Bluetooth Adapters for Computer: Overview, Characteristics, Choice, Connection, Reviews

Despite the fact that the computer can work perfectly without Bluetooth support, there are dozens of peripheral devices and accessories that require the use of a Bluetooth adapter.

It is also necessary when using wireless headphones, game controllers and other peripheral devices. Bluetooth communication is a very popular technology, more and more home devices in the Smart Home system use its wireless function.

Wireless technology

Bluetooth is an open international communication standard that allows any electronic equipment to interact through the wireless short range channels. A distinctive advantage of the Bluetooth adapter technology is low power consumption, which provides advanced battery-powered devices, such as cell phones, personal digital assistants and web plates.

In order to add communication to the PC, there are two ways: PCI-E network adapter or USB wireless solution. PCI-E adapters are more power, but less than the possibility of connection, since as soon as they are installed on the motherboard, it is not easy to transfer them to another computer. In addition, despite the fact that the antennas they have powerful, the sources of Wi-Fi signal worsen its performance. Many people also do not like the appearance of antennas sticking out of the back of the PC.

Bluetooth-adapters USB light, portable and cheap. They have less power, but more convenience. They are connected to the USB port of the computer and to the Wi-Fi network. To do this, you will first need to download some drivers. Unfortunately, the convenience of small size is still associated with some disadvantages. They do not have external antennas and therefore less effective.

Some USB adapters are supplied with one antenna, such as, for example, Anewkodi model. And although it is a little compared to three PCI-E antennas, it definitely increases the susceptibility of the network. Other models have remote-wire antennas that allow you to move it to the place of reception Wi-Fi. The USB adapter is best used when there is a straight, clear line from the adapter itself to the router.

Bluetooth service detection

Before starting the use of the service, it is recommended to check its availability on a personal machine. An older laptop or computer may not be this important feature. Algorithm verification:

1. Log in to the "Control Panel"\u003e "Network and Internet"\u003e "Network connections". If there is a properly installed and configured connection, there will be a "Network Bluetooth Network Connection" along with other network shutdowns, such as Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
2. Open Device Manager by clicking Start.
3. Find the Other Devices tab.
4. Device Manager will show, whether there is a Bluetooth adapter device on the PC, even if it is not correctly configured.

Unpacking device on a computer

If it is found that there is no built-in Bluetooth on the PC, you need to add it. Pre-check the availability of a free USB port by car. If there is no place, and the current ports are busy, you can access using a high-quality USB hub or USB extension card. Installing the Bluetooth key in Windows 8/10 passes automatically, since these OS contain basic Bluetooth drivers and are able to recognize a new USB Bluetooth adapter device.

If the program is placed on an earlier version of Windows, you need to find drivers via the Device Manager panel. After setting the key with the installed drivers, the Bluetooth icon will appear on the taskbar.

Connection order:

1. Press the right mouse button on the icon and find "Add Bluetooth Device" in the context menu.
2. Choose a device that needs to be connected, then click "Next".
3. Before connecting a Bluetooth adapter, you need to overload a PC, after that the device will be available for use.

You can control Bluetooth devices by opening the menu through the system tray or go to the "Control Panel" -\u003e "All control panel" -\u003e "devices and printers".

Installing a USB adapter without a CD

You can configure Windows operating system to automatically search and install the latest drivers for USB Bluetooth adapter:

1. Press the Start button and enter the Windows Update in the Search field.
2. Press the Windows Update Center in the search results. The Windows Update Center must be enabled, or the automatic driver boot will not work in the desired way. Click the "Change Settings" link on the left side of the Windows Update window.
3. Click "Select Updates automatically" (recommended) in the drop-down menu in the "Important Updates" section.
4. Press "OK" and close the Windows Update window.
5. Press the "Start" button and select "Devices and Printers".
6. Click right-click on the computer icon and select "Device Settings".
7. Press "Yes" so that Windows automatically downloads the driver software.
8. Press the "Save Changes" button.
9. Turn off computer.
10. Install a Bluetooth adapter for a computer by connecting it to a USB port of a PC or shifting the Wireless Adapter with the PC card socket on the Laptop sidebar.
11. Enable your computer and fully load the operating system. A notification appears in Windows that new equipment is found. After a few seconds it will seem information that devices drivers are installed.
12. If you are prompted to find drivers for a network adapter, then select the option "Allow Windows to automatically download and install devices drivers".
13. Follow the instructions on the screen to upload and install drivers for the adapter.
14. Upon completion of the installation, restart the computer.

Program for resuscitation

Bluetooth Driver Installer is a simple program for a Bluetooth adapter and solving any problems that may arise with the current Bluetooth device driver if it refuses to work. One of the possible reasons for this may be that the computer drivers incorrectly recognize the device.

One of the solutions to eliminate the failure can be to delete the current driver and using the Bluetooth driver installer. It will detect and connect it as a universal device. Installation is very fast, the program automatically creates a system recovery point. In the process of Bluetooth driver installer, several unnecessary programs and optimized browser search will be prompted. If the user does not want to set any additional software or change the browser settings, it is recommended to turn them off by removing the checkbox from the corresponding fields.

Select the best wireless device

There are various wireless Bluetooth adapters that are connected to the PC. The user can synchronize devices with a computer without wires without mixing cables. Bluetooth adapters are supplied in two versions: 1 and 2 classes. The first is better suitable for devices that require a long-distance communication, while second-class adapters are focused more into the consumer market and home network.

It is recommended to select Bluetooth adapters with the latest standard 4.0, which provides the best connection and compatibility with different operating systems. Adapters have critical selection characteristics:

• range;
• pairing;
• compatibility;
• bluetooth version and size.

The Bluetooth Adapter Transmission Range for Windows 10 is mainly determined by which it belongs to. If he is first class, then offers a wireless range of 100 meters. While the second-class Bluetooth adapter operates within 10 m. Most similar devices on the market belong to the last option and are good enough to connect the keyboard, printer and other accessories.

Best USB Adapter

Bluetooth must have an effective way to support the fast-growing list of Bluetooth Smart peripheoths on the market, including printers, Bluetooth headsets, speakers and the latest smartphones and Apple and Android tablets and be compatible with Mac and PC computers. It should work with various systems: Windows 8, 7, XP, Vista, 2003, 2000 Me 64/32 bits and Mac OS with an affordable USB 2.0 or 1.2 port. A good adapter uses for transmission a speed of 3 Mbps. It is 3 times faster than traditional Bluetooth 1.1 and 1.2 adapters.

Bluetooth 4.0 provides better stability and ultra-low power consumption, which makes it an ideal partner for a laptop. Version 4.0 is also compatible with previous standards: v3.0, 2.0, 1.2 and 1.1. It has a working range of up to 30 meters.