- Connecting a Wireless or Bluetooth Keyboard to a Windows PC
- Community Q&A
- You Might Also Like
- Use Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard
- Requirements
- Connect your keyboard
- Express yourself with emojis
- Microsoft Office at your fingertips
- Download the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center
- Requirements
- Connect your keyboard
- Express yourself with emojis
- Microsoft Office at your fingertips
- Download the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center
Connecting a Wireless or Bluetooth Keyboard to a Windows PC
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Smith. Kyle Smith is a wikiHow Technology Writer, learning and sharing information about the latest technology. He has presented his research at multiple engineering conferences and is the writer and editor of hundreds of online electronics repair guides. Kyle received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article’s instructions and verified that they work.
This article has been viewed 472,922 times.
Are you having trouble connecting a Bluetooth or RF keyboard to your Windows 10 or 11 PC? To connect a wireless keyboard to a PC, you’ll usually need to plug the small wireless receiver that came with your keyboard into an available USB port and then turn on the keyboard. If your wireless keyboard uses Bluetooth, you may not need a receiver—instead, you’ll place the keyboard into pairing mode, open your Windows Bluetooth settings, and then add the device. This wikiHow article will walk you through the simple steps of connecting any wireless keyboard to your Windows PC.
- Most wireless keyboards connect to your computer with Bluetooth or a small USB receiver that plugs into a USB port.
- When using a USB receiver, make sure your computer has an available USB slot.
- When using Bluetooth, you’ll need to place your computer and keyboard into pairing mode.
Insert fresh batteries and/or charge your keyboard. If your keyboard has a battery slot, insert the batteries as indicated in the keyboard’s packaging. Some keyboards use built-in rechargeable batteries instead of AAs or AAAs. If your keyboard came with a charger, charge it for a while before turning it on.
- Some keyboards let you choose between using the manufacturer’s default radio frequency or Bluetooth. If you plan to use Bluetooth, you may have to move a switch on the keyboard to the Bluetooth position—look for a symbol that looks like a sideways bowtie.
- If you just purchased the keyboard and can’t find the receiver, check inside the battery compartment. If your keyboard came with a wireless mouse, the receiver is usually in the mouse’s battery compartment. It may also be in the keyboard’s original packaging.
- If Windows installed drivers and your keyboard is already working, you’re all done! Although if your keyboard has extra features, such as programmable media keys, you may need to install software from the manufacturer’s website to use them. Check your manual to be sure—if you don’t have the manual, search for your keyboard model online to find out what’s required.
- If you’re setting up a Bluetooth keyboard, keep reading!
- Most keyboards display a blinking LED light when they are ready to pair with another Bluetooth device. The light typically turns solid once the keyboard is connected to the PC.
- The button might be on the side or bottom of the keyboard.
- Windows 10: Click Devices in your Settings, then click Bluetooth and other devices.
- Windows 11: Click Bluetooth & devices in the left panel of Settings.
- If your keyboard supports Swift Pair technology, you may see a notification that asks if you’d like to get notifications for Swift Pair. Click Yes if so, and then click Connect on the proceeding window to connect your keyboard. [2] X Trustworthy Source Microsoft Support Technical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source If you can use the keyboard to type at this point, you’re all done!
Click + Add Bluetooth or other devices (Windows 10) or Add device (Windows 11). You’ll see this at the top of the right panel.
- If the keyboard doesn’t show up, try turning it off and back on. You’ll also want to make sure it’s close to the computer. If there’s a pairing button, try pressing it again.
- Depending on your model of keyboard, you may have to take additional steps to complete the pairing.
- Once the keyboard is paired, click Done or Close to close the window and start using your wireless keyboard.
- If your keyboard has a pairing/connect light that blinks when in pairing mode, the light will usually turn solid once pairing is complete.
