This guide will help you activate Bluetooth in Windows 11, use your Bluetooth devices on your PC and resolve the most common Bluetooth problems.
Bluetooth is becoming more essential in recent years due to the convenience of connectivity it provides. The majority of smartphones and of the latest generation of computers have Bluetooth, as do a variety of other gadgets like headphones and speakers, to mention just a few.
Bluetooth does more than just improve accessibility and makes devices mobile, it also eliminates the necessity for filthy wires that run all over. There are two methods to enable Bluetooth in Windows 11, either through the Settings menu or through the Action Center’.
Table of Contents
Turn on Bluetooth by accessing Windows Settings
To enable Bluetooth through settings Search for the word “Settings” in the “Start Menu’ and then click on the appropriate search result to open the application.
There are now multiple tabs on the left. Select the category ‘Bluetooth and Devices’ from the menu.
Then, click the toggle next to “Bluetooth to turn it on.
The option to turn on Bluetooth through settings can be beneficial in the event that you wish to connect a new device, as this option is in this.
Switch on Bluetooth via Action Center
To enable Bluetooth through ‘Action Center’, click on “Action Center” in the bottom-right corner on the Desktop.
Click on the “Bluetooth” icon on the top row of quick actions available in the Action Center to enable it. After enabling it, it will change to a darker shade that is based on the color scheme of your computer.
While Bluetooth is a feature that’s Bluetooth action is accessible in the “Action Center as a default feature If you’ve removed the Bluetooth action earlier or it’s not there Here’s how to include it.
To enable Bluetooth to the Bluetooth feature to Action Center’, launch the Action Center and then click the “Edit quick settings” icon, which resembles pencils in the lower left corner in the dialogue.
The tiles will all fade, and two new options, ‘Done’ as well as Add, will be displayed. Click on ‘Add’.
Then, choose ‘Bluetooth’ from the available switch options.
Then, click “Done” at the bottom of the page to save the modifications.
The Bluetooth option is now added to the “Action Center You can activate it just as you did previously.
Pairing a Bluetooth Device in Windows 11
Once you’ve activated Bluetooth in Windows 11, the next step is to pair your devices for seamless connectivity. Devices that have Bluetooth connectivity are easily connected to your computer.
Before pairing make sure that Bluetooth is on to both your computer and device, and that the device you want to pair with is set to “Pairing Mode’.
After that, open Windows Settings, navigate to the ‘Bluetooth and devices’ settings in the left panel then click the option to add device on the top.
A ‘Add a device’ screen will pop up with three choices. Choose the one that is based on the device you wish to connect to.
NOTE: Make sure the device you want to connect to is operating in Bluetooth pairing mode prior to you begin, or else your computer may not be able to detect for and join the Bluetooth device.
Once you have selected the category of device Your PC will start searching to find nearby Bluetooth devices. Choose the device you wish to connect to.
If the pairing goes well after which you will get confirmation in the screen. Additionally, the device will be connected.
There are two types of Bluetooth devices. Some instantly connect, and others that require authentication. The device we connected to is an Bluetooth speaker that immediately connected by one click.
Let’s now connect to a mobile phone. Enable Bluetooth on the phone and then select it from the device list.
A pin will appear in both the phone as well as the phone. Check to see if it’s the same pin on both devices, then select Connect on the computer , and “Pair” (or alternative options similar to that) in the handset to finish this pairing procedure.
The pairing process is a single-time procedure and it’ll be automatically connected any time it’s within range, and with Bluetooth switched on.
Once you are aware of how to connect and pair with Bluetooth devices, connect your computer with Bluetooth devices that you use frequently.
Troubleshooting Bluetooth Issues
There are times when you may encounter issues finding your Bluetooth option, or pairing with other devices, or other similar issues. There are many problems that can arise. In the next sections we’ve identified the most common problems and the most effective solutions for each.
Can’t Turn On Bluetooth?
This is a frequent issue that most users face when they’re unable to switch on Bluetooth. It could be due to many reasons, and the troubleshooting tips listed below can help you solve the issue.
1. Check if Your PC Supports Bluetooth
To determine whether your device is compatible with Bluetooth Search for the word ‘Device Manager within the ‘Start Menu’ and then open the application.
Then, you can try to locate the entry ‘Bluetooth’ in the list.
If the entry ‘Bluetooth’ is not present, double-click the option ‘Network Adapters’ and verify that ‘Bluetooth’ is present.
If you can’t locate ‘Bluetooth available in the Device Manger’, then your PC does not have Bluetooth Support and you can’t make use of the feature unless you choose an Bluetooth adapter or a PCI card. If your computer is compatible with Bluetooth and Bluetooth, follow the solutions to fix the problem that is preventing you from connecting to Bluetooth.
2. Check for a Physical Key to Enable Bluetooth
A lot of computers come with keys that are designed to turn on and off Bluetooth. If you’re unable to enable Bluetooth make sure that the key is in an option that allows Bluetooth. Go through the user manual that came with your system to find other external keys that enable or disable Bluetooth.
3. Check if Flight Mode is Enabled
If you are unable to turn on Bluetooth the first step is to determine whether the ‘Flight Mode is on. If ‘Flight Mode’ is enabled it isn’t possible to switch on Bluetooth.
