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

Checking a Disk Drive for Free Space

Keeping track of your resources can help you avoid serious computer problems. Having an adequate amount of disk space is ...

Discover More

Accessing a Network Drive

Being on a network is great because it allows you to share resources among the networked systems. Being able to access a ...

Discover More

Refreshing the Explorer Window

It's possible that the Windows Explorer window may occasionally get out of sync with the data it's displaying. You can ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

How to Find Your Windows 10 OEM Product Key

Your OEM product key is assigned by your Original Equipment Manufacturer to your version of Windows. Using the Command ...

Discover More

Restoring Your System from a Restore Point

Restore Points let you go "back in time" to a point before you made system changes that could prove harmful to your ...

Discover More

Renaming A Printer

Windows 10 names new printers using default names assigned by manufacturers. Rename your printers to a name you choose.

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 seven 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
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.