how to reinstall Bluetooth.

Bangs Yusuf 15 Reputation points
2026-03-22T19:27:34.8933333+00:00

My Bluetooth just stopped working, i uninstalled and reinstalled, but it is not popping or connected.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

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  1. EmilyS726 264.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-22T19:59:15.29+00:00

    Hello,

    Most bluetooth or wifi issue can be resolved by doing a power reset.

    To do so, turn off the computer, unplug the computer from the power cord, then hold down the power button for 30 seconds. Turn the computer back on to see if it works.

    If not, Can you share with me two screenshots please?

    1. Go to Device Manager > Network Adapters, I would like to see what's listed.
    2. Please type msinfo32.exe in the search on the taskbar and hit enter, then share a screenshot of the pop up.

    Thanks!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-03-22T19:27:50.5366667+00:00

    Use Device Manager to fully remove and let Windows reinstall the Bluetooth adapter, then update or roll back the driver if needed.

    1. Open Device Manager
      • In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select Device Manager from the results.
    2. Uninstall the Bluetooth adapter
      • In Device Manager, expand Bluetooth.
      • Right‑click the Bluetooth adapter (it may include the word "radio") and select Uninstall device.
      • Confirm if prompted.
    3. Power off completely and restart
      • Select Start > Power > Shut down.
      • Wait a few seconds, then turn the PC back on.
      • Windows will try to automatically reinstall the Bluetooth driver.
    4. If the driver does not reinstall automatically
      • Open Device Manager again.
      • Select Action > Scan for hardware changes to force detection and reinstall of the Bluetooth adapter.
    5. If Bluetooth still does not work
      • In Device Manager, under Bluetooth, right‑click the adapter and select Update driver.
      • If Bluetooth stopped working after a recent update, open the adapter Properties > Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver (if available).
      • If issues continue, go to the PC manufacturer’s support site, download the latest Bluetooth driver for the exact model and Windows 10, install it, and restart the PC.

    If the Bluetooth icon is still missing but the adapter appears in Device Manager after these steps, repeat the uninstall/restart sequence and ensure the latest OEM driver is installed.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  3. gil lazaro 0 Reputation points
    2026-08-09T15:13:27.7333333+00:00

    my Bluetooth not connected

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  4. Sin-D 12,260 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-25T04:55:53.5733333+00:00

    Hi Bangs Yusuf,

    Thanks for your post. I understand that Bluetooth stopped working on your device, and after uninstalling/reinstalling it, Bluetooth is still not appearing or connecting. Have you already tried the Q&A Assist suggestions? In addition, please try the following.

    Step 1 – Confirm Bluetooth services are running

    If the Bluetooth service is stopped, the adapter will not appear or work.

    1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter
    2. Locate “Bluetooth Support Service”
    3. Make sure:
      • Startup type is set to “Automatic”
      • Service status is “Running”
    4. If it’s not running, right‑click it and select “Start"

    Step 2 – Check Airplane mode and hardware controls

    Bluetooth will not function if it is disabled at the system or hardware level.

    1. Open Settings > “Network & Internet”
    2. Confirm “Airplane mode” is Off
    3. If you are using a laptop, also check:
      • A physical wireless switch
      • Or a Fn key combination (for example, Fn + F5/F7, depending on the manufacturer)

    Step 3 – Verify whether Bluetooth appears at all in Device Manager

    This helps determine whether the issue is driver‑related or hardware‑related.

    • Open Device Manager
    • Check:
      • Does “Bluetooth” appear?
      • Or does the adapter show under “Network adapters” or “Unknown devices”?

    If Bluetooth does not appear anywhere, Windows may not be detecting the hardware at all, which usually points to:

    • A disabled device in BIOS/UEFI, or
    • A hardware issue with the Bluetooth module

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