How to connect a speaker to a laptop via bluetooth. How to connect a wireless (Bluetooth) speaker to a laptop: instructions

Bluetooth speaker is a very popular device. These portable speakers can be connected to almost any mobile device. They are mainly connected to phones or tablets. Since the sound produced by even an inexpensive portable speaker will be much better and louder compared to the built-in speakers in the phone. Everything is clear with mobile devices, but what about laptops and computers. Is it possible to connect a Bluetooth speaker to a laptop or PC? After all, the sound through the laptop’s built-in speakers is not much better, if not worse, than on mobile devices.

Yes, most laptops have problems with sound quality. Even on expensive models. Either the sound is very quiet, or there is not enough bass, or something creaks, whistles, etc. Therefore, if you have a portable speaker (or not very portable, but with the ability to connect via Bluetooth), then you can connect it without any problems to your laptop and enjoy pleasant and loud sound.

The Bluetooth speaker can even be connected to a PC. As a rule, speakers are connected to a desktop computer via cable. But if you have good wireless speakers, then why not connect them via Bluetooth. True, there is one nuance there. Laptops have built-in Bluetooth, but desktop computers (in system units) rarely have a built-in Bluetooth module. Therefore, in most cases, to connect a wireless speaker to a PC we will need a USB Bluetooth adapter. I wrote how to choose it in this article. After purchase, you need to connect and configure Bluetooth on your computer.

If you have a laptop, especially on Windows 10, then Bluetooth should work without any special settings, installing drivers, etc. As a last resort, you need to download the Bluetooth driver from the laptop manufacturer’s website and install it. The connection process itself is slightly different in Windows 10 and Windows 7. As in Windows 8. The easiest way, of course, is to connect a Bluetooth speaker in Windows 10. There, this process was made simple and clear. Let's also look at the connection process using Windows 7 as an example. Sometimes, after connecting, you also need to configure the audio output to the wireless speaker.

As for the wireless speaker itself, you can connect absolutely any one to your computer: JBL, Beats, Logitech, Sven, Rapoo, Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Speaker, Aspiring and others.

Important! If the settings on your computer differ from those that I will show later in the article, then you most likely need to configure or enable Bluetooth on your PC/laptop. This can be done according to the instructions on how to enable and configure Bluetooth on a laptop with Windows 10. And if you have Windows 7, then see the article on how to enable Bluetooth on a laptop.

Why use a portable speaker

The vast majority of laptops, in terms of sound quality, are, to put it mildly, not very good.
As a rule, they are equipped with small speakers, which not only cannot play loud enough, but also cannot cope with low frequencies. When watching a movie this is still acceptable, but for music this quality is not suitable.

In conjunction with any portable device - laptop, netbook, tablet or smartphone, a portable speaker equipped with a built-in battery or powered by batteries performs better.

Connecting a JBL or any other speaker to a laptop is easy, no matter what OS is installed - Windows 7, Windows 10, G8 or Vista. Almost all modern laptops are equipped with a built-in Bluetooth transmitter, with which you can also connect a mouse, keyboard, gamepad or headphones. In this case, installing drivers and complex manipulations with settings will not be required.

When connecting a wireless JBL to a computer, everything is somewhat more complicated - as a rule, there is no “blue tooth” in a desktop PC. You will have to additionally purchase a universal adapter that connects via a USB port.

Separately, it is worth noting that a similar “stray” from a wireless mouse or keyboard will most likely not work - it simply will not connect with the speaker, since it is designed only for connecting a “native” device.

Typically, a universal adapter is a plug-n-play device, so it will immediately install drivers the first time you connect it to your computer. Otherwise, you will have to install them yourself from the disk that comes in the kit.

Driver installation

If you are unable to connect your device, there may be a software issue. Some wireless speaker models are sold with a disc containing a driver. This is a special program that is necessary for the gadget to operate and to communicate with the computer. To install the required software, follow these steps:

At the end of the procedure, you need to connect the technician to the computer and check its functionality.
The supplied disc must be inserted into your computer's disc drive.
In the menu that opens, select the appropriate item and follow the instructions.