To determine if ‘Flight Mode is on Click on the ‘Action Center’ button on the Taskbar. The new “Action Center option displays the Wi-Fi, Speakerand Bluetooth icons on the screen.
In the “Action Center” Check if the Airplane mode is turned on. The feature that’s enabled will be displayed with blue tiles, while ones that are not enabled will be white. If “Airplane Mode” is activated, click on the tile to turn it off.
4. Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter
If the problem is with Bluetooth isn’t resolved yet You can try using Windows’ integrated Windows 11 Bluetooth troubleshooter.
To start the troubleshooter, start the System ‘Settings’ and then the ‘System’ tab will be opened as default. Then, scroll to the right side and choose Troubleshoot.
Then, select the option ‘Other troubleshooters.
Then, scroll down to find the troubleshooter for Bluetooth Click on the option ‘Run’ right next to it.
The troubleshooter will begin immediately and will identify and address all known issues that prevent you from activating Bluetooth. It is possible that you will need to confirm some changes in the troubleshooting procedure.
5. Check if Bluetooth Support Service is Running
Sometimes it’s the Bluetooth Support Service’ that is that problem. The service is default configured to run as a manual rather than Automatic, which means it isn’t running automatically. The solution is through changing the Startup Type setting to Automatic and then launching the service.
To launch the “Bluetooth Support Service’, search for the term “Services” in the Start Menu, and then click on the appropriate search result to start the application.
Then, look for the “Bluetooth Support Service’, and then double-click on it to open its properties.
In the property window you can click on the ‘Startup Type’ menu, and choose ‘Automatic’ from the drop-down menu.
You’ve now changed the type of startup, but the service hasn’t started yet. To start the service, select the option ‘Start’ under the ‘Service status’ tab and wait for it to begin. After it’s been started then click “OK” at the bottom of the page to save the modifications then close the property window.
Check if you can turn on Bluetooth.
6. Update Bluetooth Drivers
If none of these strategies have been successful It’s likely that the Bluetooth driver that’s at fault. It’s therefore time to upgrade it.
To upgrade to the latest version of Bluetooth driver, type the term “Device Manager within the ‘Start Menu’ and then start it from the results of your search.
Then, double-click on the entry titled “Bluetooth” to expand it and see the devices that are under it.
Then, right-click on the Bluetooth device and choose “Update driver” in the contextual menu.
The “Update Drivers window will open. The user will have two choices: either let Windows search for the most suitable driver and install it , or to manually install the driver. It is recommended to choose the first option, and allow Windows run the installation of your driver.
Once you have selected one of the options, you must follow screen instructions to finish the installation when there is an update available.
Not able to connect with your Bluetooth Device?
This is among the many issues that users typically face when connecting to another device using Bluetooth. The root cause of this situation is simple and can be resolved quickly.
1. Check if Bluetooth is Enabled on the Device
If you’re unable to connect to another device, make sure that its Bluetooth is on. This is the most frequent error that users make is not turning on the Bluetooth in the gadget before connecting. If that’s the case, connect to the device, and it should work.
2. Check if the Device is in Range
Each Bluetooth device comes with an operating distance, i.e., a specific distance that it is able to send and receive signals and, in simpler terms it can remain connected. To determine the range of your device or system, consult the instruction manual that came with it. To resolve the problem, simply place the device near and connect it to the device.
Also, look for obstacles between your computer and the device you’re connecting to. For example, if there is a wall that separates both devices, it could interfere with the connection. Move the device close to your computer, and then connect the two.
3. Toggle Bluetooth On / Off
Re-enabling the Bluetooth is an effective solution for many users. If these fixes don’t work, then you should try it.
To enable Bluetooth start by opening Settings, select the Bluetooth & devices’ option on the left.
Then, press the switch next to “Bluetooth to disable it.
When you’ve turned off Bluetooth after which you should wait for several minutes, then press the toggle to enable it again.
Check if you can connect to the other devices.
4. Reboot the Computer
The majority of minor issues can be resolved with simply rebooting. If you reboot your system, the operating system is rebuilt, which can resolve many glitches or issues you may encounter. This is also true for issues related to Bluetooth connectivity.
After rebooting the computer, verify that the issue is resolved and you can join the computer.
5. Re-pair the Device
If none of the previous solutions have been successful, the final troubleshooting procedure is to reconnect the device. If there was a problem during pairing, it could cause problems when trying connecting to your device. It is recommended you reconnect the device.
To pair a device again go to the Bluetooth and devices’ settings, and there will be a list of the connected Bluetooth devices listed in the upper right. Click on the ellipsis in the upper-right corner of the device tile you are not able to connect to, and then choose the option to remove device.
NOTE: If the device that you’re unable to connect to does not appear at the top of “Bluetooth and devices” settings, click ‘View More devices’, then click the ellipsis beside the device, and follow the steps outlined in this article.
Then, click “Yes” within the confirmation window that appears.
Once you have removed the pairing and paired, follow the steps described earlier to connect with a Bluetooth device. The device will be able to pair to the computer.
It’s the time to say goodbye to wired devices and move to devices that have Bluetooth connectivity. They’re not only a more practical alternative, but they also increase the capabilities that the gadget can offer, thus making them an ideal option for the majority of.