4 Ways to Fix Bluetooth Device Is Paired but Not Connected on Windows 11

Quick Tips

• Ensure the Bluetooth Support service is configured to run automatically on your Windows PC.
• Running the Bluetooth troubleshooter or pairing the problematic device again can also help fix this issue.
• Consider updating or reinstalling the Bluetooth driver on your PC if nothing else works.

Try Basic Fixes

• Toggle the airplane mode: Enabling and disabling the airplane mode is a quick way to refresh all wireless radios on your computer and resolve minor Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other connectivity issues. Press the Windows key + A to open the Quick Settings panel and enable the airplane mode. Wait for a few seconds and turn it off.
• Replug the Bluetooth adapter: If you are using an external Bluetooth adapter, try unplugging it and plugging it back in. If that doesn’t help, plug the adapter into a different USB port. This should help verify if there’s an issue with the USB port you’re using.

Fix 1: Configure Bluetooth Support Service

Bluetooth Support Service helps Windows discover and connect to nearby Bluetooth devices. Typically, the service runs automatically every time Windows boots. However, if that isn’t happening, Windows will fail to connect to your paired Bluetooth devices. Here’s what you need to do to fix it.

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

Step 2: In the Services window, locate and double-click Bluetooth Support Service to open its properties.

Step 3: Use the drop-down menu next to the Startup type to select Automatic. Then, hit Apply followed by OK.

Restart your PC to check if Windows can connect to your paired Bluetooth devices.

Fix 2: Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

If Windows fails to connect to your devices even after configuring the Bluetooth Support Service, it’s time to run the Bluetooth troubleshooter. It can diagnose your system for Bluetooth connectivity issues and apply appropriate fixes.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and head to System > Troubleshoot.

Step 3: Click Other troubleshooters.

Step 4: Click the Run button next to Bluetooth.

Allow the troubleshooter to find and fix any problems with your system and try to connect your Bluetooth device.

Fix 3: Remove Your Device and Pair It Again

If Windows 11 is only failing to connect to a specific Bluetooth device, that device may have paired incorrectly. You can try removing the device and pairing it again to fix the issue.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to launch the Settings app.

Step 2: Select Bluetooth & devices from the left sidebar. Then, click on Devices.

Step 3: Locate the problematic device on the list. Click the three-dot menu icon next to it and select Remove device.

Step 4: Return to Bluetooth & devices page. Click the Add device button and follow the on-screen prompts to pair your device again.

Fix 4: Update or Reinstall Bluetooth Driver

The Bluetooth driver on your computer helps Windows communicate with nearby devices. However, if the driver is outdated, it may not function properly. So, it is best to update your Bluetooth driver to the latest version.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + S to open the search menu. Type device manager in the box and select the first result that appears.

Step 2: In the Device Manager window, expand Bluetooth. Right-click on your Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver.

Follow the on-screen instructions to finish updating the driver.

If updating the Bluetooth driver doesn’t fix the problem, the driver is most likely damaged. In that case, you’ll have to uninstall the Bluetooth driver on your computer. For that, right-click on the Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device. Then, restart your PC, and Windows should install the missing driver during boot.