Windows

Windows 11 Bluetooth Not Working: What to Check First

A practical first-pass checklist for missing or unreliable Bluetooth on Windows 11.

1 min readUpdated Aug 27, 2026

Bluetooth issues can come from the accessory, Windows settings, radio state or the computer manufacturer’s driver. Start with checks that do not permanently change the system.

Confirm Bluetooth is available and on

Open Windows Settings and verify Bluetooth is enabled. If the Bluetooth control is completely missing, restart the computer and check Windows Update and the computer manufacturer’s support information.

Test the accessory

Make sure the accessory is charged and placed into its normal pairing mode. If possible, test it with another compatible device to separate an accessory problem from a computer problem.

Remove and pair again only when necessary

If the device appears but will not connect, removing the existing pairing and pairing again can help. Do this only when you know how to put the accessory back into pairing mode.

Avoid random driver sites

For driver updates, prefer Windows Update or the hardware manufacturer. Unknown driver-download websites can create additional reliability and security problems.