How to Fix Windows 11 Bluetooth Not Working: Easy Steps to Solve the Error

Bluetooth is a useful feature in Windows 11 that helps you connect wireless devices quickly. Sometimes, it may stop working unexpectedly, causing inconvenience. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fix Bluetooth issues without needing technical expertise.

This guide will walk you through easy and clear steps to get your Bluetooth working again. Whether your Bluetooth won’t turn on, can’t find devices, or is disconnecting, these instructions cover common problems and solutions.

Follow each step carefully and test your Bluetooth after every fix to see if the problem is resolved. Let’s get started and bring your wireless connections back to life!

These methods work for most Windows 11 PCs and laptops with built-in Bluetooth.

Quick Note: What to Check Before You Start

Make sure Bluetooth is enabled: Sometimes Bluetooth is simply turned off. Check the Quick Settings panel (click the network or speaker icon on the taskbar) to see if Bluetooth is active.
Verify your device supports Bluetooth: Not all computers have Bluetooth hardware. Confirm your PC has Bluetooth capability by checking Device Manager.
Charge your Bluetooth device: Low battery on devices like headphones or mice can cause connectivity issues.
Keep your devices close: Bluetooth works over short distances. Make sure your device is near the PC.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Bluetooth Device

Before diving into complex fixes, the simplest step is to restart both your PC and the Bluetooth device. This can clear temporary glitches.

Restart your PC: Click the Start menu, select Power, then Restart.
Turn off and on your Bluetooth device: Power cycle your headphones, mouse, or keyboard by turning it off, waiting 10 seconds, then turning it on again.

Restarting refreshes system processes and device connections, often solving minor Bluetooth errors.

Step 2: Make Sure Bluetooth is Turned On in Windows 11

Sometimes Bluetooth may be disabled in the system settings. Here’s how to check and enable it:

Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
Go to Bluetooth & devices on the left menu.
Make sure the toggle for Bluetooth is switched to On.

Enabling Bluetooth here allows Windows to discover and connect to nearby devices.

Step 3: Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix Bluetooth problems automatically.

Open Settings and navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Find Bluetooth in the list and click Run.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

The troubleshooter checks for common issues like driver errors or service problems and attempts fixes without user intervention.

Step 4: Update or Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a frequent cause of Bluetooth not working. Updating or reinstalling them can help.

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the section called Bluetooth.
Right-click your Bluetooth adapter (usually named something like “Intel Wireless Bluetooth” or “Generic Bluetooth Adapter”) and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers and let Windows find updates.
If no update is found or the problem continues, right-click the adapter again and select Uninstall device. Then restart your PC to reinstall the driver automatically.

Drivers control how Windows communicates with Bluetooth hardware. Keeping them updated ensures smooth operation.

Step 5: Check Bluetooth Services Are Running

Windows uses specific services to manage Bluetooth devices. If these services are stopped, Bluetooth won’t work.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Type services.msc and press Enter.
In the Services window, scroll down and find Bluetooth Support Service.
Right-click it and choose Properties.
Make sure the Startup type is set to Automatic.
If the service is not running, click Start. Then click Apply and OK.

Running these services is essential for Bluetooth devices to connect and communicate properly with your PC.

Step 6: Remove and Re-Pair Bluetooth Devices

If your Bluetooth device shows up but won’t connect properly, deleting and reconnecting it can help.

Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
Find the device under Devices and click the three-dot menu next to it.
Select Remove device and confirm.
Put your Bluetooth device in pairing mode (refer to the device manual).
Click Add device in Windows and select your device from the list to pair again.

This refreshes the connection and resolves pairing conflicts.

Step 7: Check Airplane Mode and Focus Assist Settings

Sometimes Airplane Mode disables wireless connections including Bluetooth. Similarly, Focus Assist may limit notifications from Bluetooth devices.

Open Quick Settings by clicking the network or speaker icon in the taskbar.
Make sure Airplane Mode is turned off.
In Settings > System > Focus Assist, check if it’s set to Off or configured not to block Bluetooth device alerts.

Disabling Airplane Mode and managing Focus Assist settings ensures Bluetooth can function without restrictions.

Alternative and Advanced Options

If you’re comfortable with more advanced steps, you can try the following:

Reset Network Settings: This resets all network-related components including Bluetooth. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Note this removes Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings.
Update Windows 11: Keeping Windows up to date can fix bugs affecting Bluetooth. Check Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates.
Check BIOS Settings: On some PCs, Bluetooth can be disabled in BIOS. Restart your PC and enter BIOS setup (usually by pressing F2, Del or Esc during boot) and verify Bluetooth is enabled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my Bluetooth not showing up in Windows 11?

This usually means the Bluetooth adapter is disabled, missing, or has driver issues. Check Device Manager and enable or update the driver. Restarting your PC can also help.

How do I know if my PC has Bluetooth?

Open Device Manager and look for a Bluetooth category. If it’s not there, your PC may not have Bluetooth hardware, or the drivers are missing.

Can Bluetooth work without drivers?

No, Bluetooth requires drivers so Windows can communicate with the hardware. Without drivers, Bluetooth won’t function.

Why does Bluetooth keep disconnecting?

This can be caused by interference, low battery, outdated drivers, or power management settings turning off the adapter to save energy.

How do I prevent Bluetooth from turning off automatically?

In Device Manager, right-click your Bluetooth adapter, select Properties, go to the Power Management tab, and uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and Bluetooth still isn’t working, consider the following final options:

Contact your PC Manufacturer: There may be hardware issues or specific driver versions needed.
Use Microsoft’s Support: Visit the official Windows 11 Bluetooth support page for official troubleshooting tools and updates.
Consider External Bluetooth Adapter: If your internal Bluetooth hardware is faulty, a USB Bluetooth dongle can restore wireless capabilities.
System Restore or Reset: As a last resort, restoring your PC to an earlier point or resetting Windows may fix deep system issues affecting Bluetooth.

Conclusion

Bluetooth issues in Windows 11 can be frustrating, but most problems have simple fixes. Start with the basics like restarting devices and enabling Bluetooth, then move on to driver updates and checking services. Running the troubleshooter often solves common errors automatically.

Remember to keep your system and drivers updated, and manage power settings to maintain stable connections. If nothing helps, official support and external adapters offer reliable alternatives.

By following these easy steps, you can quickly restore your Bluetooth functionality and enjoy seamless wireless connections on your Windows 11 PC.