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To reinstall a Bluetooth driver in Windows 11, uninstall the Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager, then restart your PC. Windows should attempt to reinstall the driver automatically. If it does not, scan for hardware changes, then check Windows Update or the support site for your exact PC model.
Reinstall the Bluetooth adapter driver
- Open Start, type Device Manager, and select it.
- Expand Bluetooth. Identify the PC’s Bluetooth adapter; its name may include “Bluetooth” or “Radio.”
- Right-click the adapter and select Uninstall device. Confirm if prompted.
- Restart the PC. Windows is expected to reinstall the Bluetooth driver automatically after restart, though this is not guaranteed to resolve every problem. Microsoft’s Bluetooth driver instructions describe this process.
If Windows does not reinstall the driver
Open Device Manager, select Action > Scan for hardware changes, and check whether the adapter reappears. Microsoft documents this as a fallback when Windows does not reinstall the driver after a restart. Microsoft’s Bluetooth troubleshooting guidance includes the scan step.
If the adapter is present but Bluetooth still does not work, check Settings > Windows Update for available updates. You can also look up the latest compatible Bluetooth driver on the official support site for your PC manufacturer, using the PC’s exact model number. Avoid unofficial driver-download sites; Microsoft’s Device Manager driver guidance warns against them.
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Choose the next step based on the symptom
| What you see | What to try |
|---|---|
| The Bluetooth adapter is listed, and a driver problem is suspected | Uninstall the adapter and restart the PC. |
| The adapter does not return after restart | Use Device Manager > Action > Scan for hardware changes. |
| The adapter is listed, but the problem began after an update | Check Windows Update and the PC manufacturer’s official support site for a compatible driver. If the issue followed a recent driver or Windows update, Device Manager may offer a driver rollback option. |
| Bluetooth is missing or grayed out in Settings or Quick Settings | Check whether the PC supports Bluetooth. A missing control can be related to hardware, drivers, or firmware; consult the PC manufacturer’s model-specific support guidance. Microsoft’s guidance for missing Bluetooth covers these possibilities. |
| The adapter appears, but a device will not pair or connect | In Windows 11, start with the Bluetooth troubleshooter in Get Help. Also check that the accessory is powered on, in pairing mode, and within range. Microsoft’s connection troubleshooting steps address pairing and connection issues. |
Install a driver downloaded from the PC manufacturer
Use a driver intended for your exact PC model and Windows version. If the manufacturer’s download is an .exe file, run it and follow its prompts. If the download contains driver files such as .inf and .sys, use Device Manager:
#1 Best Overall
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TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC - Bluetooth 5.4 USB Dongle Receiver
- Bluetooth 5.4 + Broad Compatibility - Provides Bluetooth 5.4 plus EDR technology and is backward compatible with Bluetooth V5.3/5.0/4.2/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1.
- Faster Speed, Extended Range - Get up to 2x faster data transfer and 4x broader coverage compared to Bluetooth 4.0 — perfect for smooth audio streaming and stable connections.
- EDR and BLE Technology - This Bluetooth dongle is quipped with enhanced data rate and Bluetooth low energy, UB500 has greatly improved data transfer speed and operates at the optimal rate of power consumption
- Nano-Sized - A sleek, ultra-small design means you can insert the Nano Bluetooth receiver into any USB port and simply keep it there regardless of whether you are traveling or at home
- Plug & Play with Free Driver Support - Plug and play for Windows 8.1/10/11 (internet required). Supports Win7 (driver required and can be downloaded from website for free). Download the latest driver from TP-Link website to utilize Bluetooth 5.4
- In Device Manager, locate the Bluetooth adapter. If it is not listed under Bluetooth, check Other devices; do not uninstall an unidentified device just because its name seems similar.
- Right-click the relevant device and select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers.
- Select the folder containing the downloaded driver files and follow the prompts.
These manual installation options are described in Microsoft’s Bluetooth troubleshooting guidance.
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Reinstalling the PC’s Bluetooth adapter driver targets the software that lets Windows communicate with its Bluetooth hardware. It does not reset a peripheral’s pairing state or necessarily fix an accessory that is switched off, out of range, or not in pairing mode. If Bluetooth controls are absent or the adapter cannot be found, a driver reinstall alone may not solve a hardware or firmware problem; follow the PC manufacturer’s guidance for the model.
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Long Range USB Bluetooth 5.4 Adapter for Desktop PC Plug&Play Mini Dongle
- Bluetooth 5.4 dongle: Applies the latest Bluetooth 5.4+EDR technology, compatible with Bluetooth 5.3/5.2/4.2/4.2 LE/4.0/2.1+EDR, and supports Dual mode (BR/EDR+ Bluetooth Low Energy) to achieve low energy consumption and high speed. Quick response and better anti-interference.
