If Bluetooth is not working properly on your Windows 11 computer—such as devices not connecting, Bluetooth missing from settings, or sound lag issues the quickest and most effective solution is to reinstall the Bluetooth driver.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to reinstall Bluetooth driver Windows 11 using two easy methods:
- Device Manager (recommended first step)
- Manual driver installation from the manufacturer’s website
Why Bluetooth Stops Working in Windows 11
Bluetooth issues usually happen due to:
- Corrupted or outdated Bluetooth drivers
- Windows 11 updates causing driver conflicts
- Accidental driver deletion
- System crashes or improper shutdowns
Reinstalling the Bluetooth driver refreshes the connection between hardware and Windows, fixing most issues instantly.
Method 1: Reinstall Bluetooth Driver Using Device Manager (Recommended)
This is the fastest and safest method for most users.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
Screenshot of Start button right-click menu showing Device Manager
How to do it:
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
You can also press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
Open Device Manager in Windows 11
Step 2: Expand the Bluetooth Section
Device Manager window with Bluetooth category expanded
How to do it:
In Device Manager, find Bluetooth and click the arrow next to it.
You will see your Bluetooth adapter such as:
- Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth
- Realtek Bluetooth Adapter
- Qualcomm Bluetooth
Bluetooth adapter list in Device Manager Windows 11
Step 3: Uninstall the Bluetooth Driver
Right-click menu on Bluetooth adapter showing Uninstall device
How to do it:
Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and choose Uninstall device.
If available, check Delete the driver software for this device, then click Uninstall.
Uninstall Bluetooth driver Windows 11
Step 4: Restart Your Computer
Windows restarting screen
How to do it:
Restart your PC. Windows 11 will automatically detect the Bluetooth hardware and reinstall the correct driver.
Restart PC to reinstall Bluetooth driver Windows 11
Method 2: Manually Download and Install Bluetooth Driver (If Method 1 Fails)
If Bluetooth is still missing or not working, use this method.
Step 5: Visit Your PC Manufacturer’s Website
Dell / HP / Lenovo support page screenshot
How to do it:
Go to your computer manufacturer’s official website, such as:
- Dell
- HP
- Lenovo
- ASUS
- Acer
Enter your model number and select Windows 11 as the operating system.
Download Bluetooth driver from manufacturer website
Step 6: Download the Latest Bluetooth Driver
Bluetooth driver download page showing .exe file
How to do it:
Look under Network, Wireless, or Bluetooth drivers.
Download the latest Bluetooth driver (usually a .exe file).
Download Bluetooth driver for Windows 11 64-bit
Step 7: Install the Bluetooth Driver
Driver installation setup window
How to do it:
Double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions:
- Next
- Accept
- Install
- Finish
Restart your PC once installation is complete.
Install Bluetooth driver Windows 11 manually
After Installation: Check Bluetooth Settings
Settings → Bluetooth & devices screen
How to check:
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices
Make sure Bluetooth is turned ON and your devices are visible.
Bluetooth settings working in Windows 11
Common Bluetooth Problems This Fix Solves
- Bluetooth not showing in Device Manager
- Bluetooth missing from Settings
- Bluetooth devices not connecting
- Audio lag or sound distortion
- Bluetooth driver corrupted
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I restore missing Bluetooth on Windows 11?
Reinstall the Bluetooth driver using Device Manager and restart your PC.
Can Windows 11 automatically reinstall Bluetooth drivers?
Yes, after uninstalling the driver and restarting, Windows 11 usually reinstalls it automatically.
Which Bluetooth driver is best for Windows 11?
Use the driver provided by your PC manufacturer or official Intel/Realtek drivers.
Final Thoughts
Reinstalling the Bluetooth driver in Windows 11 is a quick and reliable fix for most Bluetooth problems. Always try Device Manager first, and if that doesn’t work, install the latest driver manually from the manufacturer’s website.
By following this guide step by step, your Bluetooth should be working smoothly again.
