How to Pin the Bluetooth Icon to the Windows 10 Taskbar

Imagine you’ve got a pair of wireless headphones, or perhaps a Bluetooth speaker that you frequently connect to your computer to enjoy music, podcasts, or join online meetings. Every time you want to connect, you have to navigate through several menus to reach the Bluetooth settings. This process can be time-consuming and repetitive. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just click a single button right on your taskbar to access your Bluetooth settings? In this guide, we’ll walk you through various methods of pinning the Bluetooth icon to your Windows 10 taskbar, simplifying the process of connecting your devices.

Use Quick Action

The Action Center in Windows 10 houses a Quick Action for Bluetooth that you can easily access with a single click. By default, this may already be on your taskbar, but if not, here’s how you add it.

1. Click on the speech bubble icon on the bottom right of your taskbar to open the Action Center.
2. If the Bluetooth icon is not immediately visible, click ‘Expand’ to reveal all the Quick Actions.
3. Find the Bluetooth icon. You can quickly toggle Bluetooth on and off from here.
4. To pin this to your taskbar, right-click on the taskbar and ensure ‘Show Action Center’ is checked.

The Quick Action button is a straightforward solution allowing you to access Bluetooth settings without navigating through multiple menus. While it does not pin the Bluetooth settings directly, it does provide easy toggle functionality.

Create Desktop Shortcut

Creating a shortcut on your desktop that takes you straight to Bluetooth settings is another way to streamline the process.

1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop.
2. Hover over ‘New’ and select ‘Shortcut’.
3. In the Create Shortcut wizard, type in ms-settings:bluetooth and click ‘Next’.
4. Name the shortcut ‘Bluetooth Settings’ and click ‘Finish’.
5. Right-click on the new shortcut and select ‘Pin to taskbar’.

Having this desktop shortcut allows you to access the Bluetooth settings with a single click. However, this will create an additional icon on your desktop, which some users might find cluttering.

Add to Start Menu

Pinning the Bluetooth settings to your Start menu is another way to keep them handy.

1. Open the Windows Start menu and go to ‘Settings’.
2. Navigate to ‘Devices’ and then to ‘Bluetooth & other devices’.
3. Click on ‘Bluetooth & other devices’ and then click the ‘Pin to Start’ option at the top of the menu.
4. Now, when you open your Start menu, your Bluetooth settings will be accessible as a tile.
5. You can right-click on this tile and select ‘Pin to taskbar’.

This method introduces the Bluetooth settings into your workflow via the Start menu first. The downside is it adds an extra step before you can pin Bluetooth settings directly to your taskbar.

Pin From Settings

1. Click on the Start menu or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Navigate to ‘Settings’ (represented by a gear icon).
3. In the Settings window, go to ‘Devices’ and then to ‘Bluetooth & other devices’.
4. Once you’re in the Bluetooth settings screen, right-click on its icon on the taskbar.
5. Select ‘Pin to taskbar’.

This is a quick and easy way to pin the Bluetooth settings directly to your taskbar. It is perhaps the most efficient method for users who wish to manage their Bluetooth settings frequently.

Taskbar Settings Shortcut

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select ‘Taskbar settings’.
2. This opens the ‘Settings’ window directly in the ‘Taskbar’ section.
3. Scroll down until you find the ‘Notification area’ section.
4. Click on ‘Select which icons appear on the taskbar’.
5. Find ‘Bluetooth’ in the list and toggle the switch to ‘On’.

This method makes the Bluetooth icon always visible in your taskbar’s notification area, giving you quick access to the settings. However, sometimes the icon might not be listed, depending on your Bluetooth drivers.

Use Control Panel

Accessing the traditional Control Panel can also give you a path to Bluetooth settings.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type in ‘control panel’ and hit Enter.
3. In the Control Panel, go to ‘Hardware and Sound’ and then ‘Devices and Printers’.
4. Find the ‘Bluetooth Devices’ option and right-click to create a shortcut, which can then be pinned to the taskbar.