Community Q&A
See if the keyboard is connected through Bluetooth. If it is, try using a USB Bluetooth adapter and search for it. If it’s not on Bluetooth, see if you can connect it through the internet. Finally, if it’s not either of those, send a message to the company that made it, and double-check the box for receivers or wires.
Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy! Claim Your Gift If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
You will need a Logitech wireless USB adapter. However, as Logitech has made their wireless receivers universal among their products, you can use the same adapter for the mouse and any other wireless Logitech devices.
Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy! Claim Your Gift If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
I’m assuming this wireless keyboard uses a USB dongle to connect the two devices. If so, you’ll have to use a USB dongle on the MacBook.
Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy! Claim Your Gift If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Some Logitech keyboards that work on both PCs and Macs have a key combination you can press to switch between Windows and macOS layouts. These keyboards are in the Windows layout by default, but if the keyboard was previously used on a Mac, press and hold the Fn + P keys for three seconds to switch to Windows. [3] X Research source
If you lose signal between the wireless keyboard and the computer, try removing and replacing the USB receiver. If dropped signal remains a problem and your keyboard supports Bluetooth and another radio frequency, switch to the other wireless technology to see if that helps.
You Might Also Like
How to the Change the Keyboard Color on a PC: Shortcuts & More
5 Ways to Use a Keyboard to Click & Move a Mouse on PC & Mac
Turn On the Keyboard Light on an HP Pavilion: Guide and Troubleshooting
5 Ways to Unstick a Keyboard Key on Computer or Laptop
How to Fix Sticky Keyboard Keys: PC, Mac, & Chromebook
How to Take Keys Off a Mechanical Keyboard at Home
How to Type Roman Numerals on Any Keyboard
How to Clean a Laptop Keyboard: Safely Remove Dust & Grime
Use Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard
The Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard has a thin modern design that’s made for faster typing while complementing your workspace.
Requirements
To get set up, use the Office key, or use the Emoji key, you’ll need a PC that’s running Windows 11 with support for Bluetooth 4.0 or later. This keyboard supports Swift Pair in Windows 11 for faster pairing.
Connect your keyboard
- Press and hold the pair button on the bottom of the keyboard for 5 seconds, until the LED starts to flash.
- On your Windows 11 PC, select Connect if a notification appears for your keyboard, then wait for it to get set up.
Express yourself with emojis
Press the Emoji key and select the emojis that say it all for you. With the Emoji key, you can add emojis quickly—just like you would on your phone.
Microsoft Office at your fingertips
Get to your Microsoft Office apps in a second with the Office key on your Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard. Want to open Word quickly? Just press the Office key + W. With the Office key, you can get to the Office apps you use every day without taking your hands off the keyboard. To learn more, see Using the Office key.
Download the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center
Customize hot keys for easy access to media controls and your favorite apps by using the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center. To get the app, see Mouse and Keyboard Center download.
The Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard has a thin modern design that’s made for faster typing while complementing your workspace.
Requirements
To get set up, you’ll need a PC that’s running Windows 10 with support for Bluetooth 4.0 or later. This keyboard supports Swift Pair in Windows 10 for faster pairing. To use the Office key or the Emoji key, you’ll need a PC that’s running Windows 10 Version 1903 or later.
Connect your keyboard
- Press and hold the pair button on the bottom of the keyboard for 5 seconds, until the LED starts to flash.
- On your Windows 10 PC, select Connect if a notification appears for your keyboard, then wait for it to get set up.
Express yourself with emojis
Let people know if you’re , , or in between . Just press the Emoji key and select the emojis that say it all for you. With the Emoji key, you can add emojis quickly—just like you would on your phone.
Microsoft Office at your fingertips
Get to your Microsoft Office apps in a second with the Office key on your Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard. Want to open Word quickly? Just press the Office key + W. With the Office key, you can get to the Office apps you use every day without taking your hands off the keyboard. To learn more, see Using the Office key.
Download the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center
Customize hot keys for easy access to media controls and your favorite apps by using the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center. To get the app, see Mouse and Keyboard Center download.