The main cause is usually a broken or incorrectly set up Bluetooth driver, especially after Windows or BIOS updates. Other reasons can be Bluetooth services being turned off or power-saving settings that disable Bluetooth. Now that you understand the typical reasons for Bluetooth issues, let’s go through step-by-step solutions:
1. Make Sure Bluetooth is Discoverable
Before we dive into troubleshooting, first check that your Bluetooth is set to Discoverable mode. If your computer’s Bluetooth isn’t discoverable, other devices can’t see or connect to it.
2. Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter
Sometimes, hidden system issues can break Bluetooth connectivity. Luckily, Windows 11 includes a troubleshooter that can usually find and fix these problems automatically.
3. Reinstall the Bluetooth driver via Device Manager
If Bluetooth stopped working right after you upgraded to Windows 11 from a previous version, there’s a good chance the drivers didn’t update correctly. You can fix this by uninstalling your current Bluetooth driver and letting Windows 11 reinstall the latest, compatible version on restart. For more detailed steps, check out our guide on reinstalling the Bluetooth driver.
4. Enable the Bluetooth Support Service
Another reason Bluetooth might not work is if the Bluetooth Support service isn’t running in Windows. This service is particularly important if you want to use Bluetooth printers or share files with other devices.
5. Install every pending Windows 11 update
If you’re using an OEM laptop or just haven’t updated Windows 11 in a while, an old bug may be breaking your Bluetooth. Microsoft has already fixed most known issues in recent updates, so installing all available updates is a good move.
6. Enable Network Discovery settings and File and Printer Sharing (for Private Network)
If Bluetooth works for most devices but not your printer, Network Discovery or File & Printer Sharing might be disabled. Both features must be enabled for Bluetooth printers. Once both settings are enabled, try again to connect your Bluetooth printer. This should resolve any remaining issues.
