But before we get to the actual fixes, let’s go over the most common causes that will end up breaking the Bluetooth functionality on Windows 11: Now that you were informed of all possible reasons that will produce this Bluetooth issue on Windows 11, let’s go over the actual fixes:
Make sure Bluetooth is discoverable
Before you get to the actual troubleshooting, the first thing you should do is investigate and see if your Bluetooth component has the Discoverable status. If your Bluetooth component is not discoverable, no device can connect to it. So before doing anything else, take time to investigate the status of your Bluetooth component and make it discoverable in case it’s not. Follow the instructions below to see ensure that your PC Bluetooth is discoverable: Once you’ve ensured that Bluetooth is enabled and set as discoverable on Windows 11, attempt to connect the device again and see if the problem is now fixed. In case the same kind of issue is persisting, move down to the next potential fix below.
Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter
There are a lot of interconnected dependencies that might end up breaking the Bluetooth connectivity on Windows 11. Fortunately, the new Windows 11 Bluetooth troubleshooter is quite adept at identifying and automatically fixing typical inconsistencies. If you haven’t tried using it yet, you should – before trying any of the other fixes below. If the Bluetooth Troubleshooter detects a recognizable scenario, it will automatically suggest a fix that you can typically apply automatically. Follow the instructions below for a step-by-step guide on running the Bluetooth Troubleshooter and applying the recommended fix on Windows 11: If this method doesn’t end up fixing the issue for you on Windows 11, move down to the next.
Reinstall the Bluetooth driver via Device Manager
If you started dealing with this issue immediately after upgrading to Windows 11 from an older Windows version, chances are you’re dealing with an impaired driver migration. This thing is much more common than Microsoft says it is, and it’s not restricted to OEMs. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to determine if your driver is indeed responsible for this issue. You’ll need to use Device Manager to uninstall the current Bluetooth driver. This might seem like a counter-intuitive thing to do, but uninstalling the current Bluetooth driver will force your Windows 11 installation to install the latest compatible driver the next time it boots up. Follow the instructions below for specific instructions on reinstalling the Bluetooth driver via Device Manager: If the Bluetooth issue is not fixed on Windows 11, move down to the next potential fix below.
Enable the Bluetooth Support Service
One significant dependency that might end up breaking the Bluetooth connectivity on your Windows 11 is a disabled Bluetooth Support service. Note: This service is not used for every Bluetooth connection, but you will likely not be able to facilitate a printer connection while this service is disabled. We’ve managed to identify several user reports confirming that the problem was finally fixed after they accessed the services screen and modified the default behavior of this startup service. Follow the instructions below for specific instructions on how to enable and re-configure the Bluetooth Support Service: If the same kind of problem is still occurring, move down to the next potential fix below.
Install every pending Windows 11 update
Suppose you’re experiencing this issue on an OEM laptop. In that case, there’s also the possibility that you might be affected by a bug that renders the Bluetooth component usable on some preview Windows 11 builds. Fortunately for you, if this scenario is applicable, Microsoft has already released a hotfix for this particular issue. You can take advantage of it by forcing the WU component to install every pending update – this will ensure that the Bluetooth hotfix is installed as part of the cumulative update. If your Windows 11 computer is not up to date, follow the instructions below to install every pending Windows 11 update to install the hotfix for Bluetooth drivers: After you manage to install every pending Windows Update, attempt to connect the Bluetooth device once again and see if the problem is now resolved. If the same kind of issue is still occurring, move down to the next potential fix below.
Enable Network Discovery settings and File and Printer Sharing (for Private Network)
Suppose you’re experiencing this issue while attempting to connect a Bluetooth printer (while other Bluetooth peripherals are connecting just fine). In that case, this issue is likely happening because either Network Discovery or File & Printer Sharing (or both) are disabled on your PC. Suppose you’re experiencing this issue on a Windows 11 computer. In that case, you can fix the problem by opening the classic Control Panel Interface and enabling these options from the Network and Internet menu. Follow the instructions below to learn how to do this: Once you’ve ensured that both Network Discovery and File and printer sharing are enabled, attempt to connect your Bluetooth printer once again and see if the issue is now resolved.
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