Published 2023-06-14 by TechNet New England
Bluetooth issues on Windows 11 are usually driver-related or caused by the Bluetooth service not running. ## Check the Basics 1. **Is Bluetooth turned on?** Go to Settings > Bluetooth and devices. Toggle Bluetooth on. 2. **Is the device in pairing mode?** Check the device's manual for how to enter pairing mode. Most headphones and mice require holding a button for a few seconds. 3. **Is Airplane mode off?** Airplane mode disables Bluetooth. Check the quick settings (click the network icon in the taskbar). ## Fix 1: Remove and Re-pair the Device 1. Go to **Settings > Bluetooth and devices**. 2. Find the device and click **Remove device**. 3. Put the device back into pairing mode. 4. Click **Add device > Bluetooth** and pair it again. ## Fix 2: Restart the Bluetooth Service 1. Press **Win + R**, type `services.msc`, press Enter. 2. Find **Bluetooth Support Service**. 3. Right-click it and select **Restart**. 4. If it is stopped, right-click and select **Start**. ## Fix 3: Update the Bluetooth Driver 1. Open **Device Manager** (right-click Start > Device Manager). 2. Expand **Bluetooth**. 3. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select **Update driver > Search automatically**. 4. If no update is found, visit your computer manufacturer's website for the latest Bluetooth driver. ## Fix 4: Re-enable the Bluetooth Adapter 1. In Device Manager, expand **Bluetooth**. 2. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter. 3. Select **Disable device**. Wait 10 seconds. 4. Right-click again and select **Enable device**. ## Fix 5: Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter 1. Go to **Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters**. 2. Click **Run** next to **Bluetooth**. ## Bluetooth Missing Entirely If Bluetooth does not appear in Settings or Device Manager: The Bluetooth hardware may be disabled in BIOS/UEFI. Restart and enter BIOS (usually Del or F2 during boot) and check for a Bluetooth toggle. The driver may be completely missing. Download it from your computer manufacturer's support page. On desktop computers, Bluetooth may not be built in. You may need a USB Bluetooth adapter. ## When to Contact IT If Bluetooth worked previously and stopped after an update, your IT provider can roll back the driver or check for Group Policy restrictions. On managed devices, Bluetooth may be disabled by policy.