How To Update Bluetooth Driver In Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on October 25, 2025

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Bluetooth drivers are essential for your Windows 11 computer to communicate with wireless devices like headphones, speakers, keyboards, and mice. Keeping these drivers up-to-date ensures optimal performance, compatibility, and security. Outdated drivers can lead to connectivity issues, audio glitches, or even prevent your Bluetooth devices from working altogether.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to updating your Bluetooth drivers in Windows 11. We’ll cover multiple methods, from using Device Manager to downloading the latest drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website, ensuring you can find the best solution for your specific situation.

What’s the Best Way to Update My Bluetooth Driver in Windows 11?

Updating via Device Manager

Device Manager is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to manage and update hardware drivers. Here’s how to use it to update your Bluetooth driver:

Press the Windows key + X to open the Quick Link menu.
Select Device Manager from the list.
Expand the Bluetooth category.
Right-click on your Bluetooth adapter (it might be named something like “Intel Wireless Bluetooth” or “Realtek Bluetooth Adapter”).
Select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will search for the latest available driver on your system and online.
If an update is found, Windows will download and install it automatically.
Restart your computer to complete the installation.

If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, you can try the next method.

Manually Updating Drivers from the Manufacturer’s Website

Sometimes, the latest drivers aren’t immediately available through Windows Update. In this case, you can download them directly from the device manufacturer’s website:

Identify your computer’s manufacturer and model. This information is usually found on a sticker on your laptop or desktop.
Visit the manufacturer’s support website (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS).
Navigate to the “Drivers & Downloads” section.
Enter your computer’s model number or serial number.
Locate the Bluetooth driver for your version of Windows 11.
Download the driver.
Run the downloaded file to install the driver. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Restart your computer after the installation is complete.

Using Windows Update

Windows Update can sometimes provide Bluetooth driver updates as part of its regular system updates:

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Click on Windows Update in the left sidebar.
Click the Check for updates button.
If any Bluetooth driver updates are available, Windows will download and install them automatically.
Restart your computer to complete the installation.

Rolling Back to a Previous Driver Version

If a recent driver update causes problems with your Bluetooth devices, you can roll back to a previous version:

Open Device Manager (Windows key + X, then select Device Manager).
Expand the Bluetooth category.
Right-click on your Bluetooth adapter.
Select Properties.
Go to the Driver tab.
Click the Roll Back Driver button. If the button is grayed out, it means there are no previous drivers available.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the rollback.
Restart your computer.

Tips for Troubleshooting Bluetooth Driver Issues

Check Bluetooth Device Compatibility: Ensure your Bluetooth device is compatible with Windows 11.
Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically diagnose and fix common Bluetooth problems. You can find it in Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Bluetooth.
Disable and Re-enable Bluetooth: Sometimes, simply turning Bluetooth off and back on can resolve connectivity issues.
Update BIOS: Outdated BIOS can sometimes cause hardware compatibility issues. Check your motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest BIOS updates.

Comparison of Driver Update Methods

Method	Pros	Cons
Device Manager	Easy to use, built-in to Windows	May not always have the latest drivers
Manufacturer’s Website	Provides the latest drivers directly from the source	Requires manual identification of your device and driver
Windows Update	Automatic updates, convenient	May not always include the most recent drivers, updates can sometimes cause issues
Rolling Back Driver	Reverts to a stable driver version if a new update causes problems	Only works if a previous driver version is available, doesn’t fix the underlying issue with new driver

Keeping Your Bluetooth Connection Strong

Updating your Bluetooth drivers is a crucial step in maintaining a stable and reliable connection with your wireless devices in Windows 11. By following these steps, you can ensure that your Bluetooth devices work seamlessly.

FAQ

How do I know if my Bluetooth driver needs updating? If you’re experiencing Bluetooth connectivity issues, audio problems, or your Bluetooth devices aren’t working at all, it’s a good indication that your driver might need updating.

Can outdated Bluetooth drivers cause security vulnerabilities? Yes, outdated drivers can sometimes contain security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious software.

Is it safe to download drivers from third-party websites? It’s generally not recommended to download drivers from third-party websites, as they may contain malware or incompatible drivers. Always download drivers from the manufacturer’s website or through Windows Update.

How often should I update my Bluetooth driver? Check for updates periodically, especially if you’re experiencing Bluetooth-related issues. You can also subscribe to your computer manufacturer’s newsletter to receive notifications about new driver releases.

What do I do if I can’t find a Bluetooth driver for my device? If you can’t find a Bluetooth driver for your specific device model, try searching for a generic Bluetooth driver that is compatible with Windows 11. You can also contact the device manufacturer for assistance.