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How to Update the Bluetooth Driver Using Device Manager in Windows 11

Richard
Written by
Richard
May 20, 2026 3 min read
USB Bluetooth adapter glowing blue in laptop
USB Bluetooth adapter glowing blue in laptop

You update your Bluetooth driver in Windows 11 using Device Manager to fix connection issues or improve performance.

Think of a driver as a translator for your Bluetooth hardware, like your adapter. It helps your hardware talk effectively with Windows 11. When this translator gets old or damaged, you might have trouble with things like headphones that won’t pair or a mouse that keeps disconnecting.

This guide focuses on using the built-in Windows 11 Device Manager, a powerful tool that lets you manage and update your hardware drivers.

Updating your Bluetooth driver is usually the first thing you’ll want to try when wireless connections aren’t working.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open Device Manager by typing ‘devmgmt.msc’ in the Start menu search. Expand ‘Bluetooth,’ right-click your adapter, select ‘Update driver,’ and choose ‘Search automatically for drivers.’ Follow any on-screen prompts and restart your PC.

Update Your Bluetooth Driver Using Device Manager

When your Bluetooth devices aren’t working, check their “brains” – the drivers. Device Manager shows you all the hardware on your computer and lets you manage its drivers. It’s like your computer’s hardware control center.

Here’s how to use it and update your Bluetooth driver:

1Open Device Manager

Opening Device Manager is the first step to update your Bluetooth driver in Windows 11.

💡Tip
You can also right-click the Start button and choose “Device Manager” from the menu. It’s a quick way to get there!

2Find Your Bluetooth Adapter

Device Manager displays a list of hardware categories. Find and click the little arrow next to ‘ Bluetooth’ to see your devices and adapters.

⚠️Warning
Be careful not to uninstall or disable devices you don’t recognize. Only make changes within the Bluetooth section.

3Start the Driver Update

Look for your specific Bluetooth adapter in the list. It might say something like “Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth(R)”, depending on your computer’s manufacturer. Once you find it, right-click on it. A menu will appear. Choose “Update driver” from that menu.

4Let Windows Search for Drivers

To update your Bluetooth driver, let Windows search automatically for the latest driver software.

Explanation: Windows Update usually has recent drivers, but not always the very newest ones available. This step tells Windows to try its best to find an update for you.

5Follow the On-Screen Prompts

If Windows finds a newer Bluetooth driver, follow the simple on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

Tip: If Windows tells you the best driver is already installed, that’s okay. It just means Windows Update doesn’t have a newer one available. We’ll explain what to do next.

6 Restart Your PC

Restarting your PC after updating the Bluetooth driver is a crucial step to make sure the changes work correctly.

Action: Click “Restart now” or restart your PC from the Start menu.

Device Manager window showing Bluetooth adapter options in Windows 11.
Device Manager window showing Bluetooth adapter options in Windows 11.
Device Manager searching automatically for updated Bluetooth drivers in Windows 11.
Device Manager searching automatically for updated Bluetooth drivers in Windows 11.
Device Manager indicates best Bluetooth drivers are already installed in Windows 11.
Device Manager indicates best Bluetooth drivers are already installed in Windows 11.

Reference:

Summary

Updating your Bluetooth driver using Device Manager in Windows 11 can fix connection issues and improve performance.

How to update Bluetooth driver from Device Manager?

To update your Bluetooth driver in Windows 11 via Device Manager, open Device Manager by typing ‘devmgmt.msc’ in the Start menu search. Expand the ‘Bluetooth’ section, right-click your Bluetooth adapter, select ‘Update driver,’ and choose ‘Search automatically for drivers.’

How to manually update drivers in Device Manager?

To manually update drivers in Device Manager, open it via ‘devmgmt.msc.’ Locate the hardware, right-click it, and select ‘Update driver.’ Choose ‘Browse my computer for drivers’ and then ‘Let me pick from a list of available drivers’ to select a specific driver.

How to fix Bluetooth driver problems?

Fix Bluetooth driver problems by updating the driver through Device Manager. If updating doesn’t work, try uninstalling the Bluetooth adapter from Device Manager and then restarting your PC to let Windows automatically reinstall it. This often resolves connectivity issues.

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Tags: #Windows 11
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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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