Разрешить подключение устройства bluetooth не активно windows 11

Bluetooth — это широко используемая технология для беспроводного подключения устройств. Однако подключение к Bluetooth иногда может привести к проблемам. В этой статье рассматриваются наиболее распространенные проблемы, связанные с Bluetooth, такие как отсутствие связывания Bluetooth, проблемы со звуком Bluetooth, отсутствие Bluetooth и многое другое, а также пошаговые решения по устранению неполадок для каждого из них.

Bluetooth issue in Windows 11 has kept people handicapped as most of the hardware peripherals like mouse, keyboard, speakers are wireless nowadays. You might need to head back to messy wires running all around unless there is a perfect fix. If you encounter Bluetooth not working in Windows 11 problem, you are in the right place as we are going to discuss all plausible ways to resolve the issue. Before jumping to the additional workarounds, restart your PC first since this simple tweak often works as a quick fix.

In most cases, the Bluetooth driver for Windows 11 is the primary cause behind this problem. You might face various issues when the wireless peripherals are not functioning when paired with the PC. One is Bluetooth is not available on this device message that appears when trying to fix it through troubleshooter. Other troubles are, it not detecting device, missing from Device manager, turned off, etc. Generally, defective or a missing driver is the main reason to have such type of troubles in Windows 11. Besides, some maladjustment in the settings or registry can lead to Bluetooth malfunction in the system too.

Bluetooth not working in Windows 11

Here are how to fix Bluetooth not working in Windows 11 –

Way-1: Turn On Bluetooth

Troubleshooting should be started from a very basic step and the first thing you will have to ensure that the Bluetooth is enabled. This may seem unnecessary as people usually turn on the Bluetooth of the devices before using them. Even then, many of us often forget to do so on either of the devices and cannot connect. Therefore, check the device that you are trying to connect with Windows 11 and ensure it is switched on. Also, make sure the Bluetooth in your computer is enabled by following the below guidelines –

1. Press – Windows + A to open Action Center.
2. Check if the Bluetooth icon is in gray color.
3. If yes, click on Bluetooth to enable the same.

Though Bluetooth option remains added in Quick actions by default, you can go through the dedicated settings page to enable the functionality in case the icon is missing there. For that –

1. Press – Windows + I.
2. Click – Bluetooth & devices from the left pane.
3. Move to the right and turn on the toggle button present under Bluetooth.

You can also follow – How to turn on or enable Bluetooth On Windows 11.

Way-2: Check Bluetooth device

Physical checks need to be carried out on Bluetooth devices and adapters if have any. Sometimes, the port you are using to connect the Windows 11 machine can be troublesome. Therefore, interchange the USB ports in the computer and check if it is working. Some people also use multiple port adapter, skip that if you are using the same, and pair the Bluetooth peripheral directly with the Windows 11 device.

Carry out checks on other Bluetooth connections if you have multiple peripherals on the computer. The device usually tries to pair up with the nearby ones and cause trouble. For example, you can disable the Bluetooth in other electronics like smartphones, speakers, headphones and keep the one causing issues enabled only.

Way-3: Allow Bluetooth devices to find your computer

Sometimes the computer you are using remains in the hidden list and other Bluetooth devices won’t find it anyway. In that case, you have to make the Windows 11 machine discoverable to others so that they can find it in the search result. To do that, follow the below steps –

1. Right-click the Start button and choose – Settings.
2. Select – Bluetooth & Devices.
3. Click – View more devices.

1. Scroll down and click – More Bluetooth settings.

1. After a popup opens, check the box set for Allow Bluetooth devices to find this PC.

1. Click Apply and then OK.

Way-4: Add Bluetooth device manually

Oftentimes, the computer fails to detect the desired device which is the reason to presume Bluetooth not working in Windows 11. In such a case, the simplest solution is to add that device manually. Here are the steps to follow –

1. Press – Windows + I.
2. Click – Bluetooth & devices.
3. Thereafter, click – Add device.

1. From the next popup, pick – Bluetooth.
2. When you see your desired device, select the same.
3. If you don’t find the device initially, click Refresh and then pick the device you want to connect.
4. Follow further on-screen guidelines if any.

