Add or Remove Bluetooth Devices on Windows 11

Pair a Bluetooth device with Windows 11 to use accessories such as headphones, keyboards, mice, or speakers without a cable; remove a device when you no longer use it or need to pair it again. Before you start, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your PC and the device is charged, switched on, and ready to pair.

What You’ll Need

A Windows 11 PC with Bluetooth. If the PC has no built-in Bluetooth, you will need a compatible USB Bluetooth adapter and its driver.
The Bluetooth device, switched on and close to the PC. Check its instructions for how to enter pairing mode; the method varies by device.
Any PIN or passcode requested during pairing. Many devices do not require one.

Step-by-Step

Put the device in pairing mode. Turn on the accessory and use its pairing button or the steps in its instructions. A flashing light or spoken prompt may indicate that it is discoverable. Merely turning a device on may not make it available to pair.
Open Bluetooth settings. On your PC, select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices. You can also right-click the Start button, choose Settings, then select Bluetooth & devices in the left-hand navigation.
Turn Bluetooth on. Switch Bluetooth to On at the top of the page. If you do not see this control, see Troubleshooting below; the PC may lack a Bluetooth adapter, or its driver may not be working.
Start adding a device. Select Add device, then choose Bluetooth. Keep the accessory close to the PC while Windows searches. Wait for its name to appear in the list.
Select the correct device. Check the name against the accessory’s label or instructions, then select it. If Windows shows a PIN, confirm it matches the one on the accessory or enter the requested code. For some devices, you may need to select Connect or confirm a pairing prompt on the device itself.
Confirm the connection. Wait for Windows to report that the device is connected or paired, then select Done if that button appears. Test the accessory. Headphones, for example, may need to be selected as the sound output separately in Settings > System > Sound.
Remove a device when needed. Return to Settings > Bluetooth & devices. Find the accessory in the device list, select the three-dot menu beside it, and choose Remove device. Confirm if Windows asks. The device is no longer paired with this PC; removing it does not erase its settings from the accessory or remove it from other computers.
Pair it again if necessary. To reconnect a removed accessory, put it into pairing mode and repeat the add-device steps. If it remains listed but will not connect, try turning Bluetooth off and on, then select its menu and choose Connect if that option is available. Menu wording and available actions can vary by device.

Common Mistakes

Skipping pairing mode: A device that is on but not discoverable may not appear. Follow its specific pairing instructions rather than holding buttons at random.
Choosing the wrong entry: Nearby devices can have similar names. Check the model or identifier, and avoid selecting an unfamiliar device.
Pairing while it is connected elsewhere: Some accessories connect to only one device at a time. Disconnect them from the phone, tablet, or other PC, or turn Bluetooth off on that device temporarily.
Confusing paired with connected: Windows can remember a device even when it is switched off or out of range. Bring it nearby and switch it on before trying to connect.
Removing the wrong device: Check its name before selecting Remove device. You may need to pair it again afterward.
Expecting every accessory to appear under Bluetooth: Some devices use a wireless USB receiver rather than Bluetooth. Follow the accessory’s instructions to determine its connection method.

Tips

Keep the accessory within a few feet of the PC during initial pairing, and move it away from other active wireless devices if discovery is unreliable.
Charge rechargeable accessories and replace or check batteries before troubleshooting a connection.
For a keyboard or mouse that supports multiple connection modes, select its Bluetooth mode and the intended device slot before pairing.
If you use several audio devices, select the intended output in Settings > System > Sound after pairing. Pairing alone may not switch Windows audio to the new headphones or speaker.
Use Remove device and pair again when Windows has an outdated or broken pairing record. You do not need to remove a working device just to disconnect it temporarily.

Troubleshooting

Bluetooth is missing or cannot be turned on: Check whether the PC has Bluetooth hardware. Open Device Manager from Start search and look for a Bluetooth section or adapter. If it is disabled, right-click it and choose Enable device, if available. Install or update the Bluetooth driver using Windows Update or the PC maker’s support instructions. If there is no adapter, a compatible USB Bluetooth adapter may be needed.
The accessory does not appear: Confirm it is in pairing mode, charged, nearby, and not already connected to another device. Turn Bluetooth off and on in Settings, wait briefly, then select Add device > Bluetooth again. Restart the accessory and PC if it still does not show.
Pairing fails or a PIN is rejected: Check the accessory’s instructions for the correct pairing process and passcode. Remove an old entry for that accessory from Bluetooth & devices, restart it, put it into pairing mode, and try again. Do not guess repeated codes; use the code or confirmation displayed by the device.
It pairs but will not connect: Make sure the accessory is on, nearby, and not connected elsewhere. Select its three-dot menu in Settings and choose Connect if shown. If that fails, remove it and pair again. For an audio device, also check the output selection under System > Sound.
It disconnects repeatedly: Charge the accessory, reduce distance and obstructions, and check that the PC’s Bluetooth driver is current. If the issue continues, restart Windows and the accessory. For persistent driver or hardware problems, consult the PC maker’s support guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add a Bluetooth device in Windows 11?

Put the device into pairing mode, then open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth. Select it and follow any pairing prompts.

How do I remove a Bluetooth device?

Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices, select the three-dot menu beside the device, then choose Remove device and confirm.

Does removing a device disconnect it from my phone too?

No. Removing it in Windows clears its pairing with that PC only. It does not remove pairings stored on the accessory or other devices.

Why is my Bluetooth device not showing up?

It may not be in pairing mode, may be out of range, or may already be connected elsewhere. Check its instructions, bring it close, and try searching again.

Can I pair a device without a PIN?

Often, yes. Some devices pair without a code; others display a code to confirm or require a passcode specified in their instructions. Follow the prompts shown by Windows and the accessory.

Can I connect a Bluetooth device to two PCs at once?

That depends on the accessory. Some support multipoint connections; others connect to one device at a time. Check its documentation and disconnect it from another device if pairing fails.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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