Bluetooth isn't detecting devices on Windows 11

Here's a more detailed breakdown of troubleshooting steps:

1. Basic Checks:

• Enable Bluetooth:

  Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & devices and ensure Bluetooth is turned on.

• Discoverability:

  Make sure your computer is discoverable by other Bluetooth devices. Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & devices > More Bluetooth options and ensure "Allow Bluetooth devices to find this PC" is enabled.

• Restart Bluetooth:

  You can try restarting the Bluetooth radio by turning it off and then back on in settings.

2. Driver Issues:

• Update Bluetooth Driver:

  Open Device Manager, find your Bluetooth adapter (usually under "Bluetooth"), right-click, and select "Update driver" > "Search automatically for drivers".

• Reinstall Bluetooth Driver:

  If updating doesn't work, you can uninstall and then reinstall the driver. This may require restarting your computer.

• Rollback Driver:

  If you recently updated the driver, you can try rolling back to a previous version.

3. Bluetooth Service:

• Restart Bluetooth Support Service:

  Open the Services app (search for "services.msc"), find "Bluetooth Support Service," right-click, and select "Restart".

• Check Startup Type:

  In the Services app, right-click the Bluetooth Support Service, go to Properties, and ensure the Startup Type is set to "Automatic".

4. Troubleshooter:

• Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters and run the Bluetooth troubleshooter.

5. Advanced Troubleshooting:

• Check for Windows Updates:

  Make sure your Windows 11 installation is up to date, as updates can sometimes fix Bluetooth issues.

• Check for BIOS/UEFI Settings:

  In some cases, Bluetooth may be disabled in your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings. Check your BIOS settings for a Bluetooth option and ensure it's enabled.

• Verify USB Drivers:

  If you have a Bluetooth dongle, ensure its USB drivers are installed correctly.

6. Device Manager:

• Uninstall Bluetooth Devices:

  In Device Manager, uninstall any Bluetooth devices listed. This may help the system re-detect them.

• Reinstall Bluetooth Devices:

  After uninstalling, your computer may automatically reinstall the drivers, or you may need to do so manually.

7. Other Potential Issues:

• Interference:

  Bluetooth can be affected by other wireless devices. Try moving your devices closer together or away from potential sources of interference.

• Compatibility:

  Check if the device you're trying to connect to is compatible with your Windows 11 version and Bluetooth driver.

• System File Corruption:

  In rare cases, system file corruption can cause Bluetooth issues. You can try running System File Checker (SFC) and DISM tools.

If you've tried these steps and Bluetooth still isn't working, it's possible there's a hardware issue with your Bluetooth adapter or a more complex problem that requires professional assistance.