how do I turn on blue tooth in windows 11 security

Question

how do I turn on blue tooth in windows 11 security

Garry Smith 0

I can't turn on my Bluetooth setting in windows 11 security.

copilot can't turn it on either.

EmilyS726 278.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-11-06T23:57:41.9033333+00:00
Hello,

Bluetooth should be turned on via Settings > Bluetooth and devices. Not via Windows Security.

If you don't see the toggle option, or if it is grayed out, can you share with me two screenshots please?

Go to Device Manager > Network Adapters, I would like to see what's listed.

Please type msinfo32.exe in the search on the taskbar and hit enter, then share a screenshot of the pop up.

Thanks!

1 answer

Your answer

EmilyS726 278.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-11-06T23:57:41.9033333+00:00

Hello,

Bluetooth should be turned on via Settings > Bluetooth and devices. Not via Windows Security.

If you don't see the toggle option, or if it is grayed out, can you share with me two screenshots please?

Go to Device Manager > Network Adapters, I would like to see what's listed.

Please type msinfo32.exe in the search on the taskbar and hit enter, then share a screenshot of the pop up.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Bluetooth is turned on under Settings > Bluetooth & devices, not Windows Security; if that switch is missing, grayed out, or will not stay on, recover the Bluetooth hardware and driver using the steps below.

Turn Bluetooth on normally

Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
Set Bluetooth to On.
Alternatively, press Windows+A and select the Bluetooth tile. Ensure Airplane mode is off. ^1^

If the switch turns on, Windows should display “Discoverable as [computer name]”. You can then select Add device > Bluetooth to connect a device.

If the switch is missing, gray, or does nothing

Since Copilot could not enable it, move to hardware and driver recovery:

Fully power off the Bluetooth hardware
- Hold Shift while selecting Start > Power > Shut down.
- Wait one minute, and then turn the PC back on.
- Use Shut down, not Restart, because the full shutdown resets the Bluetooth hardware. ^2^
Check the Bluetooth adapter
- Right-click Start > Device Manager.
- Expand Bluetooth.
- Right-click the adapter—its name may contain Bluetooth or Radio.
- Select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
- Install any offered driver and restart if requested. ^2^
Install optional driver or firmware updates
- Open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
- Install available Bluetooth, chipset, BIOS, UEFI, or firmware updates.
- Restart the PC. ^2^
If Bluetooth is absent from Device Manager
- Visit the support website for the exact laptop or motherboard model.
- Install its Windows 11 Bluetooth/Wireless driver and any recommended BIOS or firmware update.
- Restart and check Settings > Bluetooth & devices again. Microsoft notes that missing or grayed-out controls commonly indicate that Windows cannot detect or enable the Bluetooth hardware. ^2^

If the manufacturer’s driver and firmware do not restore the adapter, contact the PC manufacturer because the Bluetooth module itself may require model-specific troubleshooting or service.

References