The driver needs to be updated periodically, this can be done as follows.

In most cases, the operating system informs the user about the need to update the program. Otherwise, the equipment will not perform all the functions assigned to it or will completely break the connection with the computer. The installation menu, especially for Russian-speaking users, has been translated into Russian, so there shouldn’t be any problems.
Go to the manufacturer's official website, download the latest version of the program and install it.
The update can be done via a special card on your computer (requires an Internet connection). The system will independently check the version of the already stopped driver and, if necessary, update it automatically.

Connection methods

Connecting the speaker to a laptop or computer is done in two ways:

Wired.
Wireless.

For a wired connection, a cable is used, where one end of the plug is connected to the device and the other to the speaker. This option provides the fastest and most reliable connection, but limits mobility. In this case, connection is possible provided that there is an audio output on the speaker.

Wireless connection is made via Bluetooth protocol. The connection requires a Bluetooth module, and during the initial connection you must pair with the device. Connection may take some time, and if there is interference, the signal may be lost. However, the wireless connection does not limit mobility.

Wired connection

Almost all speakers have a 3.5 mm mini-jack. It eliminates the influence of Bluetooth signal quality on the sound. Found it? Don't rush to rejoice. You need to check that this is an input and not a headphone output. Just look in the instructions or sidebar for information. If there is an inscription “AUX”, then you can connect an audio cable. What Russian doesn't like practice! For those who are not used to trusting what is written, we suggest simply connecting headphones. No sound? Then it's time to connect the audio cable.

In order for the Bluetooth speaker to work without connecting to a smartphone, just insert a memory card or set up the radio. To ensure a wired connection, you need to buy an AUX cable, which is available in every music store. The design of the wire is simple: there is a 3.5 mm mini-jack at each end. Now you just need to insert one of them into the connector, and the second into the smartphone (headphone hole). All is ready! Just start the music and listen. With this connection, the sound quality will be maximum, because there is no distortion from the Bluetooth channel.

How to connect a speaker to a laptop via bluetooth step by step guide

The first thing you need to do is make sure that your laptop or computer has a Bluetooth module. This is much easier to do on a laptop. Look closely at the keyboard and look for the bluetooth icon. It should be located on the function key bar and look like this:

To turn on bluetooth on a laptop, you need to press the “Fn” key simultaneously with the function key on which the bluetooth icon is drawn. Most often, laptops are equipped with an LED, which should light up when activated.

Note! The bluetooth button can be located on any digital function key. The power indicator may not be present on your laptop model.

If there is no such icon, you cannot find it, or you have a personal computer equipped with a wireless communication module, then you can enable bluetooth programmatically.

To do this, open the device manager through the “My Computer” icon. Either press the key combination win+R or open the Start-Run menu. In the window that appears, type devmgmt.msc and click OK.
In the window that opens, find the item “Bluetooth radio modules”
Expand the tab and on the module that appears, use the right mouse button to call up properties.
In the window that opens, click “Enable”.

After activating the module, a Bluetooth icon should appear in the panel next to the clock.

If after this it was not possible to automatically connect the jbl speaker to the laptop, you need to right-click on the Bluetooth icon and search for and pair with available devices.

For this:

search for devices by right-clicking on the icon;
Click “pair” with the found column.

Acoustics test

If, after performing all the steps in the correct order, the speaker cannot be connected to the PC, you need to check the equipment again and identify possible problems. It is recommended to do the following.

If you have another speaker, use spare pairing hardware and check if it works. Using this method, you can check for yourself what the problem is. If your speaker model can be connected using a cable, try this method as well. If the speaker works fine through a cable, the problem is with the wireless connection.
Check the battery level of the speaker; the gadget may only need recharging.
If the speaker does not produce sound during the test, but is successfully synced with the computer, then you need to make sure that the equipment is working and in good condition. Visually assess the condition of the speaker and try connecting it to another laptop. If sound appears at the same time, then the problem is in the laptop, or more precisely in the synchronization of the equipment.
Try turning off the device and turning it on again after a short pause. You can also reboot your laptop. When operating the equipment for a long time, it may freeze and slow down.
The Bluetooth module may not be turned on. It is usually launched by pressing the desired key. If the button is not held long enough, the function will not start.

