Troubleshoot transferring files using Bluetooth

You might be unable to send or receive files using Bluetooth in Windows when the Bluetooth connection is active, but the file transfer process cannot start or complete. When this issue occurs, you may see one of the following messages:

Waiting for connection
Bluetooth file transfer not completed
File transfer is disabled by policy

Bluetooth file transfer can fail due to incorrect Bluetooth settings, the device not being discoverable, restrictive file-sharing policies, incompatible encryption settings, outdated drivers, or issues with the Bluetooth adapter after a Windows update. The issue can also occur if the receiving device is not ready, the sending device is out of range or low on battery, or the device does not support the required Bluetooth file transfer protocol.

Try the following troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:

If you are using a Windows 11 device, start by running the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix this Bluetooth problem.

Run the troubleshooter in Get Help

Your Bluetooth device must be in pairing mode and within range of your PC.

Turn on Bluetooth:
- Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
- Turn on Bluetooth toggle.
Make sure your Bluetooth device is in pairing mode and within range of your PC.
Move the device closer to your PC to ensure a stable signal.

If the device appears in the Bluetooth list but won’t connect, remove it and add it again.

Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
Locate the device and select More options (…) > Remove device.
Select Add device, and then select the device from the list.

Right-click the Bluetooth icon in the taskbar and select Receive a file to ensure that your PC is ready to receive files. Ensure your Bluetooth device is also in "discoverable" mode to send files.

Select Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
Select Advanced sharing settings and on the page that opens, expand All networks dropdown menu. Select 40- or 56-bit encryption dropdown option for File sharing connections. Windows uses 128-bit encryption to help protect file-sharing connections. Some devices don’t support 128-bit encryption and must use 40 or 56-bit encryption.

Open Device Manager, select Bluetooth. Press and hold (or right-click) the Bluetooth adapter name and select Uninstall device > Uninstall.
Select Start, then select Power > Restart. Windows will try to reinstall the driver.
If Windows doesn't reinstall the driver automatically, open Device Manager, select Bluetooth. Press and hold (or right-click) the Bluetooth adapter name and select Scan for hardware changes.

Make sure your PC supports Bluetooth and that Windows is up to date.

Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
Select Check for updates. Let it download and install any available updates.

Restarting helps resolve temporary system issues affecting Bluetooth.

Select Start > Power > Restart.

If you are facing a different Bluetooth issue, refer to Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows.

Troubleshoot transferring files using Bluetooth

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Solution 1: Run the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter​​​​​​​

Solution 2: Turn on Bluetooth and verify the device is in pairing mode

Solution 3: Remove and re-add the Bluetooth device

Solution 4: Check File Transfer Settings

Solution 5: Enable file sharing for devices that use encryption

Solution 6: Uninstall and Re-install Bluetooth Adapter

Solution 7: Check for Windows Updates​​​​​​

Solution 8: Restart your PC