How to Fix Bluetooth Not Pairing on Windows 10/11

Bluetooth has become an integral part of every tech user’s life. It is everywhere, regardless of whether you use your car stereo or basic earphones. If you want to connect external keyboards, mice, or any other equipment to your PC, you can do the same with Bluetooth. Those already using these devices can surely vouch for the comfort and convenience they bring to the experience. However, there are times when pairing Bluetooth devices becomes an issue on a PC. 

People have shared several issues with Bluetooth on PCs; Bluetooth not pairing tops the list. If you are facing pairing issues while connecting devices to your PC, then this is the post you are looking for.

In this article, we will discuss some methods for fixing Bluetooth not finding devices. So, without further delay, let’s begin!

What Causes Bluetooth Not Pairing Issues on Windows?

Bluetooth functionality is the same for all sorts of devices. However, the environment in which it is used plays a crucial role. If we talk specifically about Bluetooth on a Windows PC, the most important thing that enables it is the driver that it uses. Also, if you tend to use multiple devices with your PC’s Bluetooth, you may face issues when you switch between them, as the PC’s Bluetooth only auto-connects to the previously connected device. 

All in all, if the drivers your Bluetooth uses are not up to date or there are configuration issues when pairing the device, you might encounter the Bluetooth not pairing or unable to pair error.

3 Ultimate Ways to Try!

Before we jump into the fixes, ensure Bluetooth is turned ON on your PC. Also, give your system a quick restart so that the Bluetooth service is restarted. There are program glitches that often present themselves as a temporary issue on the PC. A restart can be a good way to get rid of them. 

After you have restarted the PC and checked that the Bluetooth is ON, move towards the following fixes – 

Fix 1 – Check if Your PC’s Bluetooth is Working

Simply toggling the Bluetooth button to ON does not mean it is ready to pair. You must check that your PC is visible and is working on your PC. The best way to do this is to follow the given instructions – 

1. Go to the Windows settings and find the Bluetooth options.

2. Now go to your smartphone and turn ON its Bluetooth.
3. Now, check the list of available devices to check if your PC is visible. 

If it is visible, that means Bluetooth is working properly. If it is unavailable, you might need to check your system’s Bluetooth settings. For more information, check out our previous blog on how to fix Bluetooth not working on Windows.

Fix 2 – Check for Bluetooth Driver Updates

As mentioned earlier, it is impossible to use anything on Windows if proper drivers are unavailable. Both Bluetooth adapter drivers and the device that you are trying to connect must be up to date for them to work properly in sync. If either of these device drivers is improper or outdated, you may not be able to pair them together. 

Now, when it comes to updating drivers, there are two things you can do – 

1. Update drivers manually using the Device Manager
2. Choose an automatic driver updater application.

If you go with the first option, you must manually navigate to the Device Manager on your PC and check the drivers for updates individually. You check for updates once and then repeat the same process for another driver. The process is tedious and time-consuming. It can also be confusing if you are unaware of how Device Manager or driver updates work. 

However, if you go with the latter, we recommend downloading the Advanced Driver Updater, as it is the best automatic driver updater application available for Windows. It works in 3 easy steps – 

Step 1 – Download, install, and run the app on your PC.

Step 2 – Initiate the scan for all the outdated drivers.

Step 3 – Check the list and click Update All to finish the process. 

Not only does the application find, fetch, and install the update, but it also does it simultaneously for multiple drivers. This means all you have to do is run these 3 steps, and all the existing outdated drivers will be updated!

Fix 3 – Check for Interrupting Connections

While connecting to a Bluetooth device, there are possibilities that the pairing process is interrupted by other devices. For instance, if you are trying to connect headsets that you often use with your smartphone, they will likely face pairing issues. That is because when multiple devices are in the same range for a Bluetooth connection, the devices often get disoriented and cannot connect with the one you intend to. 

Ensure that other devices are not in range or that you are not facing interference from any other Bluetooth device.

Other than these fixes, ensure your PC is up to date, and all your system files are at par with the latest version of Windows. The Bluetooth not pairing is often an issue related to the configuration settings of your Bluetooth devices. Make sure they are properly charged and visible to your PC’s Bluetooth. 

That’s all for this post. We hope these fixes and tips help you fix the Bluetooth not pairing issue on your Windows PC. Please post your confusion or questions in the comments section. Thanks for reading, and good luck!

Recommended : 

How to Download and Update Microsoft Bluetooth Driver