If you use Bluetooth with Windows 11, you might want to know how to turn the feature on or off. Maybe your device isn’t synching with your new speakers, or maybe you no longer want to pair with your old headphones. Fortunately, this is a relatively straightforward process.
In this article, we’ll show you how to turn Bluetooth on or off in Windows 11. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions on the topic.
How to Turn On Bluetooth in Windows 11
Bluetooth must be turned on in Windows 11 to detect any Bluetooth-enabled device. There are two ways in Windows 11 to turn on your computer’s Bluetooth.
Quick Settings
If you have a Bluetooth-enabled device nearby and it’s turned on, your computer will automatically detect it. When this happens, you can turn Bluetooth on via the quick settings. To do so, follow these steps:
- In the taskbar, find and select the “Quick Settings” menu. This is the series of icons to the left of the date and time in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.
- A pop-up menu will appear. Find and select the stylized “B” in this menu. This is the universal symbol for Bluetooth.
- If you can’t find the Bluetooth symbol, click the little pencil icon in the bottom right corner. Then click “Add” and then Bluetooth. This will add the Bluetooth symbol to the pop-up menu, and you can click it.
- Once you click the Bluetooth symbol, it will turn blue, indicating that it has been turned on.
Once the Bluetooth is turned on, you’ll be able to make a connection with a Bluetooth-enabled device.
Windows Settings
If the computer doesn’t automatically register that there is a Bluetooth-enabled device nearby, you won’t be able to turn on Bluetooth in the quick settings. You will need to turn it on via the Windows settings. Here’s how it’s done:
- Launch “Settings.” You can do this by pressing “Windows” + “i” on your keyboard or by searching “Settings” in the search bar.
- Once you’ve launched the settings app, click on “Bluetooth & devices.”
- Flip the switch next to “Bluetooth” to the on position.
- If the switch has turned blue, Bluetooth has successfully been turned on.
You’ll now be able to connect a device to the computer via Bluetooth.
How to Turn Off Bluetooth in Windows 11
Whether you want to turn Bluetooth off to aid security or conserve battery life, you can do so by following a few straightforward steps. Simply put, turning Bluetooth off in Windows 11 is the same process as turning it on.
- Launch “Settings.” You can do this by pressing “Windows” + “i” on your keyboard or by searching “Settings” in the search bar.
- Once you’ve launched the settings app, click on “Bluetooth & devices.”
- Flip the switch next to “Bluetooth” to the off position.
- If the switch has turned gray, Bluetooth has successfully been turned off.
Once turned off, any device connected to your computer via Bluetooth will disconnect.
Additional FAQs
How do I add a device once Bluetooth is turned on?
Just getting Bluetooth turned on is half the battle. You’ll still need to connect a device. To connect a device via Bluetooth in Windows 11, do the following:
1. Go to “Settings” and then “Bluetooth & devices.”
2. Click the “Add device” button at the top of the window.
3. A window will pop up called “Add a device.” Click on “Bluetooth.”
4. Any device that the computer can see will automatically show up here. Select the one you want to connect to.
5. You will see a message that reads, “Device is ready to go!”
6. Click “Done” in the bottom right-hand corner.
Your device should be connected and ready to use.
Why can’t I see the device I want to connect?
If you’ve turned on Bluetooth in Windows 11 and can’t see the device you want to connect, you can take a few troubleshooting steps. Here are some common reasons why your device can’t be found on your Windows 11 computer:
• The device isn’t turned on, or the battery is very low.
• The device isn’t “discoverable” to the computer. Some devices need to be turned on to be discoverable. Other devices require a long press of a particular button or another method. Check the instructions that came with the device.
• Unpair the device to any other Bluetooth devices it may be paired with other than your computer.
• There is some other sort of glitch. Turn the device off and back on again. Also, restart your computer.
If none of these common reasons are applicable, you should consider contacting technical support.
The Invisible Wires of Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a powerful tool in wireless technology. Millions of people use Bluetooth-enabled devices every day. Whether you aim to use a keyboard, mouse, speakers, or another device with your computer, Bluetooth is a secure and reliable way to connect.
What Bluetooth devices do you plan to use with your Windows 11 computer? Have you ever had to turn Bluetooth on or off? Let us know in the comments section below.
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