Complaint Regarding Bluetooth Connectivity Issue in My Computer

Rudra Raghuwanshi 0 Reputation points
2026-09-16T15:51:08.7133333+00:00

Why is Bluetooth not showing on my Windows PC, and how can I fix the Code 45 “hardware device is not connected” error?Screenshot 2026-09-16 204645

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

    2026-09-16T15:51:29.3266667+00:00

    Code 45 means Windows is not detecting the Bluetooth hardware as connected. On Windows 11, use this order:

    1. Confirm the PC actually has Bluetooth If Bluetooth is missing entirely, check the PC’s product specifications first. Some devices do not include Bluetooth hardware.
    2. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled
      • Select the Network, Sound, or Battery icons on the right side of the taskbar.
      • Check whether the Bluetooth quick setting is available and turned on.
      • Or go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
      • If the PC has a physical Bluetooth switch, make sure it is on.
    3. Make sure Airplane mode is off Select the Network, Sound, or Battery icons on the taskbar and verify Airplane mode is off.
    4. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Next to Bluetooth, select Run and complete the prompts.
    5. Update the Bluetooth 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.
      If Windows says the best driver is already installed, download the latest Bluetooth driver from the PC manufacturer’s support website, install it, and restart.
    6. Reinstall the Bluetooth driver This can remove the current driver instance, so a restart is required.
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Expand Bluetooth.
      • Right-click the Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device.
      • Restart the PC. Windows should automatically reinstall the Bluetooth driver after restart.
    7. If the Bluetooth icon is missing but the adapter still appears in Device Manager Uninstall the Bluetooth adapter, then shut down the computer, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. If Windows does not reinstall it automatically, open Device Manager and use Action > Scan for hardware changes.
    8. If pairing is the only problem after Bluetooth returns Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices, remove the problem device, then add it again.

    If Bluetooth still does not appear after driver update and reinstall, and Device Manager continues showing Code 45, Windows is still not seeing the Bluetooth hardware as connected.

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  2. DaveM121 933.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-16T16:24:25.71+00:00

    That indicates the Bluetooth drivers are not installed correctly.

    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) like Realtek, Intel or MediaTek Bluetooth.

    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.

    If you have any difficulty locating that support page, click your Start Button, then just type msinfo and press Enter, please provide a screenshot of the resulting System Information window.

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