivers.

Check for answers in the Microsoft community

If the suggestions here don't solve your problem, check out the Hardware and Drivers community page in the Windows forum for solutions that other people have found for specific devices.

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