5 Ways to Fix Bluetooth Not Working on Windows 11

Quick Tips

• If you face issues with a particular Bluetooth device, test it with another computer or try pairing it again.
• Running the built-in troubleshooter can help fix various Bluetooth-related issues on Windows.
• Consider updating or reinstalling the Bluetooth driver on your PC if the issue persists.

Try Basic Fixes

• Install Windows updates: Windows is usually quick to respond when fixing known bugs and issues. If a faulty update caused the Bluetooth not working issue, it should not take long for Microsoft to fix the problem in subsequent updates. Install any pending Windows updates on your PC and see if that helps.
• Turn off airplane mode: Like your smartphone, Windows 11 also has an airplane mode, which effectively prevents the system from communicating with any networks or devices. If you have inadvertently enabled Airplane mode on your PC, Windows will turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
• Ensure your Bluetooth device is discoverable: This may seem basic, but it’s important to ensure that the Bluetooth device you are trying to connect to is discoverable and within range of your computer.

Fix 1: Disconnect Unwanted Bluetooth Devices

If multiple Bluetooth devices are connected to your PC, you may have trouble connecting with newer devices. To avoid this, disconnect unwanted devices by following the steps below.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + A to open the Quick Settings panel. Right-click the Bluetooth icon and select Go to Settings.

Step 2: Click the three-dot menu icon next to your device and select Remove device. Repeat this step to disconnect all the unwanted devices.

Fix 2: Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Your Windows PC comes with a few useful troubleshooters that can help you identify and fix such common issues on Windows. In this case, you can run the Bluetooth troubleshooter on Windows 11 to see if it can find and fix any issues. Here’s how.

Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar, type troubleshoot settings, and press Enter.

Step 2: Go to Other troubleshooters.

Step 3: Click the Run button next to Bluetooth and follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.

Fix 3: Unpair the Bluetooth Device and Pair It Again

If you are experiencing Bluetooth issues only with a specific device, the device may not have been paired correctly. You can try to remove the device and pair it again to see if that helps.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and head to Bluetooth & devices > Devices.

Step 2: Click the three-dot icon next to your device and select Remove device.

Step 3: Click the Add device button to pair your device again.

Fix 4: Restart Bluetooth Service

If any Bluetooth-related services are encountering problems, it could prevent Bluetooth from functioning properly on your PC. To resolve this, you can attempt to restart the Bluetooth services on your PC by following the steps below.

Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar, type services, and press Enter.

Step 2: In the Services window, scroll down to find the Bluetooth Support Service. Right-click on it and select Restart from the list.

Similarly, restart the Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service as well. Then, check if the issue is resolved.

Fix 5: Update or Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers

The Bluetooth driver on your PC helps Windows interact and connect with your wireless devices. If the Bluetooth driver on your PC is outdated or incompatible, Bluetooth will not work as expected. In most cases, you can fix issues with the Bluetooth driver by updating it.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + S to open the search menu, type device manager, and select the first result.

Step 2: Find and expand Bluetooth, right-click on your device, and select Update driver from the list.

Follow the on-screen instructions to finish updating the driver.

If no updates are available or if the problem persists, try uninstalling the problematic Bluetooth driver using Device Manager. After this, restart your PC, and Windows will automatically install the missing driver on the boot.