Using the Control Panel is more roundabout and the interface might seem outdated, but it’s a solid alternative for those who prefer traditional methods.

Custom Toolbar

Creating a custom toolbar can provide quick access to a variety of settings, including Bluetooth.

1. Right-click on the taskbar and hover over ‘Toolbars’, then select ‘New toolbar’.
2. Navigate to a folder where you want to keep your shortcuts.
3. Right-click in the folder, select ‘New’, then ‘Shortcut’, and enter ms-settings:bluetooth.
4. Name the shortcut and then click ‘Select Folder’ for the new toolbar.

This custom toolbar method is flexible and can include multiple shortcuts, but it may also introduce complexity as it adds another menu to navigate through on your taskbar.

Use Group Policy Editor

For advanced users in a workplace environment, Group Policy Editor can be used to create shortcuts, although it’s not direct for the taskbar.

1. Press Windows key + R, type ‘gpedit.msc’, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Start Menu and Taskbar.
3. Double-click on ‘Start Menu and Taskbar’ policies and configure as needed.

This method is primarily for system administrators and might be overkill for home users or those unfamiliar with policy editing.

Bluetooth Software

If your PC manufacturer provided dedicated Bluetooth software, it might have its own options for quick access.

1. Open your manufacturer’s Bluetooth software from the Start menu.
2. Explore the software options for a ‘pin to taskbar’ or equivalent setting, if available.

This is specific to certain brands and PCs and may not be universally applicable.

Third-Party Software

Some third-party utilities allow you to create taskbar shortcuts to various settings.

1. Search online for a reputable third-party utility that offers taskbar shortcut features.
2. Download and install the software, following the on-screen instructions.
3. Use the software to create a taskbar shortcut for your Bluetooth settings.

When using third-party software, there’s always a risk of downloading something malicious, so this should be done with caution and research.

By pinning the Bluetooth icon to your taskbar, you’re reducing the time and effort needed to connect your devices, thereby making your overall computer experience more efficient and streamlined. The various methods provided here give you the flexibility to choose what best fits your comfort level and needs. Keep in mind that some methods are more direct than others, and there may be some limitations based on your computer’s hardware and software configuration.

We’ve nearly reached the end of our guide, but before we wrap up, let’s understand the essence of what we’ve covered. By pursuing the steps detailed above, you’ll enhance your Windows 10 experience, simplifying daily tasks by streamlining Bluetooth connectivity. This advancement not only saves you a couple of clicks but also a precious commodity—time. Through this journey, you’ve learned several approaches to accomplish a seemingly simple yet impactful tweak to your system. From enlisting quick actions to delving into settings, each method was designed to cater to varied user preferences and skill levels. Keep these tips handy, and you’re sure to navigate your Bluetooth needs with greater ease and speed.

In conclusion, whether you’re a tech newbie or just looking for ways to optimize your computer’s functionality, mastering the ability to pin crucial icons like Bluetooth to your taskbar is an invaluable skill. It can transform a multi-step hassle into a one-click breeze, allowing you to focus on work, play, and productivity.

FAQs

Q: Will pinning the Bluetooth icon to the taskbar allow me to connect devices directly?
A: No, pinning the Bluetooth icon simply gives you faster access to the settings. You’ll still need to pair and connect your devices through the Bluetooth settings menu.

Q: What do I do if the Bluetooth icon doesn’t appear in my system tray?
A: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your device first. If it still doesn’t show up, it could be hidden; look for it in the hidden icons menu, or refer back to the ‘Taskbar Settings Shortcut’ or ‘Use Control Panel’ sections for more detailed steps.

Q: Can I directly add a Bluetooth toggle switch on the taskbar?
A: Windows 10 doesn’t offer a direct toggle switch for Bluetooth on the taskbar, but you can easily access the toggle via the Action Center, as explained in the ‘Use Quick Action’ section.