How to Pair Dell Bluetooth Devices in Windows 11 and Windows 10

Before You Begin

This article is a reference companion to the Dell Pair Bluetooth Devices: Windows 11 and Ubuntu Guide support library page.

Prerequisites:

Complete the foundational steps first the library page covers how to enable Bluetooth, activate pairing mode, search for and select devices, and best practices for both Windows 11 and Ubuntu.

This KB article addresses Dell-specific discovery mode procedures, Swift Pair, missing Bluetooth toggle resolution, driver updates, and advanced troubleshooting — topics not covered by the library page.

Section 1: Checklist for Dell Bluetooth Pairing

Before pairing any Dell Bluetooth peripheral, confirm the following:

• Fresh batteries are installed in the Bluetooth device (, or the device is fully charged).
• The latest driver for the Bluetooth adapter in the computer is installed.
• The Bluetooth device to be paired is within 30 ft (10 meters) of the computer.

Section 2: Pairing Dell-Branded Bluetooth Devices

Pairing a Dell Bluetooth Keyboard:

Put the keyboard into Discovery Mode:

1. Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your computer (Right click the Windows key, and then select Settings > Bluetooth & devices, ensure that Bluetooth is switched On).
2. Locate and press the Bluetooth button on the bottom of the keyboard.
3. The Bluetooth LED on the top of the keyboard blinks when the keyboard is in discovery mode. The LED is off when the keyboard is not in discovery mode.
4. In the Bluetooth & other devices window, select your keyboard from the list to highlight it, then select Done.
5. If prompted, input the passkey (password) found in the documentation of your Bluetooth device.
6. The devices are now paired and ready to use.

Pairing a Dell Bluetooth Mouse:

Put the mouse into Discovery Mode:

1. Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your computer (Right click the Windows key, and then select Settings > Bluetooth & devices, ensure that Bluetooth is switched On).
2. Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the bottom of the mouse for 2 seconds.
3. The Bluetooth LED on the top of the mouse blinks when in discovery mode. The LED is off when not in discovery mode.
4. In the Bluetooth & other devices window, select the mouse from the list to highlight it, then select Done.
5. If prompted, input the passkey found in the documentation of your Bluetooth device.
6. The devices are now paired and ready to use.

Pairing Other Dell Bluetooth Accessories (Speakers, Headsets, so on)

Refer to your Bluetooth device's owner's manual for instructions on how to put your specific device into discovery mode. See Dell Knowledge Base article Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product for the manual of your Dell device.

Once the device is in discovery mode, follow the same Windows pairing steps described in the Pairing a Dell Bluetooth Keyboard or Mouse sections.

Section 3: How to Manually Add a Non-Dell Bluetooth Device

Refer to your Bluetooth device's owner's manual for instructions on how to put your specific device into discovery mode. Once the device is in discovery mode:

See Dell Knowledge Base article Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product for the manual of your computer for precise location.

1. Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your computer (Right click the Windows key, and then select Settings > Bluetooth & devices, ensure that Bluetooth is switched On).
2. Select Add device.
3. Select Bluetooth from the device type list.
4. Select your device from the list to highlight it, then select Done. If prompted, enter the passkey from the device's documentation.
5. The devices are now paired and ready to use.

Section 4: Swift Pair (Windows 11 and Windows 10)

Swift Pair is the newest way to pair Bluetooth devices in Windows 11 and Windows 10. When a compatible Bluetooth device is nearby and in pairing mode, Windows automatically displays a notification allowing you to pair instantly.

Swift Pair requirements: The Bluetooth device must support Swift Pair.

Compatible Device Categories:

• Microsoft Peripherals: Microsoft Arc mice, Microsoft Modern Mobile Mice, and the Surface Ergonomic Keyboard.
• Audio & Headsets: Premium audio brands manufacture specific Swift Pair compatible devices, corporate-focused models like the Jabra Connect 5t, and Jabra Speak2 series.
• General Peripherals: Any Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) peripheral that explicitly features Microsoft Swift Pair support in its specifications.

Swift Pair notifications must be enabled in Windows Bluetooth settings: Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices > Show notifications to connect to Swift Pair.

For more information, see Microsoft Base article Swift Pair (English Only).

Section 5: Resolve Missing Bluetooth Toggle

If you do not see a Bluetooth toggle in Windows Settings, this indicates an adapter or driver issue — not a pairing issue. Do not go through the pairing steps until this is resolved.

Step 1 — Ensure that the Bluetooth adapter is enabled in the BIOS

Step 2 — Check Device Manager

1. Right click the Windows key, and then select Device Manager.
2. Click the arrow icon next to Bluetooth to expand the section.
3. If there is no Bluetooth listing at all, go to Step 3.
4. Look for any listing with a down arrow icon next to it. If found, right-click it and select Enable device.

Step 3 — Run Dell Diagnostics (When Bluetooth Is Completely Missing)

If Bluetooth does not appear in Device Manager:

1. Browse to the Dell Support website.
2. Select your computer when it appears, or use the available options to identify your computer.
   NOTE: You may be prompted to download and install SupportAssist, which automatically identifies your computer. Follow the prompts to do so.
3. Select the DIAGNOSTICS tab.
4. Select Visit Advanced Troubleshooting.
5. Select Full list of components.
6. Under System Devices, select Bluetooth Device.
7. Select Continue.
8. Select Run Hardware Scan.
   NOTE: You may be asked to turn Bluetooth on in order to run the test.
9. Select Yes or No if you can see Bluetooth devices in the list.
10. Review the test results for hardware issues.

Section 6: Update Bluetooth Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers cause most Bluetooth problems. Keeping your drivers current is critical for smooth Bluetooth operation.

Option A — Use SupportAssist (Recommended)

SupportAssist checks for driver updates and identifies performance issues that might affect Bluetooth connectivity.

1. Open SupportAssist on your Dell computer (In the Search box type, SupportAssist), and select Dell SupportAssist from the results.
2. Select Full system scan and follow the prompts.
3. Review the results and apply any recommended driver updates or fixes.

Option B — Use the Dell Support Website

1. Browse to Drivers & Downloads.
2. Identify your computer by Service Tag or model name.
3. Go to the Drivers & Downloads tab.
4. Filter by Network category.
5. Download and install the latest Bluetooth driver.

Section 7: Troubleshooting Bluetooth Adapter Problems

USB Bluetooth Adapters

If you are using a USB Bluetooth adapter, verify that the USB port is working correctly first. The Bluetooth adapter might turn off unexpectedly or stop responding due to a faulty USB connection. See Dell Library page USB Ports Not Working on Windows: Solve Common USB Issues

Integrated Bluetooth Adapters

To diagnose an integrated Bluetooth adapter, follow the steps in Section 5, Step 3 to run Dell diagnostics. Diagnostics are essential for identifying adapter hardware problems.

Post-Windows Update Re-Pairing

After a computer restart due to a Windows update, Bluetooth keyboards and mice may no longer be paired — the devices may lock up or become unavailable. To resolve this:

1. Check the batteries for both the keyboard and mouse. Replace with fresh batteries if possible.
2. Shut down the computer completely, wait a few seconds, then turn the computer back on.
3. Once Windows loads, pair the devices again through Windows Bluetooth Settings.

Mouse and Keyboard Pairing Order (USB Receiver)

When pairing both a mouse and keyboard using a USB receiver:

1. Pair the mouse first.
2. Wait a minimum of 20 seconds.
3. Then pair the keyboard.