How to Fix Bluetooth Problems in Windows 11

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A guide to getting Bluetooth to work properly on Windows 11

Co-authored by Megaera Lorenz, PhD Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: May 25, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Missing or Disabled Bluetooth
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• Bluetooth Connection Issues
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• Video

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Your computer’s Bluetooth technology allows you to connect wirelessly to a huge array of devices, from headphones and mice to printers. It can be immensely frustrating if Bluetooth stops working (or disappears entirely) on your Windows 11 computer. Luckily, most Bluetooth issues are easy to fix. In this article, we’ll explain how to get your Bluetooth working in Windows 11 if it’s missing, disabled, or won’t connect.

Fix Bluetooth Issues in Windows 11

If Bluetooth is missing or disabled in Settings, make sure your computer is Bluetooth compatible. If so, you might need to restart the Bluetooth service or update your drivers. Try running a troubleshooter to identify and fix glitches. For connection issues, make sure your device is on, in pairing mode, and in range.

Steps

Section 1 of 2:

Missing or Disabled Bluetooth

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1. 
   1
   Make sure your Windows device is Bluetooth compatible. While most modern computers and tablets that can run Windows 11 have Bluetooth built in, there are still exceptions. Some older PCs, as well as custom-built and specialized workstation computers, may not have the right hardware.

   • One easy way to tell is to right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager. If there’s no Bluetooth category in your Device Manager, your computer doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth hardware.
   • If you don't have built-in Bluetooth but are using a Bluetooth adapter dongle, make sure the dongle is plugged in.
2. 
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   Check that airplane mode is disabled. If your Bluetooth icon is greyed out, airplane mode might be interfering with it. To check if airplane mode is on, press Windows key + A to open your Quick Settings. If the airplane icon is blue, airplane mode is on. Click the icon to turn it off.
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3. 
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   Restart your computer. This can resolve minor glitches that might be preventing Bluetooth from turning on.
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   Restart the Bluetooth service. If your computer’s Bluetooth service isn’t running properly, you might not be able to connect to Bluetooth devices or enable Bluetooth at all. Here’s how to restart it:

   • Press Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog.
   • Type in services.msc and press Enter.
   • Locate Bluetooth Support Service in the list of local services. Right-click it and select Restart.
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   Update or reinstall the Bluetooth driver. Corrupt or outdated drivers are a common cause of Bluetooth problems in Windows 11, especially after a system update. Here’s how to update or fix your drivers:

   • Right-click the Start icon and select Device Manager.
   • Expand the Bluetooth category, then right-click the name of your Bluetooth adapter.
   • Select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software. Follow the prompts to update the driver (if Windows finds an update). You may need to restart your computer.
     • If Windows doesn’t find any updates, visit the manufacturer’s website for your Bluetooth adapter and see if one is available. If an updated driver is available, download it, then select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers in the Device Manager. Select the driver and follow the prompts to install it.
   • If an update isn’t available, you can try reinstalling the driver. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter in the Device Manager and select Uninstall device > Uninstall. Once the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer to force the driver to reinstall.
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   Update Windows. If your system is outdated, you might experience problems with Bluetooth. Fix potential bugs by installing the latest version of Windows.

   • Open the Start menu and select Settings > Windows Update. Click Check for Updates and install any available updates.
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   Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter. Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can identify and fix common Bluetooth issues. To run the troubleshooter:

   • Search for get help in the Start menu or taskbar search bar. Launch the Get Help app from the results.
   • Search for bluetooth troubleshooter.
   • Follow the onscreen prompts to run the troubleshooter and resolve any issues that it finds.
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   Move your Bluetooth adapter to a different port (if you have one). If you have an external Bluetooth dongle or adapter, it might help to disconnect it and reconnect it. If that doesn’t work, move it to a different USB port. If it’s connected to a USB hub, try connecting it directly to your computer instead.
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Section 2 of 2:

Bluetooth Connection Issues

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1. 
   1
   Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your Windows 11 device. If you’re having trouble connecting a Bluetooth device to your computer or tablet, the first step is to make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Depending on your specific device, there are a few different ways to do this:

   • Some laptops have a physical Bluetooth switch on the outside of the computer. Make sure the switch is in the On position if your computer has one.
   • If the switch is already on (or if your computer doesn’t have a switch), click the Start menu and select Settings. Go to Bluetooth & devices and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
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   Check that the Bluetooth device is on and in pairing mode. Many Bluetooth devices need to be in pairing mode to connect to a computer. There might be a physical pairing mode switch or button somewhere on the device. Additionally, make sure the device is turned on and fully charged.

   • If your device is on, charged, and in pairing mode, try turning it off, waiting a few seconds, and turning it on again.
   • Some devices have multiple Bluetooth channels. Try switching to a different channel.
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   Keep your Bluetooth device close to your computer. Bluetooth has a limited range. If your device is too far away from your computer, or if there are walls or other large objects in between the device and the computer, the signal might not be strong enough for a good connection.

   • Your device should be within about 33 feet (10 m) of your computer.
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   Turn off competing Bluetooth devices. If there are too many Bluetooth devices connected to your computer, they might interfere with each other. Other USB devices can also interfere with a Bluetooth signal. Disconnect any accessories from your computer that you don’t currently need and try again.

   • While you’re at it, make sure your Bluetooth device isn’t already connected to a different computer or tablet.
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   Remove and re-pair the device if you’ve paired it before. If you’ve already paired the Bluetooth device with your computer in the past, unpairing and re-pairing it can sometimes resolve connection problems. To do this:

   • Open the Start menu and select Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
   • Select More options ⋮ next to the device you’re having trouble with, then click Remove device. Click Yes to confirm.
   • Try pairing the device again.
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   Adjust your energy-saving settings. If your Bluetooth tends to frequently disconnect or turn off on its own, this fix might help. There are a couple of different power management settings you can adjust:

   • Click the battery icon in the taskbar. If Energy Saver Mode is enabled, turn it off.
   • Next, right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager. Expand the Bluetooth category and right-click your Bluetooth device.
   • In the Power Management tab, uncheck the box next to “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
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