Windows 8's hardware support for currently available Bluetooth devices matches that of Windows 7. However, that isn't to say you won't need Windows 8 drivers. I tested a laptop Mini-Bluetooth dongle and although connecting it to the USB port of a desktop didn't set out alarms and errors, neither did it work without installing the drivers. Users of Windows 8 who plan to connect a Bluetooth device (say a mouse or headset) should take note that the "new" approach might be somewhat confusing for those accustomed to Windows 7 or Vista's Bluetooth setup.
Windows 8 and Pairing a Bluetooth device
After installing your Bluetooth dongle's drivers, the familiar B logo should appear on your System Tray. If you're working from the Start Screen with the tiles, you would briefly see a "Toast notification" indicating the device has been installed or "Bluetooth device starting". Now, here's where it gets interesting. There are actually a few ways to pair a device/add a Bluetooth device in Windows 8.
To begin adding Bluetooth devices, do one of the following:
- Click the Bluetooth logo on the System Tray and select Add a Device from the context menu.
- Click Windows+I and then click Change PC settings. Click Devices then Add a Device.
- Click Windows+W and search for "bluetooth." Select Add Bluetooth device from the search results.
Curiously enough, the quick link to Add a Bluetooth device via the Control Panel and Hardware and Sound screen in Windows Vista/7 is no longer there. The option normally appears in Windows Vista/7 if a Bluetooth device is connected. You can, however, use the Devices and Printers screen to click Add a Device and get the standard device wizard if you prefer the long way of adding a Bluetooth pair.
All three steps listed above will actually bring you to the Change PC settings screen. If your USB Bluetooth receiver was installed properly, Windows 8 will scan for available Bluetooth devices. Once you select a device from the list, the pairing process will begin. A huge PIN number banner will pop up on your screen along with a message telling you to enter the PIN on your Bluetooth device. It actually looks funny on a desktop, but would probably look great on a tablet like the Microsoft Surface.
Once the Bluetooth pairing process is complete, the new device will be added to the Devices list on the PC Settings screen. Now, take note, the device will indicate Offline until you begin a task like transferring files or copying contacts. An Offline label does not mean pairing failed (this can actually be quite confusing if you're not used to it). The item labeled Grey63 on the screenshot below is actually my Nokia E63 (and yes, I actually use that phone so please don't laugh). To disconnect from pairing or to remove the device from the list, click the minus sign next to the item. You can also rename the device by clicking on the label as seen on the paired iPod Touch.
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