Largely, Bluetooth connection issues only occur when Windows runs into an error or has drivers that are either incompatible or corrupted. In any case, this post should help you untangle the Bluetooth not working issue on Windows 11 with some quick and easy fixes. So, let’s get right to it.
1. Restart Your PC
Restarting your PC helps to fix temporary glitches in Windows 11. It also closes all background processes, including the ones that might be interfering with Bluetooth. After your PC boots, it’s a good idea to restart your Bluetooth device.
2. Disable Airplane Mode
Similar to mobile devices, Windows 11 also has an Airplane mode which effectively prevents your PC from communicating with any networks or devices. So, if you’ve accidentally enabled Airplane mode, Windows will automatically turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You can either turn on Bluetooth again or disable the Airplane mode from the Action center to see if it helps.
3. Check Bluetooth Connections
If you’re using multiple Bluetooth devices on your PC at the same time, then you might have issues connecting with your preferred devices. To avoid that, you can either turn off Bluetooth on nearby devices or disconnect unwanted devices from your PC by following the steps below. Step 1: Press Windows key + A to open the Action Center. Right-click on the Bluetooth icon to open Settings. Step 2: Use the three-dot menu icon to disconnect unwanted devices.
4. Run Troubleshooter
Your Windows PC is loaded with troubleshooters that can help you identify and fix such common issues on Windows. You can try taking advantage of a Bluetooth troubleshooter on Windows 11 to see if it can resolve the issue. Here’s how. Step 1: Click on the Search icon from the Taskbar, type in troubleshoot settings, and press Enter. Step 2: Go to Other troubleshooters. Step 3: Next, click on the Run button next to Bluetooth and follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.
5. Remove the Device and Pair It Again
If the Bluetooth not working issue is limited to a particular device, then the device may not have paired correctly. You can remove the device and pair it again. For that, you can open Windows Settings app and click on Bluetooth & Devices on the left column. Click on Devices, click on the vertical three-dots on the right-hand side of devices, and select Remove device. Then pair it again.
6. Restart Bluetooth Service
Windows 11 has a service for just about every function that starts every time your PC boots up. If the Bluetooth service on Windows 11 didn’t start correctly or ran into an error while doing so, then Bluetooth might not work. Thankfully, you can fix it by merely restarting the service on Windows. Here’s how. Step 1: Press Windows key + S to open Windows Search, type in services, and press Enter. Step 2: In the Services window, scroll all the way down to find Bluetooth Support Service. Right-click on it and select Restart from the list. Now go ahead and see if the Bluetooth is working fine now.
7. Update or Reinstall Drivers
The Bluetooth driver on your PC helps Windows interact and connect with your wireless devices. So, if those drivers are outdated or incompatible, then Bluetooth might not work. Thus, you can try updating the Bluetooth driver from Device Manager to see if it helps. Here’s how. Step 1: Click on the Search icon from the Taskbar, type in device manager and click on the first result that appears. Step 2: Find and expand Bluetooth, right-click on the troublesome device, and select Update driver from the list. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish updating the driver. You’ll have to repeat these steps for other Bluetooth devices. If there are no updates available and the issue persists, try uninstalling the troublesome Bluetooth driver. Following the steps above and then restart your PC.
8. Update Windows 11
Windows is usually quick to respond when it comes to releasing fixing bugs and errors. So, if the Bluetooth issue is because of a faulty update, then Windows might have already released a newer update that resolves the current Bluetooth issues you’re facing. Thus, you can check and install any pending updates for your Windows 11 PC.
Connected Again
Bluetooth has become a reliable tool to connect devices and create a clutter-free desk. With several devices offering Bluetooth support, you might face this issue some time. Hopefully, the solutions mentioned above were good enough to help you resolve the Bluetooth issues on Windows 11.
