How to fix Bluetooth

Alan 125 Reputation points
2025-08-16T22:29:33.53+00:00

I paired my Bluetooth earbuds but whenever i try to connect it just says

"That didn't work. Make sure your Bluetooth device is still discoverablethen try again."

I've tried reinstalling drivers multiple timesdoing a clean bootnone of it has worked.

Sometimes it says connected but then immediately disconnects after i put the earbud in my ear.

Please help.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers

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  1. Adrian_A_ 8,800 Reputation points
    2025-08-16T23:42:24.03+00:00

    Thanks for clarifyingAlan. It is possible that this could be a compatibility issue. Older built-in Bluetooth adaptersespecially ones limited to Bluetooth 4.0/4.1sometimes have trouble with newer earbuds that expect stable support for Bluetooth 5.0/5.2 features like LE AudioAAC codecor multipoint.

    If you’ve already updated the BIOS and chipset drivers and tried the earlier steps I suggestedthe next option is to perform an in-place upgrade to rule out issues with your Windows system.

    In-place upgrade is a process wherein it will upgrade the device to the latest version and repair many issues without deleting any files. Usuallyit is used to repair corrupted system filesappsand even incompatible drivers on the system.

    Here's how.

    Go to the official Microsoft page:

    https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

    Under "Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)," select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO) and click Download.

    After downloadingright-click the ISO file and click Mount.

    Open the new virtual drive that appears and run setup.exe.

    On the installer screen

    Choose “Keep personal files and apps” when prompted.

    Follow the on-screen steps to complete the installation.

    This process can take up to 1 hour and may include multiple restarts. After it completesWindows will be refreshed while keeping all your data intact.

    If that still doesn’t resolve the issueI recommend contacting your earbuds’ manufacturer to check for any firmware available for the earbudsespecially since other Bluetooth devices work fine on your PC. Another practical option is to use an external USB Bluetooth 5.0/5.3 dongle. These are inexpensivewidely availableand often resolve connection problems with modern earbuds.

    13 people found this answer helpful.

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  1. Adrian_A_ 8,800 Reputation points
    2025-08-16T23:11:19.7+00:00

    Thank you for reaching out. I’ll help you get this sorted out.

    Before we proceedI need to clarify a few things:

    1. What version of Windows are you runningand which build?
    2. Does this issue occur only with these earbuds or with any Bluetooth device?
    3. Have you recently installed Windows updates or BIOS/driver updates before this started?
    4. Are you using the PC’s built-in Bluetooth or an external USB Bluetooth dongle?
    5. Do the earbuds connect and stay connected properly to your phone or other devices?

    While waiting for your answershere are some steps you can try:

    Step 1. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

    Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters

    Run Bluetooth troubleshooter and apply fixes

    Step 2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices

    Click your earbuds > Remove device

    Restart your PC

    Re-pair the earbuds

    Step 3. Reset Bluetooth services

    Press Win+Rtype services.mscpress Enter

    Find these services:

    Bluetooth Support Service

    Bluetooth Audio Gateway Serviceif present

    Right click > Restart. Make sure they are set to automatic.

    Step 4. In Device Manager

    Expand Bluetooth > right-click your Bluetooth adapter > Uninstall device > check “Delete the driver software for this device”

    Restart your PC and let Windows reinstall a fresh driver

    Step 5. In Device Managerright-click your Bluetooth adapter > Properties > Power Management tab

    Uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."

    Step 6. Test in Airplane mode toggle only if it is available to your system

    Turn Airplane mode ON > wait 10 seconds > turn OFF

    Then try reconnecting

    You can also follow the steps in this article.

    Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows

    If all else failssometimes a BIOS update or chipset driver update from your PC/motherboard manufacturer resolves Bluetooth instability in Windows 11. So I would recommend checking for BIOS and chipset driver update from your device manufacturer's website.

    7 people found this answer helpful.