Sometimes, Windows will automatically detect the dongle and install drivers for the device.
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Not all Acer laptops -- even newer models -- come with a Bluetooth module; Bluetooth is often an optional feature included only with select products. If your Acer lacks built-in Bluetooth, you can connect a universal serial bus dongle to the laptop to add Bluetooth capabilities. To use the dongle with the computer, however, you must install the Bluetooth drivers -- software that allows the dongle to receive instructions from Windows and send commands to Bluetooth devices -- to the laptop. Once the dongle is installed, you can add Bluetooth devices to your PC.
Step 1
Insert the software disc that came with the Bluetooth dongle into the optical drive. Right-click "Start," click "Open Windows Explorer" and then double-click the disc drive if the computer fails to launch setup.
Step 2
Select the option to install the dongle to the laptop. Connect the dongle to an available USB slot when prompted.
Step 3
Follow the onscreen instructions to install the Bluetooth drivers to the computer. Restart the PC if prompted.
Step 4
Restart the computer. After reboot, click "Start | Control Panel | Hardware and Sound | Bluetooth Devices."
Step 5
Make your device discoverable and then click "Add." Select your Bluetooth device and then click "Next."
Step 6
Follow the onscreen instructions to pair the device with the Acer laptop.
Tips
- If you no longer have the CD that came with the dongle, navigate to the hardware manufacturer's website and download the drivers from the site. Double-click the driver file to install the Bluetooth stack to Windows.
- Acer laptops that have Bluetooth built-in will often include a button or switch that turns wireless communication on and off on the Acer. Check the laptop for a Bluetooth indicator light; if the light is off, push the button or slide the switch to enable Bluetooth.
Required Items
- Bluetooth dongle
About the Author
Ruri Ranbe has been working as a writer since 2008. She received an A.A. in English literature from Valencia College and is completing a B.S. in computer science at the University of Central Florida. Ranbe also has more than six years of professional information-technology experience, specializing in computer architecture, operating systems, networking, server administration, virtualization and Web design.
Photo Credits
- Siri Stafford/Lifesize/Getty Images
