Bluetooth problems in Windows? Here’s how to fix connection issues
Bluetooth is a technology for short-range data transmission that has become so ubiquitous in recent years that we can no longer imagine life without it. This makes it all the more annoying when Windows suddenly causes problems with Bluetooth connections.
Microsoft has published several free Bluetooth instructions for Windows 10 and Windows 11, which anyone interested can read and use for troubleshooting. The list:
Fixing the problem that Bluetooth has disappeared in Windows
The Bluetooth icon or the Bluetooth switch may be missing or dimmed in the settings or quick settings if Windows cannot recognize or activate the Bluetooth feature. In this case, Bluetooth options may not be displayed, or you may not be able to enable or disable Bluetooth. This problem can occur for various reasons, e.g. incorrect Bluetooth settings, outdated or incompatible drivers, terminated system services, hardware errors, or problems caused by recent Windows updates.
Troubleshoot Bluetooth not connecting in Windows
If Bluetooth is displayed in Device Manager but you cannot pair or connect to a Bluetooth device, there may be a problem with the configuration, driver or device level in Windows that’s preventing successful communication. These problems can occur if Bluetooth is switched on but the device is not in pairing mode, is out of range, has a low battery or there are problems with drivers, services or updates.
No sound with Windows, even though connected via Bluetooth
If your Bluetooth device connects to Windows but you can’t hear any sound, have poor audio quality, or frequent disconnections. This problem often occurs due to incorrect settings, outdated drivers, or compatibility restrictions.
Bluetooth keeps disconnecting in Windows
If your Bluetooth connection is frequently interrupted or requires re-pairing, audio playback, file transfers, or the use of peripheral devices may be interrupted. This problem is often caused by energy-saving settings, outdated drivers, or temporary system faults.
Troubleshoot transferring files using Bluetooth
You may not be able to send or receive files via Bluetooth in Windows if the Bluetooth connection is active but the file transfer process cannot be started or completed.
Update Bluetooth drivers in Windows
Updating the Bluetooth driver can help resolve connection, pairing, or detection issues.