Bluetooth can do more than just connect your hands-free headset to your phone.
It has been a bliss for wireless nerds like us. You can hook up your Bluetooth peripherals to a PC, laptop, or even tablet. You can control a smart home system or transfer files between devices, or maybe pair a Bluetooth controller with your device to enjoy your favorite game.
But, with the release of Windows 11, is connecting Bluetooth to your PC the same, or is there an update you should be aware of?
Below, we’ve outlined a couple of methods for connecting devices via Bluetooth in Windows 11.
Does Windows 11 Support Bluetooth?
Yes, Windows 11 does indeed support Bluetooth. To make use of Bluetooth functionality, make sure that your device has a Bluetooth module and that it is enabled.
How to Connect Bluetooth in Windows 11
Using the Quick Settings Menu
The quick and easy method to access your Bluetooth device control is by going to the Quick Settings menu.
You can access the Quick Settings menu by clicking on the area of a taskbar that is just left of the date and time.
Clicking on Quick Settings opens a panel that has access to Bluetooth controls. The rectangular panel to control Bluetooth has a white color while the Bluetooth is turned off.
Click on the panel once and it will turn blue, indicating that Bluetooth has been turned on.
Using Windows Settings
You can also use Windows Settings to turn on Bluetooth on your device.
Please follow these steps:
- Launch Settings (Shortcut: Win + I)
- Click on Bluetooth & Devices
- Toggle Bluetooth to On
Why Is Bluetooth Not Showing in Device Manager?
If your Bluetooth device is not showing in Device Manager, please try the Windows Troubleshooter. Please follow these steps to run the troubleshooter:
- Press Win + R and type in msdt.exe – id DeviceDiagnostic
- On the Troubleshooter window, click Next
Wait for the process to be over. If the troubleshooter detected any problems, click on Apply this fix
Hopefully, you’d now be able to see your Bluetooth device in Device Manager. If this, however, did not solve your issue, we recommend following our article on Bluetooth troubleshooting in Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is the Bluetooth Icon on Windows 11?
You can generally find the Bluetooth icon on Windows 11 in the Quick Settings panel. To access it, click on the area next to Date and Time in the taskbar.
However, if you’ve brought up the Quick Settings panel and don’t see the Bluetooth icon, you can add it. To do so, please follow these steps:
- On the Quick Settings panel, click on Edit icon
- In the next panel, click on Add
- Select Bluetooth from the menu
- Click on Done
How Do I Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers Windows 11?
If you need to reinstall Bluetooth drivers in Windows 11, you can do so from the Device Manager.
- Press Win + R and type
devmgmt.msc - In the Device manager window, click on and expand Bluetooth
- Right-click on your Bluetooth device and select Uninstall device and click on Uninstall
Right-click on your device and select Scan for Hardware Changes
Does Every Pc Have Bluetooth?
While most modern laptops and tablets come with a built-in Bluetooth device, this isn’t always the case for desktop PCs. Please refer to the manufacturer and user manual of your device to ascertain that your device came with a Bluetooth device.
