5 Ways to Fix Unable to Remove Bluetooth Device on Windows 11

Quick Tips

• Running the Bluetooth troubleshooter and restarting the related services on your PC can help fix this issue.
• If you experience this problem with a specific Bluetooth device, try removing it from the Device Manager.
• If nothing works, boot your PC into safe mode and then try to remove the Bluetooth device.

Fix 1: Try Removing Device in Airplane Mode

To start, enable Airplane mode and remove the Bluetooth device again. This will disable all wireless services on your PC, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and prevent them from interfering with the removal process.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + A to open Action Center and click the Airplane mode button to enable it.

Step 2: Right-click on the Bluetooth icon and select Go to Settings.

Step 3: Go to Devices.

Step 4: Click the three-dot menu icon next to your Bluetooth device and select Remove device.

Fix 2: Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes various troubleshooters for fixing system-level issues. You can try running the Bluetooth troubleshooter to see if that improves the situation.

Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar, type troubleshoot settings, and select the first result.

Step 2: Go to Other troubleshooters.

Step 3: Click the Run button next to Bluetooth and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

Fix 3: Check Windows Services

Bluetooth Support Service is an essential program that facilitates the discovery and association of remote Bluetooth devices. Ideally, this service should start every time Windows boots. However, restarting it will help if the service is not working correctly.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type services.msc, and press Enter.

Step 2: In the Services window, scroll to the bottom to find and right-click on Bluetooth Support Service. Select Restart from the list.

You’ll also need to restart the Device Association Service, which handles the pairing between the Windows and your Bluetooth devices.

Fix 4: Use Device Manager

You can also remove a Bluetooth device from your PC via the Device Manager if have trouble removing it via the Settings app.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the list.

Step 2: Click on the View menu at the top and select Show hidden devices.

Step 3: Double-click on Bluetooth to expand it. Right-click on the device you wish to remove and select Uninstall device.

Step 4: Hit Uninstall when prompted.

Fix 5: Remove Device in Safe Mode

If you still can’t remove a Bluetooth device, try booting your PC in Safe Mode. This will disable all non-essential drivers, services, and third-party programs, so the removal process won’t be interrupted.

To boot Windows in Safe Mode:

Step 1: Open the Start menu and click the power icon. Then, hold down the Shift key and select Restart.

Step 2: After your computer restarts, you’ll see three options. Click on Troubleshoot to continue.

Step 3: Go to Advanced options > Startup Settings.

Step 4: Click the Restart button to visit the Startup Settings menu.

Step 5: Press 4 or F4 on your keyboard to restart your PC in Safe Mode.

After booting your PC in Safe Mode, try removing the Bluetooth device. Once removed, restart your PC to exit the Safe Mode.