How to fix my bluethooth

gustdierickx 0 Reputation points
2026-09-04T09:02:09.23+00:00

I can't possibly connect with bluethooth on this device. It doesn't show up next to my wifi button and airplain-mode. When i try turning it on via settings it just doesn't do anything.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Internet and connectivity
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  1. DaveM121 928.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-04T09:36:25.99+00:00

    1

    Open the Settings App (gear icon on your Start Menu)

    Go to System - Troubleshoot

    Click 'Other Troubleshooters'

    Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter from the resulting page

    Check if Bluetooth is then working

    2

    If not, open Device Manager (accessible by right clicking your Start Button)

    At the top of Device Manager, choose View - Show Hidden Devices

    Does that show hidden Bluetooth device(s)

    if so, right click and uninstall that

    Restart your PC

    Check if Bluetooth is then working

    3

    If Bluetooth is still not working, go to the support page for your PC on the manufacturers website, then from there, download and install the Bluetooth device drivers they recommend.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-04T09:02:27.85+00:00

    Try these Windows 11 steps in order:

    1. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • Next to Bluetooth, select Run.
      • This can automatically diagnose and fix common Bluetooth problems.
    2. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled in Windows 11
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
      • Check whether Bluetooth can be turned on there.
      • Normally, Bluetooth also appears in the taskbar quick settings next to the network, sound, or battery icons.
    3. Check basic conditions that block Bluetooth
      • Make sure Airplane mode is off from the taskbar quick settings.
      • If this is a new device, verify the PC actually supports Bluetooth.
      • If the PC has a physical Bluetooth switch, make sure it is turned on.
    4. Turn Bluetooth off and back on
      • In Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices, turn Bluetooth off.
      • Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
    5. Update or reinstall the Bluetooth driver
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Expand Bluetooth and select the Bluetooth adapter.
      • Right-click it and choose Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.
      • Restart the PC if prompted.
      • If Windows cannot find a newer driver, download the latest Bluetooth driver from the PC manufacturer’s support site.
    6. If the Bluetooth adapter is missing or still not working
      • In Device Manager, check whether the adapter appears under Bluetooth or Other devices.
      • If the driver was downloaded manually, install it by using Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers, then select the folder containing the driver files.
    7. If trying to connect a Bluetooth accessory
      • Make sure the accessory is turned on, charged, and close to the PC.
      • Turn the accessory off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
      • USB 3.0 devices nearby can sometimes interfere with Bluetooth.

    If Bluetooth does not appear in quick settings and the Settings toggle does nothing, the most likely causes are a missing, outdated, or incompatible Bluetooth driver, or the device does not support Bluetooth.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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