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However, connecting to Bluetooth can sometimes result in issues. This article covers most common issues related to Bluetooth such as Bluetooth not pairing, Bluetooth audio issues, missing Bluetooth and more, along with step-by-step troubleshooting solutions for each. Run the Windows Bluetooth troubleshooter If you are using a Windows 11 device, start by running the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix most Bluetooth problems. If you are using an older version of Windows or a mobile device, please skip to Common Bluetooth issues in Windows 11 section. Run the troubleshooter in Get Help If the Bluetooth troubleshooter in Get Help app is unable to resolve your issue, select your specific Bluetooth problem from the Common Bluetooth issues in Windows 11 section below and follow the provided steps. If your issue is not listed, refer to the General Bluetooth troubleshooting in Windows 11 section and follow the outlined steps there. General Bluetooth troubleshooting in Windows 11 Please try the following general troubleshooting steps to help solve the Bluetooth problem. Step 1. Verify Bluetooth compatibility for your Windows 11 device If you’re setting up a new device and Bluetooth is missing, check the product specifications to make sure it has Bluetooth capabilities. Some devices don’t have Bluetooth. Step 2. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on If you're using a laptop with a physical Bluetooth switch on the body, make sure it’s switched on. In Windows 11, there are two ways to check if Bluetooth is turned on. Here’s how: Check in quick settings: Select the Network , Sound , or Battery icons ( ) on the right side of the taskbar, look for the Bluetooth quick setting, then select Bluetooth to turn it on. You’ll see “Not connected” if your Windows 11 device isn’t connected to any Bluetooth accessories. Check in quick settings: Select the Network , Sound , or Battery icons ( ) on the right side of the taskbar, look for the Bluetooth quick setting, then select Bluetooth to turn it on. You’ll see “Not connected” if your Windows 11 device isn’t connected to any Bluetooth accessories. Check in Settings: Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices . Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Check in Settings: Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices . Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. When you turn Bluetooth on in Settings, the following message appears immediately: "Discoverable as < computer_name>⁠ " Step 3. Check your Bluetooth device Make sure your Bluetooth device is turned on, is charged or has fresh batteries, and is in range of your PC. Then, try the following: Turn off your Bluetooth device, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Make sure your Bluetooth device is in range. If your Bluetooth device is unresponsive or sluggish, check to make sure it’s not too close to any other USB device that’s plugged into a USB 3.0 port. Unshielded USB devices can sometimes interfere with Bluetooth connections. Step 4. Change the Bluetooth devices discovery setting If you don't see your Bluetooth device displayed in the list of devices, you may need to set your Bluetooth devices discovery setting to Advanced. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices . Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices . Under Device settings > Bluetooth devices discovery , choose one of the following from the drop-down list: Default —displays common Bluetooth devices Advanced —displays all types of Bluetooth devices Under Device settings > Bluetooth devices discovery , choose one of the following from the drop-down list: Default —displays common Bluetooth devices Advanced —displays all types of Bluetooth devices If you still don't see your Bluetooth device displayed after choosing the Advanced setting, try the solutions listed below. If you still don't see your Bluetooth device displayed after choosing the Advanced setting, try the solutions listed below. Step 5. Verify Bluetooth hardware and settings on your Windows 11 PC On the PC you want to pair to: Make sure airplane mode is off: Select the Network , Sound , or Battery icons ( ) on the right side of the taskbar, then make sure the Airplane mode quick setting is turned off. Turn Bluetooth on and off: Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices . Turn off Bluetooth , wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Remove the Bluetooth device, then add it again: Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices . In Devices , select More options for the Bluetooth device you’re having problems connecting to, and then select Remove device > Yes . To learn more about pairing your Bluetooth device again, see Pair a Bluetooth device . Step 6. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters . Next to Bluetooth , select Run and follow the instructions. Open Troubleshoot settings Step 7. Make sure you have the latest drivers If you recently upgraded to Windows 11 or installed Windows 11 updates, the current driver may have been designed for an earlier version of Windows. To automatically check for driver updates: Select Search on the taskbar, type for device manager , and then select Device Manager from the list of results. In Device Manager, select Bluetooth , and then select the Bluetooth adapter name, which may include the word “radio.” Press and hold (or right-click) the Bluetooth adapter, and then select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software . Follow the steps, then select Close . After installing the updated driver, select Start > Power > Restart if you're prompted to restart, and then check whether that fixes the connection issue. If Windows can’t find a new Bluetooth driver, visit the PC manufacturer’s website and download the latest Bluetooth driver from there. An outdated or incompatible driver is one of the most common causes of Bluetooth connection problems. To manually install the Bluetooth driver: Go to your PC manufacturer's website and download the latest driver. Then do one of the following: If you downloaded an executable (.exe) file, just double-click the file to run it and install the drivers. That should be all you need to do. If you downloaded an executable (.exe) file, just double-click the file to run it and install the drivers. That should be all you need to do. If you downloaded individual files, and at least one file has an .inf file name extension and another has a .sys extension, do the following: Select Search on the taskbar, type device manager , and then select Device Manager from the list of results. In Device Manager, select Bluetooth > the Bluetooth adapter name. (If it’s not listed there, check in Other devices .) Press and hold (or right-click) the network adapter, and then select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers . Select Browse , select the location where the driver files are stored, and then select OK . Select Next , and follow the steps to install the driver. When the installation is finished, select Close . After you've updated the driver, select Start > Power > Restart if you're prompted to restart, and check whether that fixes the connection issue. If you downloaded individual files, and at least one file has an .inf file name extension and another has a .sys extension, do the following: Select Search on the taskbar, type device manager , and then select Device Manager from the list of results. In Device Manager, select Bluetooth > the Bluetooth adapter name. (If it’s not listed there, check in Other devices .)

