6 Best Ways to Fix Bluetooth Not Working on a Laptop‍

There are times when your laptop’s Bluetooth stops working and it can be very frustrating. But don’t worry we got you, in this article, we have explained the 6 best ways to fix this issue within minutes.

After upgrading the Windows operating systems, users have often run into certain problems. One of the most common issues you might face is related to Bluetooth functionality. After updating your Windows OS, your Bluetooth might or might not work properly. Hence, you will not be able to connect your laptop to any of the Bluetooth devices. This includes webcams, headphones, keyboard, speakers, mouse, etc.

However, updating your Windows is not the only reason why this happens. But it can be considered as one of the most common reasons behind this issue. Your laptop's Bluetooth connection can also be messed up by a lot of other things. Some of these are unwanted background apps, Bluetooth support service, outdated or corrupted generic Bluetooth Radio driver in Windows 10/11, wrong settings, disabled Bluetooth settings, etc. Here in this post, we are going to elucidate all the solutions to fix this issue.

Best Methods To Fix The Bluetooth Stopped Working Issue On Laptop

We need our Bluetooth working on our laptops for various reasons; perhaps you need to connect your headphones to your laptop for a Zoom call; you may need to transfer videos from your phone to your laptop; or perhaps you need to connect your laptop to your TV box or TV. If you are unable to add a Bluetooth device to Windows, you might not be following the pairing instructions carefully. Sometimes it's hard to pair these kinds of devices, so make sure to read the instructions carefully.

Before you start, make sure you've pressed the pairing button and the device should be in pairing mode. There are other reasons also why you are getting an error when trying to connect with Bluetooth. But hopefully, this guide will help you fix this issue.

Way1: Check If Your Computer Even Supports Bluetooth

The first thing that you should do is to check if your laptop even supports Bluetooth. If you have an old laptop then there are chances that it does not come with an inbuilt Bluetooth support system. This makes the Bluetooth connection impossible without any external device.

If you are also using an external Bluetooth device, then check it supports the latest version i.e. “Bluetooth 5.0”. But if your device is old, then you should prefer to buy an upgraded version for better performance.

Way2: Make Your Laptop Discoverable

Sometimes the default settings on your laptop keep the Bluetooth hidden from other devices. In this case, you need to make it discoverable, so that you can have a better connection. To do this you need to follow these steps:

1. Type Setting in the taskbar’s search bar and then hit the Enter key

2. On the settings page, select the Devices option. Then, click on the More Bluetooth button on the right side of the window.

3. Check the box next to “Allow Bluetooth devices to find this PC” and click on the OK button. This will make your laptop discoverable and hopefully, your issue will get resolved.

Way3: Close Unwanted Background Applications

Sometimes background applications create disturbance in connection. Due to this, it is necessary to either disable or close these applications. To do this you need to take the help of the Task Manager tool. Below are some instructions that will guide you through the process:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys at the same time and it will open the task manager window
2. Over there select the Details tab. Then, click on the applications one by one that you are familiar with.
3. After selecting the app, click on the “End task” button to end the application’s process.

4. Do this for all the other apps and when it’s done. Close the task manager and check if you can use your Bluetooth smoothly.

Note: Before removing the background apps, check the “Username” in front of the program. If it says “SYSTEM” then don’t remove it, otherwise, it will hamper your computer’s processing. Only close those programs that you are familiar with.

Way4: Start Bluetooth Support Service

If Bluetooth isn't working right, it can be because the Bluetooth Support Service isn't running in the background. Make sure that it is turned on. Follow the steps given below to do so:

1. Open the Windows Run box by pressing the Windows + R keys together. Then, on the Run box type “services.msc” and hit the Enter key.

2. A new window will appear, Navigate to Bluetooth Support Service and double click on it.

3. Now, you will see a Bluetooth support service dialog box, select the General tab and click on the Start button.
4. Then, select the Automatic option from the “Startup List” dropdown menu

5. Select the Log On tab and check the circle in front of the Local System account

6. Click on the OK button to implement the settings. When the process is completed, Restart your computer and check if the Bluetooth is working properly on your laptop.

Way5: Update Bluetooth Driver

Outdated or corrupted drivers can often arise issues like these because of which it is recommended to always keep your drivers updated. Old drivers lack compatibility due to which you might face difficulties using your Bluetooth.

You can update your Windows drivers both manually and automatically. For the manual process, you need to take the help of the Device Manager tool. Whereas, in the automatic process you need to download and install a driver updater software.

The manual can be lengthy and complicated for some users. And if you are not good with computers, then you need professional assistance. In the case of an automatic process, all you need to do is to click a couple of times and you can update your drivers. Most of these apps come with various tools and features making them easy for you to use. Here are some of the best programs for you:

• Quick Driver Updater
• Bit Driver Updater
• Avast Driver Updater
• Driver Easy
• AVG Driver Updater

Way6: Check Your Bluetooth Settings

We often play with our setting in the hope to get the best results out of it. But most of the time this results in having the wrong settings. It is for the best that you should keep your settings to default to avoid such instances. Below are some instructions which will help you correct your settings.

Manage Bluetooth Devices

1. Search Settings in the taskbar and press Enter

2. On the settings page, select the Devices option
3. Overthere, select the Bluetooth & other devices option from the left-hand side panel
4. Now, enable the Bluetooth by turning on the toggle button

Connect Your Bluetooth Device

1. Search Control Panel in the taskbar and press Enter

2. On the control panel window, categorize the icon’s view from the “View by” dropdown menu

3. Click on the Hardware and Sound option. Then, select the Devices and Printers option.

4. Double-click on your Bluetooth device and select the Services tab on the new window.
5. Ensure that different options are showing on the Bluetooth Services list
6. Click on the OK button to save the settings

Summing Up

We hope the different fixes discussed in this write-up have helped you to resolve your Bluetooth not working issue. If you are still facing the same problem, then you should contact Windows Support for professional assistance. You can always share your thoughts related to our posts in the comments section below.