Way-5: Remove the problematic device and re-add

If you have multiple Bluetooth devices attached to your Windows 11 machine, they make conflicts in them and end up causing random issues. To overcome the situation, remove the devices that were not connected for a long time or are no longer in use. Many users have got this workaround pretty on point while resolving Bluetooth not working in Windows 11 issue.

1. Open the Settings app. To do so, press – Win+I hotkey.
2. Click on – Bluetooth & devices.
3. Select – View more devices from the right pane.
4. On the list, click on the 3 dots icon and select – Remove device.

1. For final consent, hit – Yes.
2. Follow the same process for all the unnecessary devices.
3. Then follow Way-4 to add the device again.

Way-6: Restart Bluetooth service

Windows-operated machines have a good number of services dedicated to run various functionalities in them. They usually control the settings, activity of the devices on the computer. If a service is disabled, you can never expect the related device to be operated in any way.

If Bluetooth is not detecting devices in Windows 11 or not working, check the responsible service is running in the system. There are plenty of chances by which the service can be troubled or disabled as well. To ensure its running, follow the below steps –

1. Press Windows key and type – services.msc.
2. Select – Services app from the best match.
3. When on the Services window, scroll down to find Bluetooth Support Service.
4. Right-click on the service and choose – Properties.
5. In the next popup, navigate to Startup type.
6. Click the dropdown menu and select – Automatic.

1. Hit – Start from the next row if the button is active.
2. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
3. Close Services and check if the Bluetooth is working.

Way-7: Disable Airplane mode

Airplane mode help in preventing all wireless communication like Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC, cellular, and more. The feature is basically used while flying in a plane or at a location where the use of radio signals is restricted. When enabled, this not only disables the wireless devices quickly but also saves battery life for longer use.

If you turned on Airplane mode earlier or the same happened accidentally, none of the wireless communication will work for sure. Therefore, disable the feature if Bluetooth not working in Windows 11. For that, follow the way –

1. Press – Windows + A to invoke Action Center.
2. Check the icon of Airplane mode.
3. If the option is grayed out that means the feature is already disabled. In that case, you don’t need to do anything.
4. In case you find the Airplane mode highlighted, click on it once to turn it off.

There might be instances when Airplane mode is unavailable in the Action Center. If so, you can disable the feature by accessing its dedicated settings page. For that –

1. Press – Windows + I hotkey.
2. Click – Network & Internet from the left pane.
3. Go to the right and turn off the Airplane mode.

Way-8: Change the Power saving plan

Powersaving determines how the laptop will consume the battery life when it is not running in AC power. If you have already enabled this mode in Windows 11 machine, it will disable the Bluetooth and end up having associated issues.

To avoid this trouble, you need to bring some changes in the Power Saving plan which will not disable the Bluetooth. To accomplish this, follow the below guidelines –

1. Press Windows key and I at once.
2. In the Settings app, go to the right pane.
3. Click on – Power & battery.
4. Make sure the toggle button present beneath Battery saver is switched off.

1. Now, click on – Screen & sleep.
2. From the adjacent right side pane, choose Never for all the modes available there.

1. Reboot PC.
2. Check if the Bluetooth is working properly now.

Way-9: Update dedicated driver

Driver incompatibilities can be the most prominent cause to disable Bluetooth devices in a computer. The former controls the interaction and communication between hardware devices & the software controlling them. If these major components stay in an outdated state, the data flow cannot be established properly. Hence plenty of problems will arise and the total mal-function will be there for hardware peripheral.

