13 Ways to Fix Bluetooth Not Working in Windows 11

Windows Bluetooth issues fall into the chronic category as they have continued to flourish for ages. So, you shouldn’t curse yourself for having to run into the frustrating Bluetooth problem on your PC – time and time again. The good thing is we have already jotted down the list of 13 best tips and tricks to fix the Bluetooth issues on Windows 11. Keep reading…

How to Fix Bluetooth Not Working in Windows 11

From corrupted Bluetooth drivers to software glitches to wrongly configured settings to the jealous Airplane Mode, there are several reasons why Bluetooth is ill-functioning on your PC (left, right, and center). Let’s take on each usual suspect one at a time and eliminate them all – sooner rather than later!

1. Check the Bluetooth Settings

Before moving any further, be sure to inspect the Bluetooth settings to ensure it’s customized properly.

  • Press Windows + A to launch the Quick Settings panel.
  • Check the Bluetooth icon and ensure that it’s active.
  • Alternatively, open the Settings app on your Windows device > Bluetooth & devices and make sure that the Bluetooth toggle is live and kicking as usual.

2. Make Sure Your Bluetooth Device is Not Running Low on Power

  • Another important thing that you must check off right off the bat is to ensure that your Bluetooth device is not running low on power.

3. Check Airplane Mode

Make sure that the Airplane mode is disabled on your PC as it has got the license to interfere with the Bluetooth.

  • Go to the Settings app on your Network & internet and ensure that the toggle for Airplane mode is turned off. Or, press Windows+A to bring Quick Settings and check the Airplane mode icon.
  • If Bluetooth is already active, turn it off -> restart your PC, and then turn the Bluetooth toggle back on.
Airplane mode in Windows 11

4. Restart Your PC

A simple restart often proves to be handy in fixing miscellaneous Windows issues. Hence, bring it into the play as well.

  • Head over to the Start menu -> Power icon -> Restart.

5. Restart Bluetooth Services

More often than not, you can fix the persistent Bluetooth issues on a PC by rebooting the Bluetooth services. Considering how effective this Bluetooth solution has been, it would be wise to give it a shot as well.

  • Press Windows + R to bring up the Run dialog and enter services.msc, and hit Enter.
  • Find the Bluetooth Support Service option and right-click on it.
  • Now, select “Restart” option in the menu.
Restart Bluetooth services in Windows 11
  • Once again, right-click again and choose Properties.
  • Next, set the Startup type to Automatic.
  • Next up, hit the Apply button > OK.

6. Factory Reset Your Bluetooth Device

  • The problem could also be deeply related to your Bluetooth device. Therefore, try factory resetting the device to check if it does the trick for you.

7. Update Bluetooth Drivers

If your PC is dealing with corrupted or outdated Bluetooth drivers, it could very well be the major culprit of the whole chaos.

  • Press the “Windows + X” keys at once and choose Device Manager.
  • Now, expand the Bluetooth section.
  • Now, you need to right-click your Bluetooth adapter (generally labeled “Wireless” or “Bluetooth”).
  • Hit the Driver tab at the top > “Update driver “Search automatically for drivers and install the update.

8. Update Your Bluetooth Device

  • Check if there is an update available for your Bluetooth device via the companion app. If there is one, download and install it.

9. Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers

Just in case there is no option to update the Bluetooth drivers, I would recommend you reinstall the drivers.

  • To get going, press the Windows + X -> choose Device Manager.
Launch Device manager on Windows 11
  • Now, hit the tiny arrow to the left of Bluetooth to expand it and right-click your Bluetooth adapter (typically named “Wireless” or “Bluetooth”).
  • Select the Driver tab at the top -> “Uninstall device” and confirm -> Restart your computer to allow your PC to reinstall the driver automatically.

10. Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Slightly buried in the Windows setting exists a built-in tool to troubleshoot the Bluetooth issues.

  • To bring it into action, launch the Settings app > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Use Windows Update Troubleshooter
  • Find the Bluetooth section and hit the Run button to launch the troubleshooter > go through the on-screen instructions.

11. Re-pair Your Bluetooth Device

No luck as yet? Fret not as we are not done yet. This time, try re-pairing your Bluetooth device.

  • Navigate to the Settings app on your PC -> Bluetooth & devices -> Bluetooth device -> Remove device, and confirm.
  • Now, restart your computer and reconnect the Bluetooth device.

12. Reset Network Settings 

If you are still struggling to resolve the Bluetooth issues on your PC, reset the entire network settings to factory default.

  • To do so, head into the Settings app on your PC -> Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
  • Now, click on the “Reset now” button and confirm to get rid of all the network adapters and reset your network settings.

13. Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft keeps unleashing one update after another in order to enhance the performance and also take on the bugs that are causing problems.

  • Dive into the Settings app on your PC -> Windows Update -> Check for updates -> Install the latest Windows 11 update and check if you have gotten the better of the problem.
update software on Windows computer

Wrapping Up…

There you have it, folks! I hope your PC has eventually managed to get rid of the Bluetooth issue. Now, let me know the tip that has helped flush out this annoying Windows problem and I’ll catch you in the next one.

Posted by
Rajesh Mishra

Editor-in-Chief: Rajesh Mishra is a Shakespearean poet at heart who turned a tech nerd while having a secret rendezvous with iPhone 4. When that rendezvous turned obsession, he let go of his hard-core political journalism in favour of the lifelong love-affair with technology. In a career spanning one and a half decades, Mr. Mishra has crafted over 8K articles. When he is not at his desk, you may find him either engrossed in a Deathmatch or chasing Wordsworth!

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