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How to Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers on Windows 11

By SpecCairn · Published October 28, 2026 · Documentation-based explanation, not a hands-on review

Wireless over-ear headphones, an open laptop and a smartphone with a dark screen on a wooden desk.
Illustrative photo, not a product test. Photo by Aiden Frazier on Unsplash. License & image notes.

Short answer: Open Device Manager, expand Bluetooth, right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device. Then restart the PC; Windows tries to reinstall the driver on its own.1 If that doesn’t help, update the driver or get it from your PC maker’s support site.23

How this guide was made: SpecCairn did not reinstall drivers on a particular PC for this guide. The steps follow Microsoft Support for Windows 11; if your PC maker gives different steps, follow theirs.

Check the basics first

  • Make sure Bluetooth is on in quick settings or in Settings > Bluetooth & devices, and that airplane mode is off. Some laptops also have a physical Bluetooth switch.4
  • Make sure the Bluetooth device is turned on, charged and in range.4
  • Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app, or at Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.4
  • Some PCs don’t have Bluetooth at all. If you’re not sure, check the product specifications.5

Step-by-step: reinstall the Bluetooth driver

  1. Save any open work.6
  2. Select Start, type Device Manager and open it.2
  3. Expand Bluetooth. The adapter’s name may include the word “radio”. If you don’t see it there, look under Other devices.15
  4. Right-click the Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device, then confirm.1
  5. Restart the PC. Windows tries to reinstall the driver automatically.1
  6. If it doesn’t, open Device Manager again and select Action > Scan for hardware changes.1

Other driver fixes

SituationWhat to do
You want a newer driverIn Device Manager, right-click the adapter, select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers, then restart.2
Updates are waitingGo to Settings > Windows Update, select Check for updates, install what’s offered and restart.7
It broke after a recent updateOpen the adapter’s Properties, go to the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver if it’s available.8
Windows has no newer driverSearch your model number on your PC maker’s support website, install the latest Bluetooth driver for Windows 11 and restart.3

Get drivers only from Windows Update or your PC maker’s official support site, not from third-party driver download sites.6

How to check it worked

Turn Bluetooth on and try your device again. If one device still won’t connect, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices, remove it and pair it again.94

FAQ

Do I have to restart after uninstalling the driver?

Yes. Microsoft’s steps end with a restart, and Windows then tries to reinstall the driver. Save open work first.16

What if the adapter isn’t in Device Manager at all?

Check Other devices, then your PC maker’s support site. Microsoft notes you may need to contact the PC or hardware maker for the latest drivers.53

About this guide

Not affiliated with Microsoft or any PC maker. See the methodology.

Scope: Windows 11 PCs with a built-in or USB Bluetooth adapter. Steps follow Microsoft Support; your PC maker's instructions can differ. Research-based; not device-tested.

Sources and reference notes

  1. Microsoft Support: Update Bluetooth drivers in Windows. Reinstall the Bluetooth driver; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 tab. Microsoft Support: Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows. Windows 11, Step 8: Uninstall the Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 section. Back to text
  2. Microsoft Support: Update Bluetooth drivers in Windows. Update the Bluetooth driver using Device Manager; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 tab. Back to text
  3. Microsoft Support: Update Bluetooth drivers in Windows. Download the latest driver from the PC manufacturer; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 tab. Microsoft Support: Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows. Windows 11, Steps 7 and 8 notes; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 section. Back to text
  4. Microsoft Support: Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows. Run the Windows Bluetooth troubleshooter; Windows 11 Steps 2, 3, 5 and 6; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 section. Back to text
  5. Microsoft Support: Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows. Windows 11 Steps 1, 7 and 8; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 section. Back to text
  6. SpecCairn editorial guidance based on the cited sources; not a statement by a manufacturer or publisher. Back to text
  7. Microsoft Support: Update Bluetooth drivers in Windows. Install Bluetooth drivers using Windows Update; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 tab. Back to text
  8. Microsoft Support: Update Bluetooth drivers in Windows. Roll back the Bluetooth driver; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 tab. Back to text
  9. Microsoft Support: Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows. Windows 11, Step 5: Remove the Bluetooth device, then add it again; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 section. Back to text

Found an error? See the corrections process.