How to Fix Windows Bluetooth Issues

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn How To:

  • Diagnose and troubleshoot common Bluetooth issues between your PC and Bluetooth device.

Before We Begin:

  • Verify your PC meets the hardware requirements of your Bluetooth device.
  • Your PC should be powered up and ready to use.
  • Your Bluetooth device should be charged up, powered on, and ready to use.
Windows 10

2. Bluetooth Troubleshooting

  1. Bring your Bluetooth accessory and Windows device close to each other (within a couple of feet).
  2. Ensure the Bluetooth accessory is on and fully charged or connected to power. If your accessory uses batteries, check if they need to be replaced. Some Bluetooth accessories will not connect while the charger is connected.
  3. Restart your Bluetooth accessory.
  4. Click the Start button.
Windows 10 Start Menu
  1. Tap on Settings.
Windows 10 Settings
  1. Then click on Devices.
Devices Settings
  1. Select Bluetooth & other devices from the left-hand column and ensure the Bluetooth switch is in the On position to the right.
Bluetooth & other devices and the Bluetooth toggle highlighted

3. Forget Bluetooth Device

  1. Click the Start button.
Windows 10 Start Menu
  1. Tap on Settings.
Windows 10 Settings
  1. Then click on Devices.
Devices Settings
  1. Select Bluetooth & other devices from the left-hand column.
Bluetooth & other devices
  1. Click the device you want to forget and click on Remove Device.
Bluetooth Device with Remove Device highlighted
  1. Click Yes to confirm removal of your device.
Screenshot of Conformation dialog with Yes highlighted

4. Pair Bluetooth Device

Some Bluetooth devices are configured with a PIN or a passkey that is often listed in its information manual. Check your Bluetooth device documentation for the correct PIN or passkey.

  1. Set the Bluetooth accessory in pairing/discovery mode.
    This process will vary depending on what kind of device you have. Refer to your device's documentation for specifics on how to accomplish this.
  2. Click the Action Center icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Action Center icon highlighted in Windows system tray.
  1. Tap on the All Settings tile after that.
All Settings option highlighted in Action Center panel.
  1. Then go to Devices.
Devices option highlighted in Windows settings.
  1. Select Bluetooth from the left-hand column and ensure the Bluetooth switch is in the On position to the right. Your Windows 10 device will become discoverable and start searching for devices.
Bluetooth switch highlighted in Windows devices settings.
  1. Once you see the device you want to pair the system with, select it then tap on Pair.
Pair option highlighted for discovered Bluetooth device.
  1. If asked to compare the passcode showing up on both devices, do so.
screenshot of a message asking to compair PINs and choose if they match.
  1. After the pairing was successful the device will show the Paired status under its name.
Paired status pointed out for Bluetooth device.

5. What's next?