- Plug & Play: USB wireless Bluetooth is not limited by network and location, no need to install drivers, just plug the USB wireless adapter into your computer, you can use it directly. You can use the Bluetooth function at any time. Greatly improve your work efficiency and save your time.
- Long Range Bluetooth Adapter: The USB Bluetooth 5.4 dongle uses Class 1 radio technology, equipped with extra long antenna, and the transmission range in the open area can reach 500ft/150m, Bluetooth connections are no longer affected by distance. Note: The actual transmission range will be affected by physical obstructions and wireless interference.
- Fast Transmission Rate: This upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 adapter features EDR technology and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) configuration up to 3Mbps, which greatly improves transmission rates and reduces the loss of transmission efficiency due to interference in the 2.4GHz band. Enables fast, no delay wireless data connections between your computer and Bluetooth devices.
- System Support: The upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 dongle has a wide range of applications. You can connect up to 5 devices at the same time using Bluetooth wireless. Such as Bluetooth speakers,keyboards,headsets,mice, and Bluetooth printers,etc. Only supports Windows 11/10/8.1, Not compatible with Mac OS, Linux,car stereo systems,XBOX,ps4 or TVs.
Rank #4
UGREEN USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC Bluetooth 6.0 Dongle Receiver
- This Bluetooth adapter for PC utilizes the latest Bluetooth 6.0 EDR technology, delivering faster data transfer speeds, seamless high-quality audio/video streaming, and efficient large-file transfers.
- Up to 5 Devices Sync Connected: This Bluetooth dongle for PC supports up to 5 different types of Bluetooth devices to be connected at the same time without interfering with each other, such as Bluetooth mouse/keyboard/mobile phone/headphones, etc. Note: If Bluetooth audio devices of the same type (such as speakers/headphones) are connected, only one device can play music.
- Ultra-High Data Transfer Speeds: With Bluetooth 6.0 technology, this bluetooth dongle will bring us a faster speed experience. And Bluetooth 6.0 is backward compatible with Bluetooth5.4/5.3.
- EDR and BLE Technology - This Bluetooth dongle is equipped with enhanced data rate and Bluetooth low energy, it wil optimize energy.
- Plug and Play: The Bluetooth receiver is developed for Windows systems only and does not support other systems. No driver installation is required under Windows 11/10/8.1. NOTE: Linux and MacOS , Win 7 System are NOT supported.
Rank #3
UGREEN USB Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter for PC Bluetooth Dongle Receiver
- Upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter: This bluetooth adapter for pc uses the latest upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 BR+EDR technology, greatly improves the stability of the connection data transfer speed, reduces the possibility of signal interruption and power consumption.
- Up to 5 Devices Sync Connected: UGREEN Bluetooth dongle for PC supports up to 5 different types of Bluetooth devices to be connected at the same time without interfering with each other, such as Bluetooth mouse/keyboard/mobile phone/headphones, etc. If Bluetooth audio devices of the same type (such as speakers/headphones) are connected, only one device can play music.
- Plug and Play: The Bluetooth adapter is developed for Windows systems only and does not support other systems. No driver installation is required under Windows 11/10/8.1. NOTE: Win 7, Linux and MacOS System are NOT supported.
- Mini Size: An extremely compact Bluetooth stick that you can leave on your laptop or PC without removing it.The compact size does not interfere with other USB ports. Convenient to carry, no space occupation.
- What Can I do if the Bluetooth adapter can not work?: Ensure there are no other Bluetooth devices installed on the computer. If there are, disable all existing Bluetooth devices in "Device Manager", then insert the adapter and try again. (For detailed information please read the user manual)
Rank #2
Amazon Basics Bluetooth 5.4 USB Adapter Dongle for PC, USB Receiver for Bluetooth Mouse, Keyboard, Laptop, Works with Windows 11/10/8.1
- INSTANT BLUETOOTH ACCESS: Bluetooth dongle adapter receiver for PCs converts non-Bluetooth devices into Bluetooth-capable with simple USB connection
- WIDE COMPATIBILITY: Supports Bluetooth 5.4 and is backwards compatible with Bluetooth 5.3/5.2/5.1/5.0/V4.2/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1; ONLY works with Windows 8.1, 10, and 11
- MULTI-DEVICE CONNECTION: Connect up to 6 devices simultaneously; Not compatible with all other operation systems e.g. Mac, Linux, Chrome, Unix, Playstation(PS), Windows 7 and below; Nano bluetooth receiver can be plugged in via any standard USB port
- ENHANCED PERFORMANCE: EDR and BLE technology offers enhanced data rate/transfer speed and low energy consumption
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Not compatible with all other operation systems e.g. Mac, Linux, Chrome, Unix, Playstation(PS), Windows 7 and below; Disable any built-in Bluetooth of the device before use this product, refer to the user manual for detail
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
