Generally, notebooks have Bluetooth modules, but desktops may not. In this case, you need a Bluetooth Dongle, or Bluetooth Adapter, which is collectively referred to as a Bluetooth adapter below. This is a USB-based device that transmits and receives Bluetooth wireless signals. It plugs into a USB port, and then you can use the Bluetooth function to connect a Bluetooth mouse, keyboard and other Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth adapters are "plug and play" compatible with computers running Macintosh and Windows operating systems, as well as most computers running Linux operating systems. Users simply plug the adapter into a free USB port and activate it; no software needs to be installed to have the computer activate the Bluetooth adapter.
If your system has integrated bluetooth, you don't need to use a bluetooth adapter, Windows system only supports one bluetooth controller.
The bluetooth adapter is very small, plugged into the USB port, the protrusion is less than half an inch, and 1 inch is 2.54cm. A typical Bluetooth adapter looks like this:
Is this look very similar to the USB plug of our wireless mouse or keyboard? But these two are not the same thing, you can see it by opening the device manager.
The wireless keyboard is still a USB HID device in the device manager. That is to say, the USB plug of the wireless keyboard is still a USB device in the eyes of the system, which is the same as the USB wired keyboard. Using the Bluetooth protocol to transmit data is a matter between the USB plug and the wireless keyboard, and has nothing to do with the computer or the host.
The USB plug of the Bluetooth adapter, in the device manager, shows a Bluetooth device.
Of course, in these two kinds of USB plugs, there must be related chips (microcontrollers) and peripheral circuits with Bluetooth functions, so that data communication can be carried out with other devices that support Bluetooth functions. And it is also powered by the computer's USB, once it is pulled out, it will lose connection due to power failure.
As shown above, the computer is locally integrated with Intel's Bluetooth chip. If a Bluetooth adapter is inserted, its device information will also be displayed here. For example, the chip brand can be Broadcom (Broadcom) and other manufacturers.
Generally, a Dongle can connect 5-7 devices.
Most Bluetooth adapters use native Windows drivers (Generic Bluetooth Driver, and you can see Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator under the Bluetooth node in Device Manager), and do not require any third-party drivers, that is, no need to install or update drivers. And the native Windows bluetooth driver is very stable and hasn't changed since 2006!
If the Bluetooth adapter is plugged into the docking station or hub (docking station/hub), if there is a problem with the operation, please plug it directly into the USB port of the computer to avoid conflict or interference with other devices.
How to check if your computer has bluetooth function?
1. In Windows, click the start menu, then find and open the device manager "Device Manager", look for the Bluetooth icon, if you find it, it means that your computer has a built-in Bluetooth function, otherwise it does not.
2. In the Mac, click the Apple icon in the upper left corner, select "About this Mac" -> "System Report", then click the Hardware tab, and look for the Bluetooth mark. If you can't find it, it means that there is no Bluetooth function.
Intel, Broadcom, etc. and Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator.
If you have already determined that your computer does not have a Bluetooth function, then if you want to use Bluetooth, you must purchase a Bluetooth adapter. All you need to do is plug the USB Bluetooth dongle into your computer and away you go.
Looking for the best Bluetooth Dongle for your needs?
To know which Bluetooth dongle is best for your needs, you first need to understand what the Bluetooth dongle does, that is, what does Bluetooth technology do. Simply put, Bluetooth technology uses high-frequency wireless communication technology to enable devices to communicate over short distances.
The reasons why you might need a Bluetooth dongle are pretty wide-ranging. The main purpose of Bluetooth Dongle is to connect mobile phones or computers, wirelessly print, transfer files, or network sharing. Wireless keyboard and mouse devices are also typical Bluetooth applications.
Advice for Buying a Bluetooth Dongle
The following aspects need to be considered:
1. Transmission Range
It should be noted that the transmission range is generally the determining factor affecting the user experience. While the quality of the connection is just as critical as the distance itself, don't overlook transmission range when choosing a Bluetooth adapter.
2. Operating system support (OS Support)
Transmission range, network stability, and performance won't matter if the dongle you buy isn't compatible with your operating system. Ideally, a dongle should be compatible with all major platforms. It should also have an available USB 2.0 or 1.1 port.
3. Bluetooth Version
Another key aspect to note is the Bluetooth version of the dongle. Buying anything below 4.0 will set you back. It simply won't give you the range and associated performance that modern users have become accustomed to. Versions 4.0 and above not only perform better, but also consume less energy. This is especially important for laptop users.
=== Split line ===
What is Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator?
In the device manager, in addition to seeing the Bluetooth device itself, there are Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator and Microsoft Bluetooth LE Enumerator.
This component will list the remote Bluetooth devices connected to the local host, and mark the type of service it provides, such as the device name, the type of protocol used, and so on.
The Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator component provides a device enumerator to instantiate the services that are found on a remote device.
This is a component of the Windows operating system and does not provide other related services except for the above. No other components interact with it either. Also, this component has no configurable items.
Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator component
Services
There are no services associated with this component.
Associated Components
No other components interact with this component.
Settings
There are no configurable settings for this component.
(https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/embedded/aa939702(v=winembedded.5))
=== Split line ===
About the term Dongle
The term "Dongle" is actually a colloquial term referring to an external hardware device that has some storage space inside. It attaches to your PC or laptop and dangles off of it (hence, the name "Dongle"). Companies that sell high-end computer software often use dongles, often referred to as dongles, as proof that a computer is authorized to use the software being used. If the software finds that the Dongle is not installed, it may refuse to function properly. ( What Exactly is a Usb Bluetooth Dongle? )
reference:
Definition of Bluetooth adapter | PCMag