How to Fix Windows Won’t Detect Bluetooth Headphones?

Bluetooth headphones are typically quite easy to connect and use. However, Windows users keep running into issues related to them every now and then. One common problem that has been popping up recently is that the Windows operating system is unable to detect Bluetooth headphones. 

Here are the methods that we can try to fix this issue:

1. Disable the Airplane Mode

When airplane mode is enabled on the computer, the Bluetooth feature turns off automatically. If you are using airplane mode on your device, disable it and then try connecting the Bluetooth headphones with the computer.

If this is not the situation in your case, proceed with the method below.

2. Restart Bluetooth

If your Bluetooth service is not working properly, the system will have issues detecting devices and connecting with them. If this scenario is applicable, you can restart or repair the Bluetooth service to get it back up and running.

You can also try pairing another Bluetooth device and check if that device works. If it does not, then the issue lies with the system. However, if the device manages to connect and work properly, the issue is with the Bluetooth headphones that you are using.

While you are at it, make sure that the Bluetooth feature of your other devices is disabled., There have been instances where the device simply could not connect to the computer because it was paired with another device.

3. Update Bluetooth Drivers

Drivers connect the hardware components to the software of the system. If the drivers are not working as they are supposed to, you will not be able to use the related hardware devices.

In this case, there is a chance that the Bluetooth driver installed on your computer is either corrupt or outdated. We recommend that you try installing the latest version of the driver first and check if that fixes the issue. If not, then reinstall the driver using the manufacturer’s website from scratch.

Here is how you can proceed:

1. Type Device Manager in Windows search and click Open.
2. In the following window, locate the Bluetooth section and expand it.
3. Right-click on your Bluetooth driver and choose the Update driver option from the context menu.
   

   

4. Now, click on Search automatically for drivers and let the system scan for the updated driver version.
   

   

5. If it finds one, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

Once done, check if the issue is resolved. If not, then proceed with reinstalling the driver.

1. Click on your Bluetooth driver again and choose Uninstall device from the context menu.
   

   

2. Click on the Uninstall button again to proceed.
   
3. After the driver is uninstalled, head over to your computer manufacturer’s website and look for Bluetooth drivers.
4. Install the most appropriate one for your computer.
5. Once done, try to connect your headphones and check if it works.

4. Run the Troubleshooter

You can also run the Bluetooth troubleshooter to fix issues related to this service. Windows has a built-in Bluetooth troubleshooter, which you can access using the Settings app.

If the Bluetooth troubleshooter does not fix the issue, you can run the Hardware and devices troubleshooter using the Command Prompt. Both utilities will scan the system for potential errors and fix any identified issues.

4.1 Bluetooth Troubleshooter

1. Press Win + I keys together to open Windows settings.
2. Choose System from the left pane and click on Troubleshoot in the right side of the window.
3. In the following window, click on Other troubleshooters.
   
   
4. Now, locate the Bluetooth troubleshooter and click on the Run button for it.
   

   

5. Wait for the troubleshooter to complete its process. If it finds any issues, click on Apply this fix to implement the suggested fix by the troubleshooter. Otherwise, click on Close the troubleshooter and move to the next method below.

4.2 Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

1. Press Win + R together to open Run.
2. Type cmd in Run and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as an administrator.
3. Click Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
4. In the Command Prompt window, execute the command below:
   

   msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

5. Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to proceed.
   

   

5. Enable the Bluetooth Support Service

The issue might also appear because the Bluetooth support service is not working properly or is disabled completely. 

Here is how you can enable/restart the service.

1. Press Win + R together to open Run.
2. Type services.msc in Run and press Enter to proceed.
3. In the following window, locate the Bluetooth Support Service and right-click on it.
   

   

4. Choose Properties from the context menu.
5. In the Properties dialog, click on the Start button and make sure that the Startup type is set to Automatic.
6. If the service is already running, click on the Stop button, wait for a few seconds, and then hit Start again.