The process of connecting a Bluetooth speaker in Windows 10, 8.1 and Windows 7

The process of connecting a speaker to a laptop or PC via Bluetooth looks almost the same as connecting to a phone:

Put the speaker into pairing mode: on some speakers you need to turn on the speaker, then press and hold the Bluetooth button until the blue indicator flashes (for example, on JBL, Harman/Kardon), on some you need to hold the power button in the same way after turning it on. There are other methods: for example, for the Yandex speaker you need to say: “Alice, turn on Bluetooth.”
Next step: Right-click on the Bluetooth icon in the notification area and click “Add Bluetooth Device”.
If there is no icon, but Bluetooth is turned on, you can go to Control Panel - Devices and Printers - Add a device. And in Windows 10 also in Settings - Devices - Adding Bluetooth or another device - Bluetooth.
After clicking on “Add Bluetooth or another device - Bluetooth” in the Windows 10 settings or “Add a device” in the control panel, it will begin searching for new devices, including Bluetooth. Select the desired device (sometimes it may appear without a speaker name, but simply as “Sound” or “Audio”).
Typically, a PIN code is not required for connection. But, if asked, try entering 0000 (four zeros), and if it doesn’t work, look for instructions for the column.

Once completed, you will have a Bluetooth speaker connected to your laptop. In the future, as long as it is paired with this laptop, the connection will be made automatically (until paired with another device).

It may be that in order for sound to start outputting through it, you will need to go to the sound settings and select an output device, or do this in recording and playback devices (see How to access recording and playback devices in Windows 10).

Speakers with a built-in microphone can also be used for communication: you will need to enable the device by default in the “Recording” tab, and for some programs, for example, Skype, you will need to configure the microphone in the settings of the program itself.

No sound

It seems to be done on a subconscious level. Add sound from the speakers. This usually helps. If not, then find the sound settings icon in the lower right corner of the screen. There you can adjust the volume.

The sound can also be turned off in the Bluetooth speaker settings. To do this, find the device through the search (via the “Start” button), click “Open sound options” and manually turn up the volume on the mixer.

By the way! on Windows 10! You can make sure that media sound is output through the speakers, and system sounds through the laptop speakers. You can configure this in the “Device and app volume settings” section.

How to connect a Bluetooth speaker to a laptop (connect)?

First, check if your keyboard has a button to quickly turn on wireless communication.
It looks like this: If there is no such button, then don’t be upset, read on.
If there is no such button, then call the “Command Prompt” (Win + R key combination), in it we write “devmgmt.msc” (without quotes).
You can also open this window by clicking on “My Computer” RMB/Properties/Device Manager.
In the window that appears, to connect the speaker to a laptop via bluetooth (JBL for example), double-click on this item:
In the properties, in the “General” tab, click on “Enable” (next →done).
Now there is a list of available devices in the tray.
Click on the RMB/Add device icon, then search for available equipment.
After detection, double-click on the required Bluetooth speaker to connect it to the laptop.

That's all, but we want to look at a few more cases when the Bluetooth speaker does not connect to the laptop, why this happens and how to deal with it.

What to do first?

Bluetooth module is not turned on

You will learn how to enable Bluetooth on a laptop or computer in the following video:

Column" does not connect to the laptop? It happens that Bluetooth, as a module, is turned off in the device manager. Usually this function is disabled as unnecessary. Because it sometimes happened that the user accidentally pressed the automatic connection button and the laptop connected to other devices. There's no one to blame here. It happens.

Right-click on “My Computer”;
Click on “Properties”;
In the window that opens, unknown to you, on the left, find the line “Device Manager”;

Here is a whole encyclopedia of incomprehensible terms. Find the blue icon among them. It says "Bluetooth Radio". Click on it twice;

Yes, everything is included there, that's another matter

This option is also possible. And it is more likely than the first. The module may be enabled, but the function itself is disabled. Quickly go to “Windows Settings”, find “Devices” and click on the line “Bluetooth and other devices” and move the slider from the “OFF” mode to the “ON” mode. Ready.

