How to Fix Bluetooth “Remove Failed” Error in Windows 11
Do you get a “Remove device” error when removing a Bluetooth device from your Windows 11 computer? Is the error specific to a device or all paired Bluetooth devices? We’ll show youhow to forcefully delete Bluetooth devicesthat Windows fails to remove.
How to Force Remove a Bluetooth Device That Failed to Delete
The “Remove failed” error sometimes occurs when attempting to remove a Bluetooth device actively exchanging data with your computer. The error could also be due to malware infection or bugs in your PC’s operating system.
You can forcefully remove the device by turning off your PC’s Bluetooth or uninstalling the device’s driver. Follow the troubleshooting instructions below to get the Bluetooth device off your computer.
Turn Bluetooth Off and Back On
Turn your computer’s Bluetooth off and back on, then try removing the device. Alternatively, turn off Bluetooth on the device before removing it from your computer.
Open the Windows Action Center (Windows key+A), turn offBluetooth, and turn it back on.
Alternatively, go toSettings>Bluetooth & devices, toggle offBluetooth, and turn it back on.
Remove Bluetooth Devices through the Device Manager
An alternate way to remove a Bluetooth device from Windows is to uninstall its driver. You can remove or uninstall a Bluetooth device’s driver from the Windows Bluetooth Settings menu, Device Manager, or Control Panel.
That’ll launch the “Devices and Printers” windows in the Control Panel.
Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter
The built-in Windows Bluetooth troubleshooting tool can help diagnose and fix issues causing the “Remove failed” error. Run the troubleshooter if Windows won’t remove the Bluetooth device or its drivers.
That’ll launch the Bluetooth Connection Problems Troubleshooter in theGet Help app.
Follow the prompts until the end and check if you can remove the Bluetooth device.
Restart and Reconfigure the Windows Bluetooth Services
The Bluetooth Support Service helps your PC discover Bluetooth devices. The service also helps manage paired Bluetooth devices in Windows. You might encounter issues pairing, using, or removing Bluetooth devices if Bluetooth Support Service isn’t running. Or if the service doesn’t have local administrator access.
Follow the steps below to restart the Bluetooth Support Service and grant it administrative permission.
Return to the “Bluetooth & devices” menu in Windows settings and try removing the Bluetooth device again. Repeat the steps above for theBluetooth User Support Serviceif the “Remove failed” error persists. The service ensures the smooth functioning of Bluetooth features in Windows.
Update Your Computer
Ensure your PC is running the latest Windows version. Windows Updates sometimes ship with fixes for software bugs causing Bluetooth connectivity issues.
Connect your computer to the internet, head toSettings>Windows Update, and selectCheck for updatesorDownload & install.
Delete the Device’s Bluetooth Profile in Windows Registry
You can also remove stubborn Bluetooth devices from Windows through the Registry Editor. It’s a lengthy but straightforward process, and it worked the magic forsome Windows usershaving similar Bluetooth device trouble.
Note:Follow the steps below carefully and avoid deleting important files or items (by accident) in the registry. Messing up the registry can crash your PC’s operating system. We strongly recommendcreating a System Restore pointandbacking up the Windows Registrybefore you proceed. Doing so allows you to recover your computer if anything goes south.
That should open the Bluetooth Devices folder in the Registry Editor sidebar. The “Devices” folder houses subfolders representing Bluetooth devices (previously or currently) paired to your computer.
The Bluetooth device should no longer be on the list of Bluetooth devices in Windows Settings.
Remove Stubborn Bluetooth Devices
Scan for malware infection if the Bluetooth device remains on your computer or the “Remove failed” error persists. We recommend using the WindowsMalicious Software Removal Tool(MSRT) orMicrosoft Safety Scanner.
Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio
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