What is Bluetooth?

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated March 15, 2021)

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows for the exchanging of data. This exchange of data can cover short distances (i.e., just a few yards), up to 30 feet (10 meters) via radio waves, depending on the class of Bluetooth. Bluetooth devices became popular when paired with cell phones because you could put a Bluetooth device on your ear and thereby be able to use it to communicate wirelessly with your phone. It's possible, though, to use Bluetooth technology with computer systems as well. For example, you could use Bluetooth with wireless headsets, mice, keyboards, etc.

There are different standards for Bluetooth and different data rates. The way to use Bluetooth with your computer is to ensure that your Bluetooth device (e.g., a headset) is compatible with its corresponding adapter that's plugged into your computer. Because it is wireless, it frees you from dealing with wires and cables for your peripheral devices. And you can be more mobile (so long as you stay within the Bluetooth range).

 This tip (13055) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Removing an Update

Windows installs updates automatically by default. If you want to remove an update, this tip tells you how.

Discover More

Customizing What Appears on the Right Side of the Start Menu

You're probably used to seeing your Start menu appear a certain way. But is it the most effective display for how you ...

Discover More

Limiting the Number of Login Attempts

You probably don't want to allow someone to continually attempt to login to your system until they finally guess your ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Creating a Selection Set

You may often need to work with many files at the same time. For example, you may wish to copy or delete a set of files. ...

Discover More

Starting Windows 10 in Safe Mode

Hopefully you'll never find yourself in a situation where you need to restart your computer in Safe Mode. If you do, ...

Discover More

Understanding Windows Defender

There are a myriad of computer viruses always looking for new systems to infect. You can mitigate your risk of being ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is four less than 7?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips