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How to Disconnect a Bluetooth Device in Windows 10 or 11

Turn off Bluetooth for the whole PC, power down one peripheral, or remove its saved pairing in Windows 11 or Windows 10.
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To stop one Bluetooth device temporarily, turn that device off. To disable Bluetooth connections on the PC, switch Bluetooth off in Windows. To forget one device so it must be paired again, remove it from Settings. These actions have different effects, so choose the one that matches what you want to do.

Choose the right way to disconnect

What you want What to do What happens
Stop Bluetooth connections on the PC Switch Bluetooth off in Windows Bluetooth is disabled for the PC generally, not just for one device.
Temporarily stop one peripheral Turn off that peripheral using its power control Other Bluetooth devices can remain connected to the PC.
Forget a device Remove it from Windows’ device list The saved pairing is deleted; pair the device again to use it later.

Turn Bluetooth off for the whole PC

Windows 11

  1. Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
  2. Switch Bluetooth off.

You can also open Quick Settings by selecting the Network, Sound, or Battery icon beside the date and time, then select the Bluetooth tile. If the tile is not shown, add it to Quick Settings.

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Windows 10

  1. Open Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
  2. Switch Bluetooth off.

Switch Bluetooth back on when you want the PC to use Bluetooth again. Microsoft notes that toggling Bluetooth off and on resets it and may help with connection problems: Microsoft’s Bluetooth settings instructions.

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Temporarily stop one Bluetooth device

If you want Bluetooth available for other devices, use the power control on the headset, speaker, mouse, keyboard, or other peripheral you want to stop. This is a temporary device-level option; turn the peripheral back on when you want to use it again. Windows does not provide one universal per-device disconnect control documented for every Bluetooth device, so the available controls can depend on the peripheral.

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TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC - Bluetooth 5.4 USB Dongle Receiver | Plug and Play, Nano Design, EDR & BLE, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/7 for Desktop, Laptop, Keyboard, Mouse, etc (UB500)
  • 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

Remove a device and its saved pairing

Windows 11

  1. Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
  2. Find the device and open its More options menu (…).
  3. Select Remove device and confirm.

Windows 10

  1. Open Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
  2. Select the device, choose Remove device, and confirm if prompted.

Removing a device forgets its pairing; it is not merely a temporary disconnect. To reconnect it, put it in pairing mode and add it again. In Windows 11, use Bluetooth & devices > Add device. In Windows 10, select Add Bluetooth or other device, choose Bluetooth, and select the device. See Microsoft’s pairing instructions.

If the device will not reconnect

  • Make sure the peripheral is on, charged or has fresh batteries, within range, and in pairing mode.
  • Turn the peripheral off and on again.
  • Switch Bluetooth off in Windows, wait about 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
  • If needed, remove the device and add it again using the steps above.
  • Check for Windows updates and restart the PC if connection trouble continues.

If the Bluetooth setting or Quick Settings tile is missing, the PC may not have a Bluetooth adapter or its driver may not be installed. If Bluetooth hardware is present but the control is missing or grayed out, the cause may involve hardware, a driver, or firmware. Microsoft recommends consulting the PC manufacturer for model-specific guidance. This is a separate issue from disconnecting a device that is already paired: Microsoft troubleshooting guidance.

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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
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Windows 10 support status

Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. The PC continues to work, but Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. The Bluetooth steps above apply to the Windows 10 interface, but this support-status change matters if you still use that version.

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Long Range USB Bluetooth 5.4 Adapter for Desktop PC Plug&Play Mini Dongle | Class 1 Wireless EDR Transfer Transmitter Receiver 500FT for BT Mouse/Keyboard/Headphones/Print Severs Support Win11/10
  • 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.
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USB Bluetooth 6.0 Adapter for Desktop PC: Plug & Play 600FT Long Range Wireless Dongle with 5dBi Antenna for Laptop Windows 11/10/8.1, Pair BT Headphones/Headset/Speaker/Mouse/Keyboard/Print Servers
  • Long Range Bluetooth Adapter: Techkey USB Bluetooth 6.0 dongle utilizes Class 1 radio technology and features an extended antenna, providing a transmission range of up to 600ft/200m in open areas, ensuring that Bluetooth connections are no longer limited by distance. (Please note that physical obstructions and wireless interference may affect the actual transmission range.)
  • Fast Transmission Rate: With EDR technology and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) configuration, this upgraded Bluetooth 6.0 adapter achieves speeds of up to 3Mbps, greatly improving transmission rates and reducing efficiency loss due to interference in the 2.4GHz band. This allows for fast, seamless wireless data connections between your computer and Bluetooth devices.
  • Real Plug & Play with Free Driver Support: Techkey USB wireless Bluetooth is not constrained by network or location, requiring no driver installation. Just plug the USB wireless adapter into your computer and start using it right away. Enjoy the convenience of Bluetooth functionality at any time, enhancing work efficiency and saving time.
  • Latest Bluetooth 6.0 dongle: Utilizes the latest Bluetooth 6.0+EDR technology, compatible with Bluetooth 6.0/5.4/5.3/5.2/4.2/4.2 LE/4.0/2.1+EDR, and features Dual mode (BR/EDR+ Bluetooth Low Energy) for reduced energy consumption and enhanced speed, ensuring quick response and superior anti-interference capabilities.
  • Up to 7 Devices Sync Connected: The upgraded Bluetooth 6.0 dongle is designed for a wide range of applications, allowing simultaneous connections with up to 7 Bluetooth wireless devices such as speakers, keyboards, headsets, mice, and printers. It is exclusively compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1 and does not support Mac OS, Linux, car stereo systems, XBOX, PS4, or TVs.
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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)

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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