To pair a Bluetooth device with Windows, the Windows device needs to have Bluetooth. Most Windows devices already have Bluetooth built in. If a Windows device doesn't have Bluetooth, a USB Bluetooth adapter can be plugged into a USB port on the Windows device to add Bluetooth.

If Bluetooth appears in Device Manager but you cannot pair or connect to a Bluetooth device, Windows may be experiencing a configuration, driver, or device-level issue that prevents successful communication.

The Bluetooth icon or toggle may be missing or appear grayed out in Settings or Action Center if Windows cannot detect or enable the Bluetooth feature. When this happens, Bluetooth options may not appear, or you may not be able to turn Bluetooth on or off.

Turn on Bluetooth on both the Windows device and the hotspot device, and ensure the devices are paired via Bluetooth to each other. For more information, see Pair a Bluetooth device in Windows. On the hotspot device, activate the hotspot and set it to share over Bluetooth.

Learn how to find and adjust additional Bluetooth settings and Bluetooth options in Windows.

Go to your PC manufacturer’s support website. Search using your device model number. Download and install the latest Bluetooth driver for Windows 11. Restart your PC after installation. For additional troubleshooting steps, visit Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows.

Windows usually detects and installs new hardware automatically when you connect it. If a device isn’t added automatically, you can add it manually from Settings.

Learn the step for turning Bluetooth on or off in Windows using the Settings app, quick settings, and action center.

Bluetooth file sharing allows you to wirelessly send files—such as photos, videos, and documents—between devices like phones, laptops, and PCs. In Windows, you can use Bluetooth to quickly transfer files between nearby devices without cables or an internet connection.

Learn how to use your screen reader to turn on Bluetooth on your Windows 11 computer, pair Bluetooth devices with it, and more.