How do I connect a bluetooth keyboard or mouse to my Windows Laptop?

To connect a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse to your Windows laptop, follow these detailed steps to ensure a smooth and successful pairing process:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on Your Laptop: Begin by ensuring that Bluetooth is enabled on your laptop. You can do this by clicking on the Start Menu and selecting Settings. From there, navigate to Devices and then click on Bluetooth & other devices. Make sure the Bluetooth toggle is switched to the "On" position.
2. Prepare Your Bluetooth Device: Next, take your Bluetooth keyboard or mouse and make sure it is powered on. If it has a pairing button, press and hold it until the device enters pairing mode. This is often indicated by a flashing light on the device.
3. Add Bluetooth Device: Return to your laptop and in the Bluetooth & other devices section, click on Add Bluetooth or other device. A new window will pop up; select Bluetooth from the options provided.
4. Select Your Device: Your laptop will now search for available Bluetooth devices. Once your keyboard or mouse appears in the list, click on it to initiate the pairing process.
5. Complete the Pairing: Follow any on-screen instructions that may appear. For keyboards, you might be prompted to enter a code that appears on your screen. For mice, pairing typically completes automatically. Once paired, you will receive a notification confirming the successful connection.
6. Test Your Device: Finally, test your newly connected device to ensure it is functioning properly. For a keyboard, try typing in a text document, and for a mouse, check if it moves the cursor on your screen.

If you encounter any issues during the connection process, ensure that your laptop's Bluetooth drivers are up to date and that the keyboard or mouse is fully charged or has fresh batteries. If problems persist, consult the troubleshooting section of the helpdesk portal for further assistance.