Before you start
- A PC with Bluetooth (built in or a USB adapter)
- The device charged and in pairing mode
Method 1 Start with the basics
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Step 1: Toggle Bluetooth
Open Quick Settings (Win + A), turn Bluetooth off, wait 10 seconds and turn it back on.
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Step 2: Put the device in pairing mode
Most devices need a long press on the power or Bluetooth button until a light flashes quickly or you hear “pairing”. Check its manual.
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Step 3: Disconnect it from other devices
Headphones often reconnect to your phone first. Turn off Bluetooth on the phone during pairing.
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Step 4: Charge it
A low battery can stop a device pairing.
Method 2 Remove and pair again
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Step 1: Remove the device
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices, click ⋯ next to the device and choose Remove device.
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Step 2: Add it again
Click Add device > Bluetooth, wait for the device to appear and select it.
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Step 3: Confirm the code
If a PIN appears, check it matches on both devices and click Connect.
Method 3 Restart Bluetooth services and drivers
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Step 1: Restart the service
Press Win + R, type services.msc, find Bluetooth Support Service, right-click > Restart. Set its Startup type to Automatic.
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Step 2: Update the driver
Right-click Start > Device Manager > Bluetooth. Right-click your adapter (e.g. Intel Wireless Bluetooth, Realtek, MediaTek) > Update driver, or download the latest from your PC maker.
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Step 3: Reinstall it
If problems continue, right-click the adapter > Uninstall device and restart. Windows reinstalls it.
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Step 4: Run the troubleshooter
Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run Bluetooth (or use the Get Help app).
Troubleshooting
Bluetooth is missing from Settings
Check Device Manager for a Bluetooth section. If it’s missing, enable Bluetooth in the BIOS, install the driver from your PC maker, or use a USB Bluetooth adapter.
The device pairs but won’t stay connected
In Device Manager, open the Bluetooth adapter’s Power Management tab and untick Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
“Try connecting your device again”
Remove the device, restart the PC, reset the device (see its manual), and pair again.
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect several Bluetooth devices at once?
Yes, typically up to 7 active devices, though audio quality may drop with several audio devices at once.
Do I need special drivers for AirPods on Windows?
No. AirPods pair like any Bluetooth headphones: put them in pairing mode by holding the case button.
Summary
Remove the device in Settings > Bluetooth & devices, put it back in pairing mode and add it again. If that fails, restart the Bluetooth Support Service, update the driver and reduce interference from USB 3 and Wi-Fi.
