Bluetooth headphones are convenient for laptops because they avoid cables, but pairing can be confusing when multiple devices are nearby.
Turn Bluetooth on
Open Windows Settings and go to Bluetooth & devices.
Turn Bluetooth on if it is disabled.
Keep the headphones close to the PC during pairing.
Put the headphones in pairing mode
Headphones usually have a Bluetooth or power button that must be held for a few seconds to enter pairing mode.
The exact process varies by model, so check the manufacturer’s instructions if the device does not appear.
Add the headphones in Windows
In Bluetooth & devices, choose the option to add a new Bluetooth device.
Select Bluetooth and wait for the headphones to appear.
Choose the correct device name and complete pairing.
Choose the correct audio output
After pairing, Windows may not automatically use the headphones for sound.
Open the sound output selector and choose the headphones.
If your headphones have separate hands-free and stereo profiles, the available quality can vary depending on which mode an application uses.
If the headphones will not connect
Try turning Bluetooth off and on, restarting the headphones, and removing the device from Windows before pairing again.
Make sure the headphones are not already connected to another nearby device.
Check battery level
Low headphone battery can cause pairing or connection problems.
Charge the headphones before troubleshooting more complicated issues.
Setting up your PC for more devices? See how to connect an Android phone to a Windows PC, or how to turn an old laptop into a second monitor for extra screen space.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my Bluetooth headphones not showing in Windows?
Make sure pairing mode is active, Bluetooth is enabled, and the headphones are not already connected to another device.
Why are my headphones connected but there is no sound?
Check Windows’ selected audio output device and the application’s own audio settings.
Can I connect Bluetooth headphones to any Windows PC?
The PC needs compatible Bluetooth hardware or a suitable Bluetooth adapter.
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