How to Turn On Bluetooth in Windows 11

Bluetooth options are in the Settings app or in Quick Settings on the taskbar

What to Know:

  • Turn on Bluetooth from the Bluetooth options in the Settings app or the Quick Settings on the taskbar.
  • Or: Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Switch the toggle button to On to enable Bluetooth.
  • To turn it off: Select the Network icon on the taskbar > click the Bluetooth button to turn it on or off.

This article explains the simple steps of turning on Bluetooth in Windows 11 and establishing a wireless connection with other Bluetooth devices. 

Use Quick Settings to Turn On Bluetooth in Windows 11

The Bluetooth setting is in the Settings app in Windows 11. You can find all Bluetooth options and connected devices by going to the Settings app and choosing Bluetooth & devices from the left sidebar. 

To access your Bluetooth settings immediately, use the Quick Settings menu from the taskbar. 

  1. Select the icons located on the left of the time and date once. 

  2. On the Quick Settings menu, select the Bluetooth button. 

    Bluetooth icon in the Taskbar on Windows 11
  3. Enabling and disabling the Bluetooth button changes its color to indicate whether it's turned on or off. 

    Bluetooth icon turned off in Windows 11
  4. To make a connection or pair a new device, right-click the Bluetooth button and select Go to Settings.

    Go to Settings in Bluetooth Quick Settings on Windows 11
  5. The Bluetooth & devices section on the Settings app is the home for all Bluetooth-related settings in Windows 11. 

    Bluetooth & devices in Windows 11 Settings

Use Settings Turn On Bluetooth in Windows 11?

Bluetooth can be enabled (or disabled) from the Settings app or the Quick Settings menu on the taskbar. Once you have paired a Bluetooth device, it's easy to use the Quick Settings toggle button to connect or disconnect the Bluetooth device. 

Here are three fast ways to turn on Bluetooth in Windows 11 (or turn it off when not needed).  

  1. Go to the taskbar and select the Network icon or any icon next to the clock. Select the Bluetooth button to turn it On or Off.

  2. Go to the taskbar and right-click the Network icon. Select Network and Internet Settings > Bluetooth & devices. Use the toggle button to turn Bluetooth On or Off.

    Your Network icon may look different depending on if you're using a wired connection or Wi-Fi.

    Network icon in Windows 11 taskbar
  3. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices. Select the toggle button to turn Bluetooth On or Off.

    On Switch in Bluetooth & Devices Settings on Windows 11

How to Turn Off Bluetooth

As explained above, use the Bluetooth toggle button to turn off Bluetooth in Windows 11. You can also turn off Bluetooth permanently from the Device Manager. 

  1. Start and search for Device Manager. Select from the result.

     Device Manager in Windows 11 Start menu
  2. Go to Bluetooth and expand the list of Bluetooth adapters connected to Windows.

  3. Select and right-click the specific adapter. Choose Disable device to turn off Bluetooth for that adapter permanently. Select OK to confirm.

    Disable device in Windows 11 device manager

Why Is My Bluetooth Not Working in Windows 11?

The Bluetooth toggle button is a default in Quick Settings. Bluetooth could be working, but you don't see the Bluetooth button or icon here. To make it appear, select the Pencil icon. Then, choose Add > Bluetooth from the list.

There can be other software and hardware reasons which stop Bluetooth from functioning correctly. Here's a troubleshooting summary to fix problems with Bluetooth connectivity in Windows 11. First, ensure the Bluetooth button is on, and the paired device is also on.

  • Reboot the PC and check if it fixes the problem.
  • Power the Bluetooth device off and on and re-pair it with Windows.
  • Review all Bluetooth connections as multiple connections cause issues.
  • Check Bluetooth connectivity for the device on another computer or mobile.
  • Connect the adapter to another port for devices with Bluetooth adapters and check if it works.
  • Update Windows 11 to ensure the Bluetooth driver is on the latest version. Also, update the other paired device.
  • Restart the Bluetooth service from Services > Bluetooth Support Service > General > Select Stop and then Start. Change the startup type to Automatic. Save with OK.
  • Use the in-built Bluetooth troubleshooter. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Bluetooth. Select Run the troubleshooter to resolve Bluetooth problems automatically.
FAQ
  • How do I use AirPods on Windows 11?

    To connect AirPods to Windows 11, put your AirPods in pairing mode, then go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth and select your AirPods. Your AirPods can be paired with multiple devices, but they only work with one device at a time.

  • How do I fix it when Windows 11 isn't detecting my headphones?

    If Windows 11 can't detect your Bluetooth headphones, turn off your other connected audio devices. If you've previously connected the headphones, remove them from your Bluetooth list and then re-add them. If you're still having trouble, update the device drivers.

  • How do I update my Bluetooth drivers on Windows 11?

    To update Windows drivers, go to Device Manager, right-click the Bluetooth adapter, and select Update Drive. Then, choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

  • Can my PC's speakers and Bluetooth speakers play at the same time?

    Yes. Connect your Bluetooth speakers, then go to Settings > Sound > Output > Multi-Output Device.

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