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, check Windows Update, or get the compatible driver from your PC manufacturer’s official support site.
Reinstall the Bluetooth driver in Device Manager
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Open Start, type Device Manager, and select it.
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Expand Bluetooth to see the listed devices. The adapter may include “Bluetooth” or “Radio” in its name. If you are unsure which entry is the adapter, do not uninstall a similarly named device.
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Right-click the Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device. Confirm the action if Windows prompts you.
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Restart the PC. Windows is expected to reinstall the Bluetooth driver automatically after restart, although this is not guaranteed for every device or driver problem. Microsoft’s Bluetooth driver instructions describe this process.
#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
If Windows does not reinstall the driver
Scan for hardware changes
Open Device Manager, select Action > Scan for hardware changes, and wait for Windows to detect the adapter. Microsoft lists this as a fallback when the driver does not return after restarting. Microsoft’s Bluetooth troubleshooting steps include the scan.
Check Windows Update and the PC maker’s driver
Open Settings > Windows Update and check for available updates. You can also search your PC manufacturer’s official support site using the exact model number to find a compatible Windows 11 Bluetooth driver. Avoid unofficial driver-download sites; Microsoft’s general Device Manager driver guidance advises using trusted sources.
Rank #2
- 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
Install a driver you downloaded from the manufacturer
If the manufacturer provides an executable driver package, run its .exe installer. If the download contains driver files such as .inf and .sys, open Device Manager, right-click the relevant device, select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers, and choose the folder containing the files. If the adapter is not listed under Bluetooth, Microsoft advises checking Other devices when installing a downloaded driver. Do not select an entry unless you can identify it as the Bluetooth adapter.
Choose the next step based on the symptom
| What you see | What to try |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth adapter is listed, and a driver problem is suspected | Uninstall the adapter and restart the PC. |
| The adapter did not return after restart | Use Device Manager > Action > Scan for hardware changes. |
| The driver may be outdated or incompatible | Check Windows Update or get the model-specific driver from the PC manufacturer’s official support site. |
| Bluetooth is missing or grayed out in Settings or Quick Settings | Check whether the PC supports Bluetooth and consult the manufacturer about model-specific hardware, driver, or firmware issues. Microsoft’s guidance on missing Bluetooth controls notes that the problem can involve hardware, drivers, or firmware. |
| The adapter appears, but a device will not connect or pair | Start with the Windows 11 Bluetooth troubleshooter in Get Help. Also make sure the accessory is powered on, charged, in pairing mode, and within range. See Microsoft’s Bluetooth connection troubleshooting guidance. |
If Bluetooth stopped working after an update
Check for a newer compatible driver through Windows Update or the PC manufacturer. If Bluetooth worked before a recent driver or Windows update, Device Manager may also offer a driver rollback option; Microsoft says rollback can be used when that option is available. Reinstalling the adapter driver will not resolve every cause of a connection failure, so use the symptom-based steps above if the problem remains.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
- 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
- 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)
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