Facing Windows 11 Bluetooth not working issues? Here are 12 simple fixes to reconnect your devices. Easy steps, screenshots tips, and advanced solutions.

Bluetooth on Windows 11 is supposed to just work. But sometimes, you click Connect, and nothing happens.
Your headphones refuse to pair, the Bluetooth toggle disappears, or the PC simply says “Couldn’t connect” every time.

If you’re struggling with Windows 11 Bluetooth not working, don’t worry — this is one of the most common issues users face after updates, driver problems, or random glitches.

The good news?
Most Bluetooth problems are easy to fix, and you don’t need to be a tech expert. This guide walks you through 12 proven solutions, from quick 2-minute fixes to advanced troubleshooting.

Let’s get your Bluetooth working again.

Quick Fixes (Try These First)

If you’re short on time, try these fast solutions before diving into the full guide:

• Restart your PC
• Turn Bluetooth Off → On
• Remove the device and pair again
• Toggle Airplane Mode On → Off
• Restart Bluetooth Services
• Check if your device is in pairing mode

If Bluetooth starts working — great!
If not, continue with the step-by-step fixes below.

Why Is Windows 11 Bluetooth Not Working? (Common Causes)

Before fixing anything, it helps to know why this happens.

Here are the most common reasons:

1. Faulty or outdated Bluetooth drivers

A corrupted driver often breaks pairing and connectivity.

2. Windows Update bugs

Some updates temporarily disable Bluetooth features.

3. Disabled Bluetooth Support Services

If the background service stops, Bluetooth stops with it.

4. Conflicting wireless devices

Too many connected devices can cause pairing failures.

5. Hardware-level Bluetooth switch turned off

Some laptops have a physical wireless toggle.

6. Power management settings

Windows may turn Bluetooth off to “save power”.

7. Damaged Bluetooth adapter

Rare but possible — especially with USB adapters.

Now that you know the causes, let’s fix your Windows 11 Bluetooth problems.

12 Ways to Fix Windows 11 Bluetooth Not Working

1. Turn Bluetooth Off and On Again

The classic fix — but it works.

Steps:

1. Press Win + A to open Quick Settings
2. Click Bluetooth to turn it OFF
3. Wait 10 seconds
4. Turn it ON again

Try connecting your device again.

2. Restart Your Windows 11 PC

A simple reboot can clear driver glitches.

• Click Start → Power → Restart
• Wait for Windows to reload
• Pair your device again

3. Make Sure Your Device Is in Pairing Mode

Sometimes the PC is fine — the device isn’t.

Examples:

• Earbuds: Hold the button for 3–5 seconds
• Speakers: Press the Bluetooth icon
• Keyboards/mice: Toggle the switch

If the device doesn’t show in the list, this is usually why.

4. Remove the Device and Re-pair It

If Bluetooth connects but doesn’t work, remove the device completely.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices
2. Click the device
3. Select Remove device
4. Turn Bluetooth OFF → ON
5. Reconnect

5. Toggle Airplane Mode (Quick Reset)

This resets all wireless components.

Steps:

1. Press Win + A
2. Turn ON Airplane Mode
3. Wait 10 seconds
4. Turn it OFF again

Now try pairing.

6. Run the Windows Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in Bluetooth troubleshooter.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
3. Find Bluetooth
4. Click Run

Windows will detect and fix common Bluetooth errors automatically.

7. Restart Bluetooth Services (Most Effective Fix)

This is one of the best fixes when Bluetooth stops working suddenly.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type:

services.msc

1. Press Enter
2. Find these services:
   • Bluetooth Support Service
   • Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service
   • Bluetooth User Support Service
3. For each service:
   • Right-click → Restart
   • Set Startup type → Automatic

After restarting all services, try connecting again.

8. Update or Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers

Driver corruption is a major cause of Windows 11 Bluetooth not working errors.

Update the driver

1. Press Win + X → Device Manager
2. Expand Bluetooth
3. Right-click your adapter → Update driver
4. Choose Search automatically

If that doesn’t help — reinstall the driver

1. In Device Manager, right-click the Bluetooth adapter
2. Select Uninstall device
3. Restart your PC

Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

9. Check for Windows Updates

Some Bluetooth issues are caused by a bad update — and the next update fixes it.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → Windows Update
2. Click Check for updates
3. Install everything available
4. Restart your device

10. Disable Bluetooth Power Saving

Windows may turn off Bluetooth to save power — especially on laptops.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager
2. Expand Bluetooth
3. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter
4. Choose Properties
5. Go to Power Management
6. Uncheck:
   • Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power

Click OK and reconnect.

11. Reset Network Settings (Fixes Hidden Issues)

This resets all Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and network components.
Great when Bluetooth stops appearing completely.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet
2. Scroll down → Advanced network settings
3. Click Network reset
4. Hit Reset now

Your PC will restart.

12. Check for Hardware Issues (Final Option)

If nothing works:

• Try connecting a USB Bluetooth adapter
• Test Bluetooth in Safe Mode
• Try Bluetooth on another OS (Linux/Windows PE)

If Bluetooth works elsewhere, your hardware is fine — the issue is Windows-side.

Advanced Troubleshooting

These steps are for users who want deeper control.

A. Run Bluetooth Commands in Command Prompt

Useful when drivers or services are stuck.

Steps:

1. Press Start, search cmd
2. Right-click → Run as administrator
3. Run these commands:

net stop bthserv
net start bthserv

This restarts the core Bluetooth service.

B. Reset the Bluetooth Stack

Some manufacturers provide utilities to reset Bluetooth firmware layers (Intel, Broadcom, Realtek).
Download them from the official website if needed.

C. Check BIOS Settings

Rare, but possible after major updates:

1. Restart PC
2. Press F2 / F10 / DEL to enter BIOS
3. Ensure Wireless / Bluetooth is enabled
4. Save and exit

FAQ — Windows 11 Bluetooth Issues

1. Why is Bluetooth not showing in Windows 11 Settings?

The Bluetooth driver may be corrupted, disabled, or missing. Reinstalling the driver or running network reset usually fixes it.

2. Why can’t Windows 11 find my Bluetooth device?

Your device may not be in pairing mode, may be too far away, or another device might already be connected.

3. How do I reset Bluetooth on Windows 11?

Restart Bluetooth services, toggle Airplane Mode, or use the Network Reset option in Windows settings.

4. My Bluetooth headphones connect but no sound. What should I do?

Change the output device via:
Settings → System → Sound → Choose your output device

5. Bluetooth keeps disconnecting. How do I fix it?

Disable power-saving mode, update Bluetooth drivers, and remove extra connected devices.