Press and hold (or right-click) the network adapter, and then select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers . Select Browse , select the location where the driver files are stored, and then select OK . Select Next , and follow the steps to install the driver. When the installation is finished, select Close . After you've updated the driver, select Start > Power > Restart if you're prompted to restart, and check whether that fixes the connection issue. Step 8. Uninstall the Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager If you don't see the Bluetooth icon, but Bluetooth does appear in Device Manager, try to uninstall the Bluetooth adapter, and then trigger an automatic reinstall. Here's how: Select Search on the taskbar, enter device manager , then select Device Manager from the results. In Device Manager, select Bluetooth . Press and hold (or right-click) the Bluetooth adapter name (which may include the word “radio”), and select Uninstall device > Uninstall . Select Start , then select Power > Shut down . After your device shuts down, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on. Windows will try to reinstall the driver. If Windows doesn't reinstall the driver automatically, open Device Manager and select Action > Scan for hardware changes . You may need to contact your PC or other hardware manufacturer to get the latest drivers for your Bluetooth adapter. Common Bluetooth issues in Windows 11 The following list describes the most common Bluetooth problems in Windows 11. Select a link to view the troubleshooting steps for each issue. Fix Bluetooth disappeared in Windows Troubleshoot Bluetooth not connecting in Windows Troubleshoot transferring files using Bluetooth Fix Bluetooth connected but no sound issue on Windows Bluetooth keeps disconnecting in Windows Update Bluetooth drivers in Windows Fix Bluetooth audio only playing in one channel Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025 After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11. Bluetooth is a widely used technology for connecting devices wirelessly. However, connecting to Bluetooth can sometimes result in issues. This article covers most common issues related to Bluetooth such as Bluetooth not pairing, Bluetooth audio issues, missing Bluetooth and more, along with step-by-step troubleshooting solutions for each. Run the Windows Bluetooth troubleshooter If you are using a Windows 10 device, start by running the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix most Bluetooth problems. If you are using an older version of Windows or a mobile device, please skip to Common Bluetooth issues in Windows 10 section. Run the troubleshooter in Get Help If the Bluetooth troubleshooter in Get Help app is unable to resolve your issue, select your specific Bluetooth problem from the Common Bluetooth issues in Windows 10 section below and follow the provided steps. If your issue is not listed, refer to the General Bluetooth troubleshooting in Windows 10 section and follow the outlined steps there. General Bluetooth troubleshooting in Windows 10 Please try the following general troubleshooting steps to help solve the Bluetooth problem. Before you start Step 1. Verify Bluetooth compatibility for your Windows 10 device If you’re setting up a new device and Bluetooth is missing, check the product specifications to make sure it has Bluetooth capabilities. Some devices don’t have Bluetooth. Step 2. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on If you're using a laptop with a physical Bluetooth switch on the body, make sure it’s switched on. In Windows 10, there are two ways to check if Bluetooth is turned on. Here’s how: Check in the taskbar. Select action center ( or ). If you don’t see Bluetooth, select Expand to reveal Bluetooth , then select Bluetooth to turn it on. You’ll see “Not connected” if your Windows 10 device isn’t paired to any Bluetooth accessories. Check in the taskbar. Select action center ( or ). If you don’t see Bluetooth, select Expand to reveal Bluetooth , then select Bluetooth to turn it on. You’ll see “Not connected” if your Windows 10 device isn’t paired to any Bluetooth accessories. Check in Settings. Select Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices . Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Turn on Bluetooth in Settings Check in Settings. Select Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices . Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Turn on Bluetooth in Settings When you turn Bluetooth on in Settings, the following message appears immediately: "Now discoverable as < computer_name>⁠ " Step 3. Check your Bluetooth device Make sure your device is turned on, is charged or has fresh batteries, and is in range of the PC you want to connect to. Then, try the following: Turn off your Bluetooth device, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Make sure your Bluetooth device is in range. If your Bluetooth device is unresponsive or sluggish, check to make sure it’s not too close to any other USB device that’s plugged into a USB 3.0 port. Unshielded USB devices can sometimes interfere with Bluetooth connections. Step 4. Change the Bluetooth devices discovery setting If you don't see your Bluetooth device displayed in the list of devices, you may need to set your Bluetooth devices discovery setting. