Bluetooth Keyboard will not connect (Windows 11)

Patricia Schiavi 0 Reputation points
2026-09-11T13:46:52.14+00:00

Other bluetooth devices are connected but the keyboard has stopped responding. I removed the device, but cannot reload it because it cannot be found. How can I get it recognized for reconnection?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-11T13:47:09.3333333+00:00

    Try these steps in order to get the keyboard discoverable and paired again on Windows 11:

    1. Check the keyboard itself.
      • Make sure it is turned on.
      • Make sure it has charge or fresh batteries.
      • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
      • Keep it close to the PC, but not too close to other USB devices plugged into USB 3.0 ports, because unshielded USB devices can interfere with Bluetooth.
    2. Make sure Bluetooth is working on the PC.
      • Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
      • Turn Bluetooth off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
      • Also make sure Airplane mode is off from the taskbar quick settings.
    3. Change Bluetooth discovery to show more device types.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
      • Under Device settings > Bluetooth devices discovery, change it to Advanced.
      • This makes Windows display all types of Bluetooth devices.
    4. Try pairing the keyboard again.
      • Since the device was already removed, put the keyboard back into pairing mode and check whether it appears.
      • If Windows asks for a PIN and none is known, check the keyboard documentation or the device itself. If needed, try 0000 or 1234.
      • If prompted for a PIN but there is no place to enter it on screen, type 0000 on the Bluetooth keyboard and press Enter.
    5. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter.
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • Next to Bluetooth, select Run and complete the prompts.
    6. Update the Bluetooth adapter driver.
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Expand Bluetooth.
      • Right-click the Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver.
      • Select Search automatically for drivers.
      • Restart the PC after the update.
    7. Reinstall the Bluetooth adapter if the keyboard still is not found.
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Expand Bluetooth.
      • Right-click the Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device > Uninstall.
      • Shut down the PC.
      • Turn it back on after a few seconds. Windows should reinstall the driver automatically.
      • If it does not, open Device Manager and select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
    8. If the problem continues, install the Bluetooth driver from the PC manufacturer.
      • Go to the PC manufacturer support site.
      • Search by the PC model.
      • Download and install the latest Bluetooth driver for Windows 11.
      • Restart the PC.

    If other Bluetooth devices still connect normally, the most likely fixes are putting the keyboard back into pairing mode, setting Bluetooth devices discovery to Advanced, and then updating or reinstalling the Bluetooth adapter driver.

    References:

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  2. John Jefferson Doyon 86,980 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-11T14:27:58.2766667+00:00

    Hi, @Patricia Schiavi

    What is the exact make and model of the Bluetooth keyboard?

    Since other Bluetooth devices are working, first make sure the keyboard has fresh batteries or is fully charged. Then put the keyboard back into pairing mode. On many keyboards, you need to hold the Bluetooth or pairing button until the indicator light starts flashing.

    Then go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth and check if the keyboard appears.

    If it still cannot be found, to help narrow down the issue:

    1. Does the keyboard show any light or indication that it is in pairing mode?
    2. Can another phone, tablet, or computer detect the keyboard?
    3. Did this start after a Windows update or any other change to the PC?

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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