Bluetooth Not Working in Windows 11? 15 Best Fixes to Try

It can happen to any of us

Do you have trouble pairing or reconnecting Bluetooth devices in Windows 11? Or do you encounter other Bluetooth issues on your PC? We will show you how to fix that.

Windows 11 is no stranger to Bluetooth issues like any other desktop operating system. If you can’t pair or connect Bluetooth devices or experience frequent disconnects, read on to learn how to fix Windows 11’s Bluetooth problems.

1. Check Bluetooth Status in Windows 11

It’s a good idea to begin by checking the Bluetooth status on your Windows 11 PC. An inactive Bluetooth module is a common reason Bluetooth devices won’t connect to your PC.

To ensure that’s not the case, open the Action Center (select theWi-Fi,Volume, orBatteryicon) on the right corner of the taskbar). If theBluetoothicon is not active, select to enable it.

Note: If the Bluetooth icon appears missing in the Action Center, select thePencilicon, addBluetooth, and selectDone.

Related:Learn what to do ifBluetooth keeps disconnecting in Windows.

2. Disable/Enable Bluetooth Module

Next, turn Bluetooth off, then on. That usually helps resolve unexpected issues with the Bluetooth module on your PC.

  1. Right-click theStart buttonand selectSettings.

  2. SelectBluetooth & deviceson theSettingssidebar.

  3. Disable and enable the switch next toBluetooth.

You can try toggling Airplane Mode on, then off. That helps reboot all wireless radios on your computer. Again, open the Action Center and select theAirplane Modeicon. Then, wait for several seconds and disable it.

3. Run the Automatic Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in Bluetooth troubleshooter that detects and fixes Bluetooth issues on your computer. To run it:

  1. OpenSettings.

  2. Go toSystem>Troubleshoot>Other troubleshooters.

  3. SelectRunnext toBluetooth.

4. Reboot Your Windows 11 PC

Rebooting your PC is another quick way to resolve Bluetooth problems in Windows 11. If you haven’t already, open theStart menuand selectPower>Restart.

5. Make the Bluetooth Device Discoverable

If a Bluetooth device doesn’t show up while you attempt to pair it to your PC, check if the device needs to be put into discovery first. That could involve pressing and holding a specific button on the device or visiting its Bluetooth settings screen (for instance, while pairing a phone). Check the device documentation or online FAQ for the specifics.

6. Charge the Bluetooth Device

A Bluetooth device with little to no charge creates various pairing and connectivity issues. Charge the device or swap out its batteries and try again.

7. Bring the Device Closer to Your PC

Although Bluetooth devices are supposed to work up to a distance of 30 feet, that’s rarely the case in practice. Bluetooth interference from other wireless objects and physical obstacles significantly deteriorates the signal at larger distances. Bring the device closer to your Windows 11 PC while pairing or using them.

8. Remove & Re-add Bluetooth Device

If you experience connectivity issues with an already-paired Bluetooth device, try removing and re-adding it to your PC. If a corrupt Bluetooth device cache is the cause of the problem, then that should help fix it.

  1. Open theStart menuand selectSettings>Bluetooth & devices.

  2. Select theMoreicon (three dots) next to the Bluetooth device and selectRemove device.Then, selectRemoveto confirm.

  3. SelectAdd device>Bluetoothand re-add the device.

9. Check for Windows 11 Compatibility

Although Windows 11 is a widely compatible operating system, the device you want to pair may not support it. Check its packaging or online FAQ for relevant compatibility information.

If you manage to pair the device but fail to work correctly, check the manufacturer’s site for support software or drivers you must install to get it up and running.

10. Check Bluetooth Support Service

Windows 11 relies on a background function called the Bluetooth Support Service for Bluetooth connectivity and management. If Bluetooth appears missing in the Action Center or the Settings app, or a Bluetooth device suddenly stops working, try restarting it.

  1. PressWindows Key+Rto open the Run box. Then, typeservices.msc, and pressEnter.

  2. LocateBluetooth Support Service.

  3. Right-click and selectRestart. If the option appears grayed out, chooseStart.

If that helps, ensure that the Bluetooth service above is always set to run at startup. To do that:

  1. Double-click theBluetooth Support Service.

  2. Open the drop-down menu next toStartup typeand selectAutomatic.

  3. SelectOK>Apply.

11. Update Your PC’s Bluetooth Driver

If Bluetooth issues in Windows 11 persist, you must shift your attention to your PC’s Bluetooth driver. Update it and check if that makes a difference. To do that:

  1. Right-click theStart buttonand selectDevice Manager.

  2. Expand theBluetoothcategory.

  3. Right-click the Bluetooth adapter—e.g.,Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth(R)—and selectUpdate driver.

  4. SelectSearch automatically for drivers.

  5. Wait until the Device Manager updates the Bluetooth adapter and selectClose.

If Windows fails to update the drivers, check for newer Bluetooth or motherboard driver updates on your computer manufacturer’s website. Or, use a driver updater tool likeDriver Boosterto auto-update the Bluetooth driver.

12. Update Your Windows 11 PC

Bluetooth can fail to work due to issues with Windows 11. The best way to fix that is to update the operating system to its latest version.

  1. OpenSettingsand selectWindows Update.

  2. SelectCheck for updates.

  3. SelectDownload & installto install all pending Windows 11 updates.

Optionally, selectAdvanced options>View optional updatesand install any Microsoft-verified Bluetooth driver updates if available.

13. Roll Back the Bluetooth Driver

Rarely, updating the Bluetooth hardware on your PC with the latest drivers can introduce issues. In that case, try rolling them back.

  1. Right-click the Bluetooth module in the Device Manager and selectProperties.

  2. SelectRoll Back Driver.

  3. Restart your computer.

14. Reinstall Bluetooth Driver

Re-install the Bluetooth driver on your computer to rule out possible driver corruption issues.

  1. Double-click the Bluetooth adapter within the Device Manager and selectUninstall device.

  2. Check the box next toAttempt to remove the driver for this deviceand select Uninstall.

  3. Restart your computer. Windows 11 will reinstall basic Bluetooth drivers during startup. If you want to be sure, revisit the Device Manager, right-click theBluetoothcategory, and selectScan for Hardware Changes.

15. Run an SFC and DISM Scan

Running theSFC and DISM tools improves the stability of Windows 11and resolves Bluetooth issues caused by system file corruption. To run them:

  1. Right-click theStart buttonand selectWindows Terminal (Admin). Or, search forCommand Promptvia Windows Search (pressWindows+S) and selectRun as administrator.

  2. SelectYeson the User Account Control pop-up.

  3. Run the following commands one after the other:

Note: An SFC and DISM scan can take up to an hour to complete. Feel free to keep working, but do not close the Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.

Windows 11 Bluetooth Not Working Issue Fixed

Did you manage to fix Bluetooth in Windows 11? Drop in a comment and let us know what worked for you. If the issue didn’t go away, you might be dealing with a faulty Bluetooth adapter warranting a visit to a PC repair shop. Before that, you can always tryresetting your PC’s network settings,rolling back the operating system to an earlier state, orresetting Windows 11 to factory defaults.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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