Use a Bluetooth Dongle

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While some computers come with built-in Bluetooth connectivity, others require the use of a Bluetooth "dongle." Dongles are USB network adapters that allow a computer to communicate with Bluetooth devices such as mobile phones, mice, keyboards, remotes, and headsets. You can learn to connect a Bluetooth dongle to your computer, install and configure it using the steps below.

Steps

  1. Plug the dongle into a free USB port on your computer. Insert it just like you would a USB flash drive. Your computer should automatically detect the device and install any drivers that are needed. If not, look for drivers for your specific dongle online.
    • Bluetooth signals are able to pass through obstacles much easier than IR signals. You don’t necessarily need to worry about having line-of-sight between the dongle and the device.
    • You should see multiple messages in your System Tray informing you that the drivers are being installed and that the Bluetooth dongle has been successfully connected. A Bluetooth icon will appear in the taskbar.
  2. To connect a new bluetooth device open the Control Panel on your computer. You can find this in the Start menu on your computer, or by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting Control Panel in Windows 8
    • Open "Bluetooth Devices" (Windows XP) or under "Hardware and Sound", click the Add a device (Windows 7).
  3. Add Bluetooth Device Wizard window will appear (Make sure that Bluetooth on your device is turned on). Check the box next to " My device is set up and ready to be found" and click "Next".
  4. Select the device and click Next. Windows will begin configuring your device and automatically downloading the correct drivers.
    • You may need to enter a PIN or code to connect the device. If you don’t know the code, try entering 0000.
    • You will only need to pair your device with the computer once. After that, the device will be automatically connected as long as it is within range and the dongle is plugged in.

Tips

  • It is possible to view the files on Bluetooth devices remotely from your computer.
  • You can send and receive files, such as images, audio, and video, between Bluetooth-enabled devices and your computer, just right-click the bluetooth icon in the taskbar and select "Send File" or "Receive File".

Warnings

  • Bluetooth devices are meant for short-range wireless networking, typically within 10 m (33 feet) or less. If you move too far from the dongle, the connection to the computer will either be slow or unavailable.

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