Since Bluetooth not working in Windows 11, there is a high chance that the dedicated driver is outdated or becomes incompatible with the latest build. Therefore, step out to update driver now following the below instructions –

1. Press – Windows + X.
2. From Power User menu, choose – Device Manager.
3. Locate – Bluetooth.
4. Expand the same by double-clicking.
5. Right-click the Bluetooth driver from the list and then select – Update driver.

1. Pick the option – Search automatically for drivers.
2. Now the system will start searching for any recent build over the internet. Thus, make sure an active internet connection is there.
3. If an update is found, that should be downloaded and installed automatically.
4. Still, if you see any instructions on the screen, do accordingly to finish the task successfully.
5. If in Windows 11, Bluetooth is missing from Device Manager, click on View from menu bar and select Show hidden devices. Then perform the updating.
6. Once done, reboot the machine.

Way-10: Bring back the former version of Bluetooth driver for Windows 11 or re-install

Many people have found it correct to update the driver only and fixed Bluetooth issues they were experiencing. However, few came up with more complications in their systems. This is the reason, Windows device Manager is adorned with power options like Roll Back driver and Uninstall device. When you opt for an automatic update, the System downloads and installs the suitable software from the manufacturer’s website. There is a bit issue here as vendors oftentimes don’t upload the correct software on their website.

Furthermore, some updates can be defective, incomplete, and provided with bugs. Installing them to Windows will make the system completely unstable instead of resolving the issue. If updating didn’t resolve any of your Bluetooth issues, roll back the driver to find out if it helps. To do that, follow the below guidelines –

1. Press – Windows key.
2. Type – device manager.
3. Hit – Enter.
4. After being moved to Device Manager, look for – Bluetooth.
5. Double-click on the device to unfold the driver list.
6. Right-click on your buletooth driver and choose – Properties.
7. When a new wizard prompts, go to its Driver tab.
8. Click – Roll Back Driver button.
9. After bringing back the previous version, reboot Windows 11.

When the system powers up, check whether the Bluetooth is working fine. If not, reinstalling the driver might be the preferable solution. To perform the task –

1. Open Device Manager and expand the Bluetooth device as shown above.
2. Right-click the Bluetooth driver and select – Uninstall device.

1. When a pop-up prompts to ask for final consent, click – Uninstall.
2. After removing the driver completely, visit the manufactures website manually and look for the most recent compatible Bluetooth driver for Windows 11.
3. Once found, download and install the same.
4. Restart the Windows 11 device to make the changes effective.

Way-11: Install latest updates for Windows 11

Microsoft has guided the users to install the latest patches always after being released. The reason is very clear, these update files always come with so many new changes. Security improvements, UI modifications, feature updates, fixes of bugs are the key components in them. On the contrary, an outdated Operating System is too vulnerable to have various issues easily.

Since Bluetooth not working in Windows 11 issue is pretty common, there is a chance that an automatic fix has been provided through Windows update. If you haven’t updated the OS for a long time, check for the latest patches and install them as well. Usually, Windows carries out this check automatically and installs if there is a stable internet connection. However, the automated function can skip few times. Hence, go for a manual check.

1. Press – Windows + R.
2. In the text field of Run command, insert – control update.
3. Click – OK.
4. Once the Settings app turns up, click – Check for updates from the right-hand side.

1. Make sure the system has a stable internet connection.
2. If Windows finds any newly released patches, downloading and installation will take place automatically.
3. However, you might manually restart the PC to complete the installation process.

Way-12: Execute Bluetooth troubleshooter

Troubleshooter in Windows 11 is one of the best utilities if there is a stubborn issue in the system. Microsoft technicians are very much keen to introduce their own tool to fix trouble using default resources. Windows Bluetooth troubleshooter can be a perfect utility to fix your problem if you have failed to resolve it repeatedly. Follow the below guidelines to execute the default fix-it tool –

1. Press – Windows key and I.
2. Click – Troubleshoot located on the right pane.
3. Now, select – Other troubleshooters.
4. Click – Run in the Bluetooth section.

