How to Fix Bluetooth Not Working on Windows 11

Ther eare many possible causes for Bluetooth not working on Windows 11, from system issues to human errors. Fortunately, it’s usually an easy fix and should only take a few minutes.

Hi, my name is Megan. I’ve been using Windows since 2006 and recently I have upgraded my Lenovo desktop to Windows 11. Even though I’m not a computer engineer, I love exploring tips and tricks to solve daily PC problems and I’m here ready to help!

In this article, I’m going to show you all possible reasons behind the Windows 11 Bluetooth not working issue, along with solutions that will hopefully fix it.

Let’s get started.

Reason 1: Bluetooth is Disabled

Your Bluetooth may be accidentally set as disabled. Here you only need to follow two simple steps to enable Bluetooth.

How to Enable Bluetooth

Step 1: Type “ncpa.cpl” command in the search bar and click the Open button or hit Enter key on your keyboard.

Step 2: Right-click the Bluetooth Network Connection icon and choose Enable.

Also Read: 4 Quick Ways to Turn on Bluetooth on Windows 11

If it doesn’t work for you, continue to check out other solutions below.

Reason 2: Bluetooth is in Sleep Mode

Sometimes Windows 11 put Bluetooth to sleep to save your radio device power. So you need to awake your Bluetooth in Device Manager.

How to Wake Up Bluetooth

Step 1: Click the Windows or Search icon at the middle bottom of the taskbar.

Step 2: Type “Device Manager” in the search bar and click Open or hit Enter key on your keyboard.

Step 3: Find and right-click Intel Wireless Bluetooth (R) or Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter to enter Properties settings.

Step 4: Choose the Power Management Settings tab and uncheck the turn-off button. Click on OK.

Done.

Reason 3. Bluetooth Driver Needs to Update or Reinstall

If your Bluetooth driver for Windows 11 is either missing or corrupted, you probably have to update or reinstall the Bluetooth driver. Check out these videos to learn how to update and reinstall it.

How to update your Bluetooth driver:

How to reinstall your Bluetooth driver:

Reason 4. Bluetooth Support Service is not Running

Normally Bluetooth Support Service on Windows 11 is set to start up automatically. If it’s not running, check whether it’s manually disabled, or the parameter may be incorrect. Watch this video for how to find and start up Bluetooth Support Service.

If it still doesn’t work for you, run Windows 11’s built-in app Bluetooth Troubleshooter to find out more.

Reason 5. Bluetooth Device is not Discoverable

It’s easy to ignore this, but sometimes your Bluetooth Device is not in the range or set to paring mode. Make sure the Bluetooth device you’re trying to connect is in range (approximately 30 feet, or 10 meters) and is in pairing mode.

If you don’t know how to do it, learn the detailed step-by-step tutorial on how to pair a Bluetooth device on Windows 11.

Reason 6. Airplane Mode is Enabled

Although this is rare, but Airplane mode might be turned on accidentally. Once your computer is in airplane mode, neither Bluetooth or WiFi connection will work.

When you find Bluetooth doesn’t work on Windows 11, check whether airplane mode is enabled. If yes, turn it off and Bluetooth will successfully connect. Follow the two simple steps below to disable airplane mode. 

Step 1: Click the set of indicator icons at the right bottom corner and a dialog box will pop up.

Step 2: Click the Airplane mode button. The toggle will turn white when it’s off. Now you see both Bluetooth and wifi connection are allowed.

Reason 7. Windows 11 System is Outdated

Your Bluetooth not working issue may also be caused by incompatibility with an outdated Windows system. Press Windows + I keys to run the Settings app and navigate to the Windows Update to check for updates.

Once you update your PC to the latest version of Windows 11, try connecting your Bluetooth device again and see if it will work.

Reason 8. Windows 11 System File Errors

System file errors (e.g. missing and damage system files) can occur sometimes for unknown reasons. You have two options to check and repair Windows OS files, manually or with a tool. 

Before checking system problems, make sure you have updated your Windows 11 to the latest version. Then run Command Prompt (tutorial) manually to find out the real reason.

You also have another option to find out the errors if the Command Prompt doesn’t help. Download and install this PC repair tool Tweaking. It is free for personal use.

Reason 9. Your Computer does not Support Bluetooth

Some very old computers may not have Bluetooth. If all the above reasons and methods do not work for you, you need to check whether your computer has Bluetooth built-in.

Here’s how to check it:

Step 1: Click the Windows or Search icon at the middle bottom of the taskbar.

Step 2: Type “Device Manager” in the search bar and click Open or hit Enter key on your keyboard.

Step 3: Check whether there is an entry for Bluetooth, if not, go to Network adapters to find it.

If you still can’t find Bluetooth, your computer probably don’t have Bluetooth. Buy a Bluetooth dongle to plug in your computer’s USB port will help you solve the problem.

Final Words

So have you fixed the Bluetooth not working issue on Windows 11? I’d love to know which reason/solution helps. Or do you happen to find another solution that’s not covered here? Either way, leave a comment below and let me know 🙂