Headphones that will not pair, a missing mouse or a speaker with no sound do not always mean something is broken. Bluetooth problems often come from low batteries, an accessory connected elsewhere or an old pairing record.
Start with the reversible checks below. These instructions mainly cover Windows 11; Windows 10 uses different menu names and its standard support ended in October 2025, so check your update coverage if you still use it.
Step 1: Check power, distance and existing connections
Charge the accessory or fit fresh batteries, switch it on and keep it close to the PC while pairing. Check its manual for the pairing-mode button sequence: simply turning it on is not always enough.
Disconnect it from a phone, tablet or another computer that may be connecting automatically. Some accessories support multiple connections, but many only accept one at a time.
- Check whether the device actually uses Bluetooth. Some wireless mice and headsets require their own USB receiver.
- If the accessory connects to another device but not the PC, focus on Windows. If it cannot connect anywhere, check the accessory's instructions or support page.
Step 2: Check Bluetooth in Windows
Open Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices and make sure Bluetooth is on. Turn off Airplane mode. Switch Bluetooth off briefly and back on, then try again.
If the Bluetooth switch is missing, your PC may not have a Bluetooth adapter or Windows may not recognise it. Check the PC specifications and Device Manager rather than assuming every desktop has Bluetooth.
Step 3: Remove the old pairing and add the device again
In Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Devices, find the accessory, open its menu and choose Remove device. Put the accessory back into pairing mode, then choose Add device → Bluetooth and select it.
For a keyboard, Windows may display a code that you must type on that keyboard and confirm with Enter. For devices asking for a fixed PIN, use the manual rather than repeatedly guessing.
- Before removing a Bluetooth mouse or keyboard, have the laptop's built-in controls or a wired alternative ready so you can finish setup.
- Pair only with a device you can identify. Do not accept unexpected pairing requests from unknown nearby devices.
Step 4: If it connects but does not work
For a speaker or headset, open Settings → System → Sound and select the correct output device. Check volume and mute controls both in Windows and on the accessory. Calling apps may have their own speaker and microphone selection.
If audio breaks up or a mouse lags, move closer and reduce interference. Try moving a USB Bluetooth adapter away from USB 3 ports, hubs or external drives using an extension cable, if you have one.
Step 5: Restart and use the built-in troubleshooter
Save your work, restart Windows and power the accessory off and on. A restart can clear a connection problem that a simple disconnect does not fix.
On Windows 11, open the Get Help app and search for the Bluetooth troubleshooter. Depending on your Windows version, you may also find it under Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
Step 6: Check updates and the correct driver
Open Settings → Windows Update and install available updates, restarting when requested. Check Advanced options → Optional updates for relevant driver updates, but do not install unrelated drivers at random.
If Bluetooth is still missing or unreliable, use your PC manufacturer's official support page for the exact model. Avoid third-party driver updater apps. In Device Manager, check the Bluetooth adapter for an error; if the problem began immediately after a driver update, its Properties → Driver page may offer Roll Back Driver.
- Do not uninstall adapters or delete driver software unless you know how to restore the correct driver and have another way to control the PC.
- If a USB adapter is involved, try another port and confirm it supports your Windows version.
Tips and tricks for fewer pairing problems
- Remove devices you no longer use and give familiar accessories recognisable names where supported.
- Keep accessory firmware updated through the manufacturer's official app, if it offers updates.
- If a connection drops only after sleep, note that pattern for support instead of changing lots of power settings at once.
- Avoid factory-resetting an accessory until you have checked its manual; this can erase its pairings and personalised settings.
Most pairing issues are resolved by checking the accessory's connection, removing its old pairing and reconnecting. If the Bluetooth switch never appears, the next step is checking hardware and the correct driver, not repeatedly pairing.
Use Digital Checkup if you are stuck. Include your Windows version, PC and accessory models, and any error message, but no passwords or pairing codes.