Windows 11’s Bluetooth; steps to enable pair and remove devices

Windows 11 brings UI changes to almost everything in the Settings App. Bluetooth is not an exception. Now, the tech offers you shares your files and connect devices wirelessly.

If you want to know how to turn on Bluetooth radio on Windows 11 and various new changes brought up to the Bluetooth Settings, you should continue reading this article.

Steps to enable Bluetooth on Windows 11

Windows 11 provides you two ways of doing this. First is from the Quick Actions flyout menu. You will find this menu by clicking the Battery/ Volume/Wi-Fi icons.

Another way to enable this feature is through the Settings> Bluetooth & devices. Here, click on the toggle next to the Bluetooth option to turn it on.

Pair Bluetooth devices

You will find Add device option in the Bluetooth settings, click on it,

Then, click on the Bluetooth option in the window appears to the next,

You will the list of devices, select yours and then click on Connect button,

You will have the paring prompt on your SmartPhone or audio device. Accept it, and click done to finish.

Note: On Windows 11, there will be a three-dot menu option for each paired device. Just click on it to remove the device from the PC.

Changes in Windows 11’s Bluetooth Settings

The Settings app will now display a big thumbnail for devices to tell if it is headphone or something else. However, Microsoft needs to update the set of icons it is using as iPhone is still considered as a landline.

You can explore more settings on the Device option. For example, you have an option to enable Swift Pair feature. This feature shows a pairing request automatically when a compatible Bluetooth is nearby.

What if Windows 11’s Bluetooth Not Working?

In such a case, following are the few things that you can do:

Check for the Windows 11 Bluetooth drivers

Windows 11 comes with pre-installed device drivers that you need to update through Windows Update. Navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Settings > Optional Updates > Driver Updates. New update will automatically be installed there.

Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter

If you find Windows 11’s Bluetooth not working, you can also run built-in troubleshooter. For this, go the settings, find System> Troubleshoot, choose option other TroubleShooter, click on the Bluetooth and then follow the steps.

Reinstall Bluetooth drivers

It is possible that the drivers got corrupted. So, you need to give them fresh restart. To do that, Device Manager > expand the Bluetooth section > right-click on the name of your adapter > Uninstall.