21
2
On Windows 10 and I've already paired the Bluetooth headset previously. When I turn it on it connects to the last used device (my iPhone; I manually disconnect).
How do I tell Windows "Please connect to this device you've already paired with?". The current Bluetooth UI doesn't seem to have this very ordinary option.
The laptop is a Macbook Pro, booting to Windows 10 via Bootcamp. Bluetooth otherwise works fine.
DeepSpace101
Posted 2016-08-29T17:20:46.580
Reputation: 7 579
30
I think I have finally found a reliable answer for this.
For those that like shortcuts, Win+K from anywhere in Windows takes you directly to the "Connect" page and allows you to click your device and connect.
Why this isn't anywhere in the devices or Bluetooth connection settings pages I will never know. However, Win+K is about as quick as a shortcut as I could ask for so this is solved for me.
Rob C
Posted 2016-08-29T17:20:46.580
Reputation: 301
15
For those on the regular Windows 10 desktop without touch, you need to open the connect widget from the system tray notifications icon ...
Click the existing device to reconnect to
While this workflow is ok, ideally there should also be a reconnect button in the main control panel too.
DeepSpace101
Posted 2016-08-29T17:20:46.580
Reputation: 7 579
1It worked smoothly. Fully agree with the need of a 'reconnect' button on the main control panel of the bluetooth devices -- that would be perfect. :) – loved.by.Jesus – 2017-01-23T09:36:20.383
2that is nice but what if you have the device as "paired" one in the list of Bluetooth devices, but it is not in the "Connect" view? The only way, in this case, is to remove it from the list of paired devices and reconnect it from the beginning which is a kinda annoying – Zippp – 2017-04-08T13:28:45.337
Thanks Steve Balmer. Your legacy of capitulatory crapitude continues to proliferate into the next version of Windows. Bravo! Bravo! – Sting – 2017-11-01T13:47:09.737
This doesn't work for PS4 controllers. They don't show up in the Connect menu. I have to press "Remove Device" and then pair it again to initiate a connection attempt. Lame :( – Vapid Linus – 2019-06-29T14:45:49.823
4
In window 8 through 10 you can REconnect by going to Action Center. On windows 10 swipe to your LEFT from the RIGHT side of your touch screen. There is a tile in the sidewindow that comes up with the word Connect in. Find your device, then click on connect.
I know you aren't going to believe this, but if you want to navigate to the same window from a keyboard or mouse, you can use your mouse to go down to the very bottom of the screen and when the task bar comes up go to the very right and by default is what looks like a notification icon. That's right, if you click on it, the ACTIVATION CENTER comes up. so if you want to use your keyboard to get there, look for Nofications. I know, don't tell me.
user652362
Posted 2016-08-29T17:20:46.580
Reputation: 51
Welcome to Super User! On this Q&A site we try to provide answers to questions people ask. An important rule in this community is that you have to be nice to each other. I believe that the last (very sarcastic) paragraph of you answer adds no value except to annoy people. Please edit your answer to answer the question in a polite manner, explaining the steps required to solve the problem without this unnecessary language.
– cascer1 – 2016-10-14T14:36:59.967@cascer1 I disagree that the last part is annoying to readers; especially considering it's indeed a very strange UX workflow. If anything it adds value by briefly empathizing with readings facing the same issue while still solving the problem. – DeepSpace101 – 2016-12-07T19:05:41.223
People come to this site for answers though, not feelings. – cascer1 – 2016-12-07T19:56:43.170
@cascer1 : feelings can be part of the answer – DeepSpace101 – 2017-06-25T16:31:00.300
1
Win+K for Kinect, I guess. :-) Didn't know that one but sent me down a Windows keyboard shortcut rabbit hole so I might as well leave a link. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12445/windows-keyboard-shortcuts
– Timothy Lee Russell – 2018-12-05T06:48:42.6431This seems to work only for wireless display and audio devices. Is there anything similar for game controllers? – fefrei – 2019-12-26T15:25:26.337