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
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 the Wi-Fi, Volume, or Battery icon) on the right corner of the taskbar). If the Bluetooth icon is not active, select to enable it. Note: If the Bluetooth icon appears missing in the Action Center, select the Pencil icon, add Bluetooth, and select Done.
2. Disable/Enable Bluetooth Module
2. Disable/Enable Bluetooth Module
Next, turn Bluetooth off, then on. That usually helps resolve unexpected issues with the Bluetooth module on your PC.
3. Run the Automatic Bluetooth Troubleshooter
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:
4. Reboot Your Windows 11 PC
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 the Start menu and select Power > Restart.
5. Make the Bluetooth Device Discoverable
5. Make the Bluetooth Device Discoverable
6. Charge the Bluetooth Device
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
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
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.
9. Check for Windows 11 Compatibility
9. Check for Windows 11 Compatibility
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
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.
11. Update Your PC’s Bluetooth Driver
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:
12. Update Your Windows 11 PC
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.
13. Roll Back the Bluetooth Driver
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.
14. Reinstall Bluetooth Driver
14. Reinstall Bluetooth Driver
Re-install the Bluetooth driver on your computer to rule out possible driver corruption issues.
15. Run an SFC and DISM Scan
15. Run an SFC and DISM Scan
Running the SFC and DISM tools improves the stability of Windows 11 and resolves Bluetooth issues caused by system file corruption. To run them:
sfc /scannow DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
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
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 try resetting your PC’s network settings, rolling back the operating system to an earlier state, or resetting Windows 11 to factory defaults.
