Direct answer
Turn off Airplane mode, toggle Bluetooth, restart the PC and accessory, then run the Bluetooth troubleshooter and update the adapter driver. Remove and re-pair only the affected accessory before reinstalling drivers.
What this covers
- Windows 11 PCs with built-in or supported USB Bluetooth adapters
- Current supported consumer software as reviewed on August 20, 2026
- The symptom described in the title before a factory reset or hardware repair
What it does not cover
- ×Computers whose hardware specifications do not include Bluetooth
- ×Billing, ownership, warranty or account-recovery disputes
- ×Regional features that the manufacturer does not list for your country
Check Airplane mode and Bluetooth
ReversibleOpen Quick Settings, turn Airplane mode off, then toggle Bluetooth off and on in Settings › Bluetooth & devices.
Restart the PC and accessory
ReversiblePower-cycle both endpoints and put the accessory back into discovery mode.
Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter
ReversibleOpen the Get Help app and run its Bluetooth diagnostic before manually replacing drivers.
Update the Bluetooth driver
ReversibleIn Device Manager, expand Bluetooth, right-click the adapter, choose Update driver and restart after installation.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Visible sources support the visible claims. Home Product Support records the publisher, the fact used and the review date; community reports can suggest an issue but do not become a published fact on their own.
Exact questions
Common follow-ups
What should I try first for bluetooth is missing or not working in windows 11?+
Open Quick Settings, turn Airplane mode off, then toggle Bluetooth off and on in Settings › Bluetooth & devices.
Will these steps erase apps, files or settings?+
No data-erasing step is required in this sequence. Removing a device requires pairing again. Driver reinstall may temporarily remove Bluetooth until Windows reloads the driver.
When should I stop troubleshooting?+
Stop if the device reports hardware damage, becomes unusually hot, smells burnt, or the problem falls into this excluded case: Computers whose hardware specifications do not include Bluetooth.
Answer for the exact device and software version shown above.