Fix: Windows 11 Bluetooth Device Is Paired but Not Connected
Updating your Bluetooth drivers might help you resolve this error
- If you are encountering the Windows 11 Bluetooth paired but not connected issue, then the device might not be configured properly or the device’s driver could be problematic.
- You can try to bypass the issue by running the Bluetooth troubleshooter.
There are some instances when you would like to connect a Bluetooth device, perhaps a mouse, headphones, or speaker to your Windows 11 device but can’t. This is because while it might appear to be connected, the device is actually not connected.
Essentially, the main purpose of having Bluetooth is the ability to connect a secondary device to your PC wirelessly.
Why is my Bluetooth not working on Windows 11?
If you are facing the Windows 11 Bluetooth paired but not connected issue, there are a couple of plausible reasons that can be attributed to this, among them:
- Corrupt drivers – Missing or corrupted Bluetooth drivers could be the reason you are getting the Windows 11 Bluetooth paired but not connected error. This can be resolved by installing them.
- Faulty device – In some instances, the device that you are trying to link to your PC might be the problem, thus causing the issue.
- Problematic Windows update – Windows 11 updates are essential but they may be problematic at times. You can uninstall the update to patch this issue before a permanent fix is rolled out.
- Interference from nearby devices – It is possible that another device is already connected to your Windows 11 Bluetooth.
How can I fix a paired Bluetooth device that’s not connecting with my Windows 11 PC?
Before rushing to more technical solutions, you should start off with some of these quick fixes:
- Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your device. Sometimes your Bluetooth won’t turn on.
- Ensure you have turned the Airplane mode off.
- Make sure your device is fully charged.
- Disconnect any other peripherals that may be using the Bluetooth connection to prevent interference.
- Try connecting your secondary device with another Bluetooth device (if available) to ensure it is not faulty.
- Restart your Windows 11 device.
1. Update Bluetooth drivers
- Press the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
- Expand the Bluetooth section, right-click on the one you need, and select Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers.
- If the system doesn’t find a new driver you can click on Search for updated drivers in Windows Update.
- Now, click the Check for updates button. If there are any updates, the system will download and install them.
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2. Uninstall and reinstall the Bluetooth driver
- Hit the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
- Expand the Bluetooth section, right-click on the one you need, and select Uninstall device.
- Click the Start button, then select the Power icon and choose Restart.
- After the reboot, your PC will automatically install a new related driver and clear the Bluetooth cache in Windows 11.
3. Restart the Bluetooth Support Service
- Press the Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run window.
- Type services.msc in the Run dialog box.
- Find the Bluetooth Support Service section, then right-click on it and select Restart.
- Right-click again and select Properties.
- Click on the Startup Type section, select Automatic from the drop-down menu and then click on Apply and hit OK.
This solution will help you counter any issues affecting the normal functioning of the Bluetooth Support Service. In most cases, if it is disabled then installed Bluetooth devices might in turn malfunction.
3. Run the Windows Bluetooth troubleshooter
- Click the Windows button, then select Settings.
- From the left window pane, select System, then look at the right side and click on Troubleshoot.
- Select Other troubleshooters.
- Scroll down to Bluetooth, then click on the Run button.
If you are still experiencing this issue even after applying the above fixes, then it might be a proximity issue. Your PC may not be detecting Bluetooth devices. It is important to bear in mind that you need to be as close as possible to your Windows 11 device for your Bluetooth device to pair successfully.
Elsewhere, users have also complained about having difficulties removing Bluetooth devices but worry not as our expert guide addresses this issue.
Be sure to also check out our expert guide which will help you resolve an issue where Bluetooth is not working in Windows 10.
Let us know whether you have been able to solve this issue in the comments section below.
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