How do I connect headphones to blue tooth on my computer?

Hi Libonati, Ellen,

First, make sure your computer has Bluetooth turned on. You can check this by going to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & devices and toggling Bluetooth to “On.” Next, put your headphones into pairing mode, usually this means holding down the power or Bluetooth button until you see a flashing light, but check your headphone manual for the exact steps.

Once the headphones are in pairing mode, go back to your computer’s Bluetooth settings and click “Add device.” Choose “Bluetooth” from the options, and your headphones should appear in the list. Select them, and Windows will handle the pairing process. If prompted, confirm the connection or enter a PIN (often 0000 or 1234). After that, your headphones should show up as connected.

If you don’t see them right away, try turning Bluetooth off and back on, or restart your computer. Also, make sure no other device nearby is already connected to the headphones, as that can block pairing. Once connected, you can set them as the default audio device by right‑clicking the speaker icon in the taskbar and choosing “Sound settings.”

I hope the response provided some helpful insight. If it clarified the issue for you, please consider marking it as Accept Answer so others with the same issue can find the solution.

Jason.

To connect Bluetooth headphones to a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, use Bluetooth settings and ensure the headphones are in pairing mode and within range.

For Windows 11:

1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
2. Turn the Bluetooth toggle On.
3. Put the headphones into Bluetooth pairing mode (check the manufacturer’s instructions, often involves holding the power or Bluetooth button until a light flashes).
4. Select Add device and choose Bluetooth.
5. When the headphones appear in the list, select them to pair and connect.
6. If the device appears but won’t connect, select the device, choose More options (…) > Remove device, then add it again.

For Windows 10:

1. Select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
2. Turn Bluetooth On.
3. Put the headphones into pairing mode.
4. Select Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth.
5. Select the headphones when they appear to pair and connect.
6. If the device appears but won’t connect, select it under Audio and choose Remove device, then add it again.

If Bluetooth is on but the headphones still do not connect:

1. Move the headphones closer to the PC and ensure they are charged.
2. Turn Bluetooth Off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it On again and try pairing.
3. If the headphones show as Paired but there is no sound, set them as the output device:
   • Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
   • Under Choose your output device, select the Bluetooth headphones.

For Surface Headphones specifically:

1. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on as above.
2. Turn the headphones off and back on using the power button.
3. In Bluetooth & devices (Windows 11) or Bluetooth & other devices (Windows 10), select Surface Headphones under Audio and choose Connect.

If connection problems persist, remove the headphones from the Bluetooth list and pair again, and ensure Windows Updates and Bluetooth drivers are current.

References:

• Fix problems with setting up your Surface Headphones
• Troubleshoot Bluetooth not connecting in Windows
• Fix Bluetooth connected but no sound issue on Windows
• Use a screen reader to fix Bluetooth problems in Windows