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & other devices. In the Bluetooth settings window, click More Bluetooth options (on the right or under Related Setting "). The Bluetooth Settings dialog box will open. Go to the Options tab. Check the box labeled Allow Bluetooth devices to find this PC for the PC to be discoverable. Step 5. Verify Bluetooth hardware and settings on your Windows 10 PC On the PC you want to pair to: Make sure airplane mode is off: Select Start , then select Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode . Make sure Airplane mode is turned off. Turn Bluetooth on and off: Select Start , then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices . Turn off Bluetooth , wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Remove the Bluetooth device, then add it again: Select Start , then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices .. In Bluetooth , select the device you’re having problems connecting to, and then select Remove device > Yes . To learn more about pairing your Bluetooth device again, see Pair a Bluetooth device . Step 6. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter Select Start , then select Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot . In Find and fix other problems , select Bluetooth , and then select Run the troubleshooter and follow the instructions. Open Troubleshoot settings Step 7. Make sure you have the latest drivers If you recently upgraded to Windows 10 or installed Windows 10 updates, the current driver may have been designed for an earlier version of Windows. To automatically check for driver updates: In the search box on the taskbar, search for Device Manager , and then select Device Manager from the list of results. In Device Manager, select Bluetooth , and then select the Bluetooth adapter name, which may include the word “radio.” Press and hold (or right-click) the Bluetooth adapter, and then select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software . Follow the steps, then select Close . After installing the updated driver, select the Start button, select Power > Restart if you're prompted to restart, and then check whether that fixes the connection issue. If Windows can’t find a new Bluetooth driver, visit the PC manufacturer’s website and download the latest Bluetooth driver from there. An outdated or incompatible driver is one of the most common causes of Bluetooth connection problems. To manually install the Bluetooth driver: Go to your PC manufacturer's website and download the latest driver. Then do one of the following: If you downloaded an executable (.exe) file, just double-click the file to run it and install the drivers. That should be all you need to do. If you downloaded an executable (.exe) file, just double-click the file to run it and install the drivers. That should be all you need to do. If you downloaded individual files, and at least one file has an .inf file name extension and another has a .sys extension, do the following: In the search box on the taskbar, type Device Manager , and then select Device Manager from the list of results. In Device Manager, select Bluetooth > the Bluetooth adapter name. (If it’s not listed there, check in Other devices .) Press and hold (or right-click) the network adapter, and then select Update driver > Browse my computer for driver software . Select Browse , select the location where the driver files are stored, and then select OK . Select Next , and follow the steps to install the driver. When the installation is finished, select Close . After you've updated the driver, select the Start button, select Power > Restart if you're prompted to restart, and check whether that fixes the connection issue. If you downloaded individual files, and at least one file has an .inf file name extension and another has a .sys extension, do the following: In the search box on the taskbar, type Device Manager , and then select Device Manager from the list of results. In Device Manager, select Bluetooth > the Bluetooth adapter name. (If it’s not listed there, check in Other devices .) Press and hold (or right-click) the network adapter, and then select Update driver > Browse my computer for driver software . Select Browse , select the location where the driver files are stored, and then select OK . Select Next , and follow the steps to install the driver. When the installation is finished, select Close . After you've updated the driver, select the Start button, select Power > Restart if you're prompted to restart, and check whether that fixes the connection issue. Step 8. Uninstall the Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager If you don't see the Bluetooth icon, but Bluetooth does appear in Device Manager, try to uninstall the Bluetooth adapter and trigger an automatic reinstall. Here's how: In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager , then select Device Manager from the results. In Device Manager, select Bluetooth . Press and hold (or right-click) the Bluetooth adapter name (which may include the word “radio”), and select Uninstall device . Select Start , then select Power > Shut down . After your device shuts down, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on. Windows will try to reinstall the driver. If Windows doesn't reinstall the driver automatically, open Device Manager and select Action > Scan for hardware changes . You may need to contact your PC or other hardware manufacturer to obtain the latest drivers for your Bluetooth adapter. Common Bluetooth issues in Windows 10 The following list describes the most common Bluetooth problems in Windows 10. Select a link to view the troubleshooting steps for each issue. Fix Bluetooth disappeared in Windows Troubleshoot Bluetooth not connecting in Windows Troubleshoot transferring files using Bluetooth Fix Bluetooth connected but no sound issue on Windows Bluetooth keeps disconnecting in Windows Update Bluetooth drivers in Windows Fix Bluetooth audio only playing in one channel Thank you for your feedback!