Bluetooth module is turned on, but nothing has changed

This is because the Bluetooth drivers are outdated. This is life, this happens. Every adult person has encountered this at least once in their life. But don't be upset.

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How to connect a wireless speaker to a laptop

The connection process varies depending on the laptop model, speaker functionality and operating system version.

Before connecting a Bluetooth speaker, consider a number of rules:

the portable device must be in working order, otherwise no matter how hard you try, you will not be able to connect;
The software component is just as important as the technical one. For the audio device to work, the laptop or computer must have the appropriate drivers and software installed;
if the speaker's power source is a rechargeable battery, it is charged;
wireless devices are connected using the Bluetooth protocol. The audio device has this function, and check that it is also available on the laptop or PC.

Let's take a step-by-step look at how to connect a wireless speaker to a laptop via Bluetooth, using Windows 10 as an example.

Typically, teenagers use portable speakers to listen to music from their phone on the street. Therefore, manufacturers made sure that the control of the equipment was clear. Most models “connect” with the signal source after pressing a separate button. The LED will start to light or blink - this means that the acoustics are ready to connect to a laptop or PC. Often the light indication is duplicated by sound.

Enabling wireless data transfer protocol on Win 10 is easy. Click “Start” and select “Options” from the menu. Sometimes the item is not named at all, so they are guided by the gear icon.

Once in “Windows Settings”, go to “Devices”. Through this tab, not only audio playback devices are connected, but also mice, printers and other equipment that operate wirelessly.

Select “Bluetooth and other devices” from the menu on the left. First of all, activate the corresponding option by moving the slider to the “On” state. Then click on the “+” icon to connect a new device.

At this time, Bluetooth on the portable speaker should already be turned on, which is accompanied by a blinking indicator light. By clicking “+”, select the device type in the menu – Bluetooth. The search for available gadgets will begin. If everything is done correctly, a column will appear in the list. Once selected, synchronization will begin. When working with some models, a PIN code is requested, usually the numbers “0000”. If not, look in the instructions.

A notification will indicate a successful connection.

It happens that a gadget is new, but Windows “does not see” it. Turning the speaker off and on again helps.

Once the audio device is synced with the laptop, audio will begin playing. Typically no additional settings are required. But if there are problems with signal output, they are solved as follows:

Right-click on the speaker icon in the tray.
Select "Open sound options".
In the “Select output device” field indicate the model of the wireless speaker.
If necessary, adjust the “Volume” slider.

The volume level is regulated both by system settings and on the speaker itself. For this purpose, there are buttons on the case, for example, “+” and “-”, that is, “louder” and “quieter”.

Turning on different models of portable speaker

The activation procedure is the same for most equipment - press the desired button. Using the example of popular manufacturers:

JBL. The power button is located on the top of the case. If the model has a screen, a signal will appear. If not, focus on the light indication. This mini-speaker reports the status of the device;
Sven. For example, to turn on the PS-420 model, you should move the switch on the back of the case to the ON position;
Sony. Turns on by pressing the power button. At the same time, the Bluetooth indicator will start blinking;
T&G. This is a JBL product. The power button is similar and is located on the body. It is pressed until the beep sounds;
DEXP. Models use a corresponding button or ON-OFF switch.

There are a lot of models, the sound quality varies, but their switching principle is identical.

What to do if there is no sound through a portable speaker

All settings have been made, the module is working, the Bluetooth function is turned on, but there is still no sound. What to do in this case?

Try updating your drivers, rebooting and checking if the problem is resolved. You can find them on the speaker manufacturer's website.

You can rummage through the speaker box and pull out a short cord with two identical ends. Connect one end of it to the speaker. The second is to the audio output on the laptop. Happened? Enjoy!

Perhaps you cannot use acoustics due to problems with the speaker itself.

Turn it off and on again.
Make sure it is charged.
Check if the wireless module is working on the speaker itself.

