Cannot Turn On Bluetooth Windows 11? Here’s the Real Fix (Step-by-Step Guide That Actually Works)
When Your Bluetooth Just Ghosts You
(Cannot Turn On Bluetooth Windows 11) Bluetooth toggle missing or stuck on grey like it gave up on life?
Your AirPods won’t connect, your mouse is dead, your keyboard is basically a paperweight and this all started right after a Windows update?
Yeah, you’re not losing it. This is one of the most common and most frustrating Windows 11 glitches.
Here’s the good news: you can bring Bluetooth back, even if it completely vanished from your system. And you don’t need shady driver tools or risky BIOS updates to do it.
Stick with me we’re fixing this the smart way.
Also Read: Default Gateway Not Available Windows 11
Who This Guide Is For
This walkthrough is built for Windows 11 users dealing with:
- Bluetooth not turning on
- Bluetooth toggle missing
- Bluetooth greyed out
- Bluetooth not showing in Device Manager
- Bluetooth stopped working after Windows Update
If that’s you, you’re in the right place.
The Real Problem: Why Bluetooth Won’t Turn On in Windows 11
Let’s cut through the fluff Bluetooth doesn’t randomly break. Something causes it.
Most common root causes:
- Corrupted or outdated Bluetooth drivers
- Buggy Windows updates
- Bluetooth services not running
- Power management shutting the adapter off
- Fast Startup conflicts
- Windows failing to detect the hardware
Translation?
This is a software issue 90% of the time not a hardware failure.
Quick Diagnosis (Do This Before Trying Any Fix)
Take 30 seconds and check:
- Is Bluetooth missing from Quick Settings?
- Does it appear in Device Manager?
- Did the issue start after a Windows update?
- Are you using a laptop or a USB Bluetooth adapter?
Your answers determine which fix will work fastest.
Also Read: Headphones Not Detected Windows 11
Fix: Step-by-Step Solutions That Actually Work
Fix 1 Turn Bluetooth On from Settings (Yes, Seriously)
This sounds basic but after updates, Windows sometimes resets the toggle.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I
- Click Bluetooth & devices
- Turn Bluetooth ON
If the toggle is missing or greyed out → move on.
Fix 2 Run the Windows Bluetooth Troubleshooter
This built-in tool can automatically:
- Restart Bluetooth services
- Fix configuration errors
- Reinstall broken components
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
- Click Run next to Bluetooth
Let it finish. Don’t interrupt it.
Fix 3 Restart Bluetooth Services (High Success Rate)
If the service is stopped, Bluetooth won’t exist period.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R
- Type services.msc
- Find Bluetooth Support Service
- Set Startup type → Automatic
- Click Start
- Hit Apply → OK
This alone brings Bluetooth back for a huge number of users.
Fix 4 Update or Reinstall the Bluetooth Driver (The Real Power Move)
Drivers break after updates. That’s normal.
Steps:
- Right-click Start
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Bluetooth
- Right-click your adapter → Update driver
If Bluetooth Is Missing:
- Click View → Show hidden devices
- Uninstall the Bluetooth driver
- Download the latest driver from your laptop manufacturer’s website
- Install and restart
Pro tip: Always use OEM drivers, not random driver installer tools.
Fix 5 Install the Latest Windows Update
Microsoft silently patches Bluetooth bugs all the time.
Go to:
Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
Simple. Effective.
Fix 6 Disable Fast Startup (The Hidden Trouble Maker)
Fast Startup doesn’t fully shut down your hardware and Bluetooth gets stuck in a broken state.
Steps:
- Open Control Panel
- Go to Power Options
- Click Choose what the power buttons do
- Turn OFF Fast Startup
- Restart your PC
Fix 7 Stop Windows From Turning Off Bluetooth to Save Power
Windows tries to “save battery” and ends up killing your connection.
Steps:
- Open Device Manager
- Double-click your Bluetooth adapter
- Go to Power Management
- Uncheck:
Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
Also Read: Speaker Icon Missing Windows 11
Advanced Fix for Stubborn Cases
Reset Network Settings
This will:
- Remove all network adapters
- Reinstall them clean
- Reset Bluetooth configuration
Steps:
Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset
Your Wi-Fi passwords will be removed so be ready.
If Bluetooth Completely Disappeared
Now we’re in deep-fix territory.
Do this:
- Open Device Manager → Scan for hardware changes
- Install OEM Bluetooth drivers (Intel / Realtek / MediaTek)
- Check BIOS to ensure Bluetooth is enabled (rare but real)
Laptop-Specific Fixes (High-Intent Section)
If you’re using:
- HP → HP Support Assistant
- Dell → Dell SupportAssist
- Lenovo → Lenovo Vantage
- ASUS → MyASUS
Run the driver detection tool it installs the exact compatible version.
That’s huge for stability.
What NOT To Do
If you care about your system, avoid this:
Random driver updater tools
Downloading drivers from shady websites
Flashing BIOS without a real reason
That’s how small problems turn into dead motherboards.
Pro Tips to Prevent This Again
- Pause unstable Windows updates for a week
- Create restore points before major updates
- Keep your OEM drivers backed up
Future you will be grateful.
FAQ (Featured Snippet Optimized)
Why is Bluetooth greyed out in Windows 11?
Because the Bluetooth service isn’t running or the driver is corrupted.
Why did Bluetooth disappear after a Windows update?
The update replaced or broke the existing driver.
How do I reinstall Bluetooth on Windows 11?
Uninstall it from Device Manager and install the latest version from the manufacturer.
How do I force Windows 11 to detect Bluetooth hardware?
Use Scan for hardware changes or perform a Network reset.
Final Fix Summary (Quick Recap)
If you just want the winning combo:
- Restart Bluetooth services
- Reinstall the OEM Bluetooth driver
- Disable Fast Startup
- Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter
That solves the issue for most users. Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows