Bluetooth connectivity issues on Windows 11 after an update can be frustrating, especially when you rely on wireless devices like headphones, keyboards, or mice. If your Bluetooth suddenly stops working after a Windows update, you’re not alone—many users face this problem. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Below, we’ll walk you through the most effective solutions to get your Bluetooth working again.
Restart Bluetooth and Your PC
Before diving into complex fixes, start with the simplest solution: restarting Bluetooth and your computer. Sometimes, a quick reset can resolve temporary glitches caused by the update.
Turn Bluetooth Off and On
Open the Action Center by clicking the Wi-Fi, Sound, and Battery icons in the taskbar. Locate the Bluetooth icon and toggle it off, wait a few seconds, then toggle it back on. Check if your devices reconnect.
Restart Your Computer
If toggling Bluetooth doesn’t help, restart your PC. This refreshes system processes and drivers, which may have been affected by the update. After rebooting, try pairing your Bluetooth devices again.
Update or Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of Bluetooth issues after a Windows update. Ensuring your drivers are up to date or reinstalling them can often fix the problem.
Update Bluetooth Drivers
Press Windows + X and select Device Manager. Expand the Bluetooth section, right-click your Bluetooth adapter, and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers
If updating doesn’t work, try reinstalling the drivers. In Device Manager, right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device. Restart your PC, and Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers.
Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter
Windows 11 includes built-in troubleshooters designed to diagnose and fix common issues, including Bluetooth problems.
Steps to Run the Troubleshooter
Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Find Bluetooth and click Run. Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows detect and resolve any issues.
Check Bluetooth Support Services
Windows relies on background services to manage Bluetooth functionality. If these services are disabled or not running correctly, Bluetooth may stop working.
Restart Bluetooth Support Service
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Locate Bluetooth Support Service, right-click it, and select Restart. If the service is stopped, click Start and set its startup type to Automatic.
Roll Back the Windows Update
If Bluetooth stopped working immediately after a Windows update, the update itself may be the culprit. Rolling back the update can restore functionality.
How to Uninstall the Latest Update
Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates. Find the latest update, click Uninstall, and restart your PC. Note that this is a temporary solution, and you may need to wait for a fixed update from Microsoft.
Conclusion
Bluetooth issues after a Windows 11 update can disrupt your workflow, but they’re usually fixable with the right steps. Start by restarting Bluetooth and your PC, then move on to updating or reinstalling drivers. Use the built-in troubleshooter, check Bluetooth services, and consider rolling back the update if necessary. If none of these solutions work, you may need to contact Microsoft Support or your device manufacturer for further assistance. With patience and these proven methods, you’ll likely have your Bluetooth up and running again in no time.