trying to add keyboard and mouse but can't identify in list of devices to connect

Question

trying to add keyboard and mouse but 4 devices come up and can't identify which in the list of devices to connect are the keyboard and mouse

Answer 1

Hi, I'm Rodrigo, and I will help you.

Are you trying to connect a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard?

Did you put them in pairing mode?

What are the device models?

Answer 2

Use these steps to reliably identify and connect the correct keyboard and mouse in the Bluetooth list:

1. Put only one device in pairing mode at a time
   • Turn off Bluetooth on the PC (or remove existing pairings for that keyboard/mouse if present).
   • Turn off both the keyboard and mouse.
   • Turn on and put in pairing mode only the keyboard first (or only the mouse). Usually this is done by pressing and holding the pairing/Connect button on the bottom for 5–7 seconds until the light blinks.
2. Refresh the Bluetooth devices list
   • On the PC, go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices (or Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices depending on view).
   • Make sure Bluetooth is on.
   • Select Add device (or Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth).
   • Wait a few seconds; the newly blinking device should be the one that just entered pairing mode. Its name often includes the brand/model (for example, “Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard” or “Surface Mouse”).
   • Select that device and complete pairing.
3. Repeat for the second device
   • When the first device is paired and working, turn it off if the list is still confusing.
   • Put only the second device (mouse or keyboard) into pairing mode (press and hold its pairing button until the light blinks).
   • Use Add device > Bluetooth again and choose the new entry that appears.
4. If the device is already paired to another PC
   • If the pairing light flashes three times and turns off, it is already paired to another PC within range.
   • On that other PC, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices and Remove the mouse/keyboard from the Bluetooth list.
   • Then return to the intended PC and pair again.
5. If the device appears but won’t connect
   • In Settings > Bluetooth & devices, select the device under Mouse, keyboard & pen and choose Remove device.
   • Then select Add device > Bluetooth, and pair it again.
   • Ensure batteries are fresh or fully charged; some devices will not enter pairing mode or stay connected when battery is low.
6. If there are still too many similar names
   • Temporarily turn off or disconnect other nearby Bluetooth devices (headphones, other mice/keyboards, phones) so they don’t appear in the list.
   • Then repeat the “one device at a time in pairing mode” approach.

These steps ensure that the only new entry that appears in the Bluetooth list while the light is blinking is the device being paired, making it easy to identify.

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References:

• Troubleshoot problems with your Surface mouse or keyboard
• Troubleshoot Bluetooth not connecting in Windows
• Understand and explore Windows Settings
• Use a screen reader to fix Bluetooth problems in Windows
• Enable Bluetooth Devices in Control Panel for your mouse or keyboard
• Connect to Bluetooth and USB-C devices