Usually the password that is set on the device can be found in the instructions for it. Make sure you enter it correctly, and then change it to any other one.

We hope we helped you solve the problem. And now you can connect a Bluetooth speaker to your laptop at any time to improve the acoustics and get the proper sound quality.

Selecting the required connection

Click on the triangle in the lower right side of the screen.
Select Customize.
Opposite the bluetooth picture and the word “Explorer”, select “Show icon and notifications”.

Right-click on the Bluetooth icon and select “Add Device”.
From the list provided, select something that matches the name of your speaker, for example, JBL.
Click Connect.

It should work now.

Pair with available devices

Right-click on the Bluetooth icon at the bottom right of the display.
Start searching for devices.
Click “Pairing” next to the found column.

Bluetooth module is not turned on

Devices cannot be connected if Bluetooth is turned off on one of them. The technology can be disabled on the computer. Check the module activity through the manager.

Sometimes the computer does not see Bluetooth and the corresponding item is not in the list of available speakers on the PC. Try clicking on the “Update hardware configuration” icon on the top panel of the Manager. The Bluetooth module should be automatically detected after this. If after doing this and restarting the computer the problem persists, buy and install a new Bluetooth adapter.

The Bluetooth module is turned on, but nothing has changed

If you cannot connect devices when the module is turned on, you need to check them one by one for functionality with other gadgets. Connect the speaker to your smartphone and check the connection, and then try connecting the smartphone to your computer.

If the problem persists, the culprit is an unstable Bluetooth connection. Note that this is extremely rare, since wireless data transfer protocols have reliable standards. If it does not work, you will have to replace the module with a new one.

When the technology does not work with specific devices, then update the driver firmware or pair the devices manually.

Why doesn't the laptop see the computer?

This happens extremely rarely, and this problem is associated with poor PC performance. It is quite possible that the user should replace the oldest components of his computer, after which he will be able to use modern devices with comfort and without any problems.

Also, when turning it on, it is very important to make sure that the light next to the Bluetooth icon is constantly lit and active. Don’t forget about the minimum distance between devices.

If the computer has not been updated for a long time, then the problem may be outdated drivers. You can download the most current versions on the official websites.

Common problems

Since connecting a wireless portable speaker to a laptop via Bluetooth is not always possible the first time, it’s worth considering the most common problems. The list of problems is approximately the same for all speakers (including JBL):

Outdated Bluetooth drivers.
There is no sound on the laptop.
Reluctance of the laptop to automatically configure the audio device. In this case, you will need to open the sound settings (the search bar will help) and select the sound output device from the drop-down list.
Poor sound quality may be due to the large distance between the JBL and the laptop. Interference on the air from WiFi from both your home network and neighbors can also affect it. The situation can be improved by changing the channel width settings of your home WiFi router from 40 MHz to 20 MHz.

As a rule, it is enough to connect and configure the audio device once, and problems almost never arise in the future.

Why doesn't the laptop see the JBL Bluetooth speaker, for example?

JBL speakers have a special application for connecting via phone, laptop or computer. After downloading it, you can fine-tune the wireless connection, choose a password, and update the driver firmware on the speaker.

Through the application you will find out why the laptop does not see the Bluetooth speaker, it will help you find the reason for the lack of connection. If there is no information, reboot both devices and set up Bluetooth on the PC.

The most common pairing option

How to connect a speaker via Bluetooth to a phone? This opportunity is available in every smartphone, tablet or laptop. That is why the method is universal and does not require additional wires. However, the rate of battery consumption is several times higher than with standard methods.

For connection, the Bluetooth version does not matter, but it may affect the range or energy consumption. The procedure is easy to perform when the device is equipped with an NFC chip. Simply touch the speaker to your smartphone to make settings and transfer.

If there is no chip, then you need to enter the properties manually. Enough:

turn it on, then a notification will appear in the notification panel on your smartphone;
go to the Bluetooth section. Next “Settings”;
activate the Bluetooth channel and click “Search”;
among the devices we find and select speakers;
We are waiting for a successful pairing.

Such manipulations need to be performed only for the first time. However, even this can fail.