If Bluetooth stopped working and updating the driver did not help, Windows 11 can reinstall the Bluetooth adapter driver through Device Manager. Microsoft recommends trying driver updates and normal Bluetooth troubleshooting before reinstalling.
How to Reinstall the Bluetooth Driver
- Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
- Expand Bluetooth.
- Right-click the Bluetooth adapter, which may include the word “radio.”
- Select Uninstall device and confirm the uninstall.
- Shut down the PC, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. Windows should try to reinstall the driver automatically.
If Windows Does Not Reinstall It
Open Device Manager and choose Action > Scan for hardware changes. If the driver is still missing, use Windows Update or download the correct Bluetooth driver from the PC manufacturer’s official support website.
Try Updating Before Reinstalling
In Device Manager, right-click the Bluetooth adapter and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers. Also check Windows Update. Microsoft notes that a PC manufacturer may have a newer driver even when Device Manager says the best driver is installed.
If the Problem Started After an Update
Open the adapter’s Properties in Device Manager and check the Driver tab. If Roll Back Driver is available, reverting to the previous driver can help when Bluetooth broke immediately after a driver or Windows update.
Avoid Random Driver Downloads
Use Windows Update or the computer manufacturer’s official support site. Generic driver-download utilities can install the wrong package or add unwanted software.
Summary
Uninstall the Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager and restart Windows to trigger automatic driver reinstallation. If that fails, scan for hardware changes and obtain the correct driver from Windows Update or the PC manufacturer.