1. After detecting the abnormality that is triggering Bluetooth issue, the troubleshooter will fix it automatically and let you know about the same.
2. You might see a message on your troubleshooter – “Bluetooth is not available on this device… Please try using an external adapter.” In this case, roll back the driver to the previous version following Way-10.

Way-13: Uninstall recently installed update

The latest update in the OS often makes Bluetooth nonfunctional and other associated issues. This is nothing new and happened before as well in other versions of Windows. Newly released patches carry a lot for modifications what can be dreadful to exist features. Some update components also engage in conflict with the existing drivers and cause hardware trouble.

If you have encountered Bluetooth not working in Windows 11 issue after installing the latest update, consider uninstalling that. You can do that without making the slightest change to the system.

1. Press – Windows + R.
2. Type – appwiz.cpl in the command box.
3. Click – OK button.
4. When Programs and Features window appears, click – View installed updates from the left sidebar.
5. Scroll down through the update history to reach Microsoft Windows section.
6. Right-click on the recently installed KB version
7. Select – Uninstall.

1. Follow on-screen instructions to remove the patch completely.

Way-14: Modify Windows Registry

Some abnormal changes in Windows Registry often have adverse effects and cause trouble in hardware devices. Such modifications don’t happen on their own. While making any change in DWOD keys, you might have set them wrongly. Also, third-party suits whether a software or anti-virus program tweaks the Registry oftentimes. Therefore, check the associate DWORD key of Bluetooth to find out if any wrong value is set.

Modification of Windows Registry is a professional workaround and slight mistakes can ruin a functional machine. Hence, follow the below guidelines precisely to modify the registry in order to fix Bluetooth not working in Windows 11 issue –

1. Click the search icon present in the Taskbar.
2. Type – regedit.
3. Select Registry Editor from the search results.
4. If User Account Control asks for permission, click – Yes.
5. Once headed to the app, navigate to the following path –

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion

1. Double click on the CurrentVersion and change the value to 6.2.

Way-15: Uninstall the third-party anti-virus suits

Third-party programs have caused trouble always in the system and yet you can’t just avoid them. Some applications are too necessary that we can’t help installing them for daily computer operation. It’s a fact that Windows 11 is provided with the best anti-virus program called Windows Security. This has a robust built and programmed so strong that, any malware will find it very difficult to sneak through.

However, some users want a bit more security and install third-party anti-malware suits. These programs often cause trouble with important drivers and you may end up having Bluetooth issues. To fix this, uninstall the programs temporarily. Here are the guidelines –

1. Press – Windows + X.
2. Choose – Run.
3. Type – appwiz.cpl.
4. Click – OK.
5. From Program and Features window, find the third-party antivirus program installed on your system.
6. Right-click on the app and choose – Uninstall.
7. Click – Uninstall once again for final consent.
8. Follow further on-screen instructions if any.
9. Once done, restart Windows 11 and check if Bluetooth works.

Methods list:
Way-1: Turn On Bluetooth in your device
Way-2: Check Bluetooth device
Way-3: Allow Bluetooth devices to find your computer
Way-4: Add Bluetooth device manually
Way-5: Remove the problematic device and re-add
Way-6: Restart Bluetooth service
Way-7: Disable Airplane mode
Way-8: Change the Power saving plan
Way-9: Update dedicated driver
Way-10: Bring back the former version of Bluetooth driver or re-install
Way-11: Install latest updates for Windows 11
Way-12: Execute Bluetooth troubleshooter
Way-13: Uninstall recently installed update
Way-14: Modify Windows Registry
Way-15: Uninstall the third-party anti-virus suits

That’s all!!

Do you have trouble pairing or reconnecting Bluetooth devices in Windows 11? Or do you encounter other Bluetooth issues on your PC? We will show you how to fix that.

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.

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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.

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Note: If the Bluetooth icon appears missing in the Action Center, select the Pencil icon, add Bluetooth, and select Done.

Related: Learn what to do if Bluetooth keeps disconnecting in Windows.

2. Disable/Enable Bluetooth Module

Next, turn Bluetooth off, then on. That usually helps resolve unexpected issues with the Bluetooth module on your PC.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Settings.

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2. Select Bluetooth & devices on the Settings sidebar.

3. Disable and enable the switch next to Bluetooth.

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You can try toggling Airplane Mode on, then off. That helps reboot all wireless radios on your computer. Again, open the Action Center and select the Airplane Mode icon. Then, wait for several seconds and disable it.

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:

1. Open Settings.

2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

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3. Select Run next to Bluetooth.

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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.

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5. Make the Bluetooth Device Discoverable

If a Bluetooth device doesn’t show up while you attempt to pair it to your PC, check if the device needs to be put into discovery first. That could involve pressing and holding a specific button on the device or visiting its Bluetooth settings screen (for instance, while pairing a phone). Check the device documentation or online FAQ for the specifics.

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

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

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.

1. Open the Start menu and select Settings > Bluetooth & devices.

2. Select the More icon (three dots) next to the Bluetooth device and select Remove device. Then, select Remove to confirm.

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3. Select Add device > Bluetooth and re-add the device.

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9. Check for Windows 11 Compatibility

Although Windows 11 is a widely compatible operating system, the device you want to pair may not support it. Check its packaging or online FAQ for relevant compatibility information.

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

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.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run box. Then, type services.msc, and press Enter.

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2. Locate Bluetooth Support Service.

3. Right-click and select Restart. If the option appears grayed out, choose Start.

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If that helps, ensure that the Bluetooth service above is always set to run at startup. To do that:

1. Double-click the Bluetooth Support Service.

2. Open the drop-down menu next to Startup type and select Automatic.

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3. Select OK > Apply.

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:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.

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2. Expand the Bluetooth category.

3. Right-click the Bluetooth adapter—e.g., Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth(R)—and select Update driver.

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4. Select Search automatically for drivers.

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5. Wait until the Device Manager updates the Bluetooth adapter and select Close.

If Windows fails to update the drivers, check for newer Bluetooth or motherboard driver updates on your computer manufacturer’s website. Or, use a driver updater tool like Driver Booster to auto-update the Bluetooth driver.

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.

1. Open Settings and select Windows Update.

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2. Select Check for updates.

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3. Select Download & install to install all pending Windows 11 updates.

Optionally, select Advanced options > View optional updates and install any Microsoft-verified Bluetooth driver updates if available.

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.

1. Right-click the Bluetooth module in the Device Manager and select Properties.

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2. Select Roll Back Driver.

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3. Restart your computer.

14. Reinstall Bluetooth Driver

Re-install the Bluetooth driver on your computer to rule out possible driver corruption issues.

1. Double-click the Bluetooth adapter within the Device Manager and select Uninstall device.

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2. Check the box next to Attempt to remove the driver for this device and select Uninstall.

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3. Restart your computer. Windows 11 will reinstall basic Bluetooth drivers during startup. If you want to be sure, revisit the Device Manager, right-click the Bluetooth category, and select Scan for Hardware Changes.

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:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin). Or, search for Command Prompt via Windows Search (press Windows + S) and select Run as administrator.

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2. Select Yes on the User Account Control pop-up.

3. Run the following commands one after the other:

• sfc /scannow
  
• DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
  

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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

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.

Were you trying to pair a device to your PC but the Windows Bluetooth “Add a device” couldn’t detect any device even though there is at least one nearby Bluetooth device in range? This guide explains what could be wrong and shows a few workarounds you can try to fix the issue.

Also see: Bluetooth Disappeared after Windows 11/10 Update (Fix)

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How to fix Bluetooth not discovering devices in Windows 11

Like mentioned, if Windows couldn’t discover any nearby Bluetooth device in range, make sure the device you want to pair to your PC has its Bluetooth turned on and close enough for the PC’s Bluetooth adapter to detect it. If everything is intact and working as intended but Windows still couldn’t detect any device at all, it may be due to a driver issue.

