Bluetooth problems tend to look the same: the device doesn't appear in the list, it pairs but won't connect, or it keeps dropping. Splitting the problem into "the device" and "the PC" makes it much faster to fix. Go through these steps in order.
1. Make sure Bluetooth is actually on
- Click the network or volume icon at the right end of the taskbar to open Quick Settings.
- Check that the Bluetooth tile is on.
- If Airplane mode is on, turn it off. It disables Bluetooth too.
You can also toggle it in Settings > Bluetooth & devices. If there's no Bluetooth option anywhere, skip to step 6.
2. Check the device you're connecting
- Charge it. Low battery is a common reason for failed pairing.
- Put it into pairing mode. On earbuds that's often holding the case button; on mice, a button on the bottom. Check the manual, as every model differs.
- If it's connected to your phone or another computer, turn Bluetooth off on that device. Many earbuds only connect to one device at a time.
- Keep it within about a meter of the PC. USB 3.0 ports and Wi-Fi routers right next to the PC can cause interference.
3. Remove the device and pair it again
This is the most effective fix when something that used to work suddenly stops.
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
- Click ... next to the problem device and choose Remove device.
- Restart the PC.
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth, put the device in pairing mode, and select it from the list.
4. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter
Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run Bluetooth. On Windows 11 it opens the Get Help app.
5. Restart the Bluetooth service
- Press Win + R, type
services.mscand press Enter. - Right-click Bluetooth Support Service and choose Restart.
- If its startup type is Disabled, change it to Manual.
6. Check the driver
- Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
- Expand Bluetooth and look for a yellow warning icon.
- Right-click the Bluetooth adapter and choose Update driver. If that doesn't help, choose Uninstall device and restart.
- On laptops, download the Bluetooth driver from the maker's support page. It's often bundled with the Wi-Fi driver.
If the trouble started after an update, try Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver as well.
7. Connected, but sound or input is wrong
- Earbuds connected but silent? Check that they're selected as the output in Settings > System > Sound. Our no sound guide covers the rest.
- Mouse or keyboard lagging or missing input? Use our mouse test or keyboard test to see whether clicks and keys register reliably.
FAQ
The Bluetooth option disappeared completely.
In Device Manager, choose View > Show hidden devices and check the Bluetooth section. If it's still missing, fully shut down the PC (on a laptop, unplug the charger too) and start it again. Some desktops simply don't have Bluetooth and need a USB adapter.
My headphones suddenly sound terrible.
When the microphone is in use, many headsets switch to a low-quality call mode. In sound settings, pick the "Headphones" or "Stereo" entry rather than "Headset" as your output.
The connection keeps dropping.
In Device Manager, open the Bluetooth adapter's Properties > Power Management tab and untick "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."
Does Bluetooth range matter that much?
Yes. Walls, metal desks and even your body can weaken the signal. If drops only happen at a distance, range is the issue.