Bluetooth Not Working in Windows 11? 7 Best Fixes to Try

Bluetooth should just work. But if you’re running Windows 11 and your Bluetooth refuses to cooperate—devices not connecting, disappearing, or dropping out—don’t worry. Here are 7 fixes that actually work, in plain English.

1. Restart Bluetooth (Yes, Really)

Before diving deep, start simple. Turn Bluetooth off and back on again.

How:

• Hit Win + I to open Settings.
• Go to Bluetooth & devices.
• Toggle Bluetooth off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.

Sometimes, that’s all it takes.

2. Reboot Your PC

Obvious? Yes. But Windows 11 sometimes needs a fresh start to fix device issues—especially after updates or driver installs. Restart and see if your Bluetooth magically reappears.

3. Check Airplane Mode

Windows 11’s Airplane Mode disables Bluetooth too.

Check it:

• Click on the network icon in the taskbar.
• Make sure Airplane Mode is off.

It’s easy to miss, especially on laptops.

4. Reinstall the Bluetooth Driver

Corrupted drivers = chaos. Reinstalling usually clears things up.

Steps:

1. Press Win + X, select Device Manager.
2. Expand Bluetooth.
3. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter, choose Uninstall device.
4. Restart your PC—Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

Still not working? Move to the next step.

5. Update the Bluetooth Driver

Outdated drivers are a common culprit.

Update manually:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Right-click your Bluetooth device.
3. Select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.

If nothing updates, check your PC manufacturer’s site for the latest driver.

6. Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes built-in troubleshooters that can actually help.

To run it:

• Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Find Bluetooth, click Run.

Let Windows do the heavy lifting.

7. Restart Bluetooth Support Service

This service controls how Windows handles Bluetooth connections. If it’s off, nothing works.

To restart it:

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, hit Enter.
2. Find Bluetooth Support Service.
3. Right-click > Restart.
4. If it’s disabled, double-click it, set Startup type to Automatic, click Start, then OK.

Still Stuck?

If none of the above worked, try these:

• Test a different Bluetooth device.
• Check for Windows updates.
• Use a USB Bluetooth dongle as a workaround.

Final Thoughts

Bluetooth issues in Windows 11 are frustrating but usually fixable. These 7 steps cover the most common causes—start at the top and work your way down. Odds are, you’ll be reconnected in no time.

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