This can often be fixed by updating the Bluetooth driver, or by uninstalling and reinstalling the Bluetooth driver. If updating or reinstalling the Bluetooth driver doesn’t resolve the issue, it may indicate the Bluetooth adapter is failing.

Fix 1: Disable and Enable the Bluetooth adapter

Before trying to update or uninstall the Bluetooth driver, try to quickly disable and re-enable the Bluetooth adapter to see if it can resolve the issue. Follow the steps below to do so.

On Windows 11, go to Start, search for and open “Device Manager“.

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Next, click on Bluetooth to expand the device category to show all Bluetooth related devices on your PC. Then, right-click on your Bluetooth adapter and select Disable device.

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When Device Manager prompt for confirmation, click Yes to continue.

To re-enable the Bluetooth adapter, right-click it again and select Enable device.

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Immediately after re-enabling the Bluetooth adapter, go back to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices and turn on Bluetooth. Try to “Add a device” again and see if it can detect any Bluetooth device now.

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Fix 2: Update Bluetooth Driver

If the driver of your Bluetooth adapter was incorrectly installed or is outdated, it could cause issues such as unable to discover nearby Bluetooth devices. Updating the Bluetooth driver can often fix the issue.

To update the Bluetooth driver, go to Start, search for and open “Device Manager“.

Next, click on Bluetooth to expand it. Right-click on your Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver.

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In the Update Drivers window, select “Search automatically for drivers“.

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If Windows shows “the best drivers for your device are already installed”, click on “Search for updated drivers on Windows Update“.

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Next, run Windows Update to allow Windows to automatically search for the latest driver for your Bluetooth adapter from Microsoft’s drivers repository and install it for you.

After Windows updated the Bluetooth driver, restart your PC. Once restarted, retry the Bluetooth “Add a device” again.

If Windows didn’t install any updated driver, try the next fix to uninstall the Bluetooth driver to allow Windows 11 to automatically look for and install the best driver for your adapter.

Fix 3: Uninstall Bluetooth Driver

In Windows 11 or 10, when Windows detects a new hardware whose driver isn’t installed yet, it will attempt to automatically install the driver for the hardware on the next restart or upon running Windows Update. It will seek the driver from Microsoft’s drivers repository and install it so that the hardware can work on your PC.

Thus, uninstalling the problem Bluetooth driver will allow Windows to automatically look for the best driver for your Bluetooth adapter again. Here’s how to do so via Device Manager.

Go to Start, search for and open Device Manager. Click on Bluetooth to expand it. Then, right-click on your Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device.

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In the Uninstall Device window, select the checkbox that says “attempt to remove the driver for this device”, then click on Uninstall.

Wait for the uninstall process to complete. Once done, restart your PC to allow Windows to search for and install the best driver for your Bluetooth adapter.

Once restarted, turn on Bluetooth and retry to “Add a device” again.

If the Bluetooth driver doesn’t get reinstalled on next restart, run Windows Update instead.

Windows couldn’t recognize the Bluetooth adapter

If you have a very unique Bluetooth adapter/receiver, you may need to manually find the driver from its manufacturer’s website if Windows couldn’t find the driver from its repository. For external USB or PCI Bluetooth adapter, check if you have a driver CD that comes with the Bluetooth adapter. Otherwise, try to search for the driver with your Bluetooth adapter’s model as keyword on the manufacturer’s website or on Google.

If you have a built-in Bluetooth adapter that comes with your PC, especially laptop computers, you may want to search for the driver from your laptop’s manufacturer website, for example, dell.com for Dell laptops, etc.

If Windows couldn’t detect your Bluetooth adapter at all when you click on Device Manager > Action > Scan for hardware changes, it may indicate the adapter is failing.