How to Pair Bluetooth Devices on Windows 11

Pairing Is Usually a One-Time Process

Once you pair a Bluetooth device with your Windows 11 PC, it remembers the connection. Next time you turn on the device, it reconnects automatically — no need to pair again.

Step-by-Step: Pair Any Bluetooth Device

1. Put the device in pairing mode — usually by holding the Bluetooth button until an LED flashes or you hear a tone. Check your device's manual.
2. On your PC, go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices
3. Make sure Bluetooth is toggled On
4. Click Add device
5. Select Bluetooth
6. Windows scans for nearby devices — your device should appear in the list
7. Click the device name
8. If prompted, confirm the pairing code on both the device and PC
9. Click Done

Pairing Bluetooth Headphones or Earbuds

After pairing, Windows should automatically set them as the default audio output. If not: click the speaker icon in the taskbar → click the audio output selector → choose your headphones from the list.

Pairing an Xbox Controller

1. Hold the pairing button on the controller (top edge, small button) until the Xbox button flashes
2. Follow the standard pairing steps above
3. The controller works immediately for any game or app that supports gamepad input

Reconnecting a Previously Paired Device

Turn the device on — it should reconnect automatically. If it doesn't: go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → find the device → click Connect.