Bluetooth Not Working
Bluetooth doesn't appear in Windows settings, won't turn on, or the computer can't find or connect to a Bluetooth device that used to work fine.
Quick answer: Bluetooth issues are usually a driver problem or the device simply not being in pairing mode correctly, rather than a hardware fault. Removing and re-pairing the device resolves the majority of Bluetooth problems.
Likely causes
- The Bluetooth device itself not being in pairing mode, or its battery being low
- A driver issue, particularly after a Windows update
- Bluetooth turned off at a system level, sometimes via a physical switch or function key
- Too many previously paired devices causing conflicts
What you can safely check yourself
- Check the device is charged and in pairing mode according to its own instructions
- In Windows Settings > Bluetooth, remove the device and pair it again from scratch
- Check Device Manager for a Bluetooth entry with a warning icon
- Restart the computer, which resolves many one-off Bluetooth glitches
When it needs a proper look
If Bluetooth doesn't appear in Windows settings at all, or removing and re-pairing doesn't help, that points to a driver or hardware issue worth a proper look.