A Bluetooth device connects wirelessly. With Windows 11/10, users can utilize Bluetooth to pair wireless keyboards, mice, phones, speakers, and more. While it works flawlessly in most scenarios, users may run into difficulties when trying to pair their device with a Windows system. This post will guide you on how to fix connections to Bluetooth on a PC running Windows 11/10.
How to Fix Connections to Bluetooth in Windows 11/10
There could be many reasons why the Bluetooth adapter on your PC is causing issues with connections with other devices. Here’s a compiled look at all the solutions one could think of.
- Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter
- Disconnect Other Bluetooth Devices
- Update Bluetooth Adapter’s Drivers
- Re-install Bluetooth Adapter’s Drivers
Make sure to use an account with admin privileges.
1] Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter
One of the simplest ways to fix trouble caused by Bluetooth connections is to run the troubleshooter. Here’s how you can do so.
- Open the Settings panel by either pressing Win + I on the keyboard or choosing the same from the Start Search Box.
- Next, navigate to Update and Security > Troubleshooters (for users on Windows 10). Users on Windows 11 can navigate to System > Troubleshoot.
- Here, choose the Additional Troubleshooters/Other Troubleshooters.
- Now, choose Bluetooth and click on Run the troubleshooter.
- Finally, follow the on-screen instructions to get through with the process.
2] Disconnect Other Bluetooth Devices
If you’re working with multiple Bluetooth devices at once, there’s a probability that one of the other connected devices is causing trouble. Here’s how you can disconnect or remove other connected devices.
- On a PC running Windows 11 – navigate to Settings > Bluetooth and Devices. Now click on the arrow mark next to Devices to bring up the list of all connected devices. Finally, choose the device to remove, click on the three-dotted icon and select Remove.
- For Windows 10 users, the process is quite similar, although it varies a bit. Navigate to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth and Other Devices. Choose your device to remove, and select the Remove
3] Update Bluetooth Adapter’s Drivers
If you’re running an old computer that hasn’t been updated for years now – updating the Bluetooth Adapter’s drivers using Windows Update or OEM could help solve connectivity issues with newer devices.
- In the Start Search Box, search for the Device Manager and choose the main listed result.
- Expand your PC’s name > Bluetooth under the Device Manager’s window.
- Next, select your Bluetooth adapter, right-click and choose Update Driver.
- Finally, select Search automatically for drivers and wait for Windows to automatically find the latest version and install it on your computer.
- Windows will give you the option to open the Update page directly, and if there is a driver update, it will be available under the Advanced Options:
- Additional Updates in Windows 10
- Optional Updates in Windows 11
It can happen with any type of Bluetooth Driver. It can be a Bluetooth audio driver or driver which connects with the controller or anything.
4] Re-install Bluetooth Adapter’s Drivers
Finally, if none of the other options has ended up working for you, re-installing the Bluetooth Adapter’s drivers could be the final solution.
- Bring up the Device Manager and expand the Bluetooth Adapters
- Find your Bluetooth adapter, make a right-click and choose Remove Device.
- Now there will be no Bluetooth in the device manager.
- Next, click on the Scan For Hardware Changes button present at the top (the one with a monitor and a magnifying glass).
- Now, wait for Windows to detect and automatically re-install the drivers.
How to Connect a Bluetooth Device to Windows 11/10?
To connect or pair a new Bluetooth device, head over to Settings > Bluetooth and choose to Add a Bluetooth or Other Device. At the next step, select the device you’re looking to pair with, and click on Connect. Check out a detailed guide on how to connect a Bluetooth Device.
How to Fix Bluetooth Device Missing or Disappeared in Windows 11/10?
If you’re unable to find the device you’re looking to pair with, make sure that the Bluetooth on the device is turned on and set to discovery mode. If your device does not have Bluetooth in Windows, then it’s because it has none. Check if your adaptor is plugged in properly.
How to Fix Can’t Turn on Bluetooth in Windows?
This is a quite common issue and is often caused by faulty drivers. Try reinstalling the adapter’s drivers to fix the problem. It is also possible that Bluetooth is not available on this device, i.e., check if your Bluetooth adaptor is plugged in, and hence the toggle to turn on Bluetooth is missing.
Bluetooth Devices All Show Up as “Unknown”
If all the Bluetooth device listings have a yellow exclamation mark or are marked as unknown, then it’s a driver issue. Remove them, and perform a scan for hardware changed. It will force Windows to at least use the generic driver.
Problem connecting to Bluetooth sound speaker in Windows 11/10
If everything on the Computer is working as expected, then make sure to set the Speaker on the pairing mode. Once it is in Pairing mode, you can click on the Add Bluetooth device option to locate the device and then pair it.
Windows offers three types of pairing—Bluetooth, Wireless Display, and Everything else. I have noticed that if the device is not discoverable via Bluetooth, then you can use the Everything else option.
Bluetooth audio device connects for a second and immediately disconnects
This has been reported multiple times and happens with the selected devices but works for other BT devices work.
- Go to Device Manager > Show hidden devices.
- Uninstall Hands-free and the actual Bluetooth driver
Restart the PC, and it should resolve the problem as Windows will install the drivers again, and you should be able to pair without an issue.
While issues with Bluetooth can be frustrating, the above-mentioned solutions should help you get them solved. That said, do let us know which devices you prefer to connect via Bluetooth by dropping a comment down below.
