How to reinstall a Bluetooth driver
Quick answer
Open Device Manager, expand Bluetooth, right-click your Bluetooth adapter and choose Uninstall device. Then restart your PC. Windows reinstalls the driver automatically when it starts up.
Step by step
- Open Device ManagerRight-click the Start button and choose Device Manager.
- Find the adapterExpand the Bluetooth section. Your adapter usually has a brand name in it, such as Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm or MediaTek.
- Uninstall itRight-click the adapter and choose Uninstall device. If there’s an option to delete the driver software, leave it unticked for now.
- RestartRestart your PC. Windows detects the adapter and installs its driver again.
- Check it's backOpen Settings > Bluetooth & devices and make sure the Bluetooth switch appears and is turned on.
Reinstalling clears out a driver that’s become corrupted or confused, which fixes many “Bluetooth disappeared” or “won’t connect” problems.
If Bluetooth doesn’t come back
- In Device Manager, click Action > Scan for hardware changes.
- Download the latest Bluetooth driver from your PC maker’s support page (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS) or the chip maker, such as Intel, then run the installer.
- If the Bluetooth section is missing entirely, check View > Show hidden devices in Device Manager.
Try these quicker fixes first
| Problem | Try this |
|---|---|
| One device won’t connect | Remove it in Settings > Bluetooth & devices, then pair it again |
| Bluetooth switch is missing | Turn Airplane mode on and off, then restart |
| Connections drop at random | Make sure the device is charged and within about 10 meters (33 feet) |
| Nothing works at all | Open Services (press Windows + R, type services.msc), find Bluetooth Support Service, and set it to Automatic |
Stop Windows from turning Bluetooth off
Laptops sometimes switch off the adapter to save battery. In Device Manager, right-click the adapter, choose Properties > Power Management, and untick Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
For other hardware problems, see how to update drivers or how to get help in Windows.
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