Install the latest Intel Bluetooth driver
If Bluetooth is missing, will not turn on, or cannot connect to your headphones, speaker, keyboard, or mouse, reinstalling the Bluetooth driver can help. The method shown here uses the official Intel download for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Before you start, make sure your PC or laptop has built-in Bluetooth hardware that uses an Intel wireless adapter. The installer should come directly from Intel, and the publisher shown during installation should be Intel Corporation.
Video Tutorial
Download the Bluetooth driver from Intel
You need an internet connection to download the installer. Save your work first, since Windows needs to restart after the installation finishes.
- Open a web browser on your Windows 11 computer.
- Go to the official Intel website and locate the Bluetooth driver download for Windows 10 or Windows 11.
- Check the available versions and select the latest version listed.
- Select Available Downloads, then choose the download option for the Bluetooth driver.
- Read the license agreement, agree to it, and save the installer file to your computer.
Your browser will usually save the file in the Downloads folder. If you chose another location while saving it, open that folder instead.
Run the Intel Bluetooth installer
After the download completes, install the driver from the file you saved. Do not run a driver installer if the security prompt lists an unexpected publisher.
- Open the folder where you saved the Bluetooth driver installer, usually Downloads.
- Open the downloaded file.
- If Windows asks, “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?”, check that the publisher is Intel Corporation.
- Select Yes to allow the installer to run.
- When the installer asks if you want to update your Bluetooth wireless software to the latest version, select Yes.
- Select Next on the setup screen.
- Agree to the terms and conditions, then select Next again.
- Select Typical for the installation type.
- Select Install.
The installer will now copy and install the wireless Bluetooth driver files. Let it finish without closing the setup window.
Restart Windows 11 to finish the installation
When the installation completes, select Finish. You will then be told that the computer needs to reboot for the changes to take effect. Select Yes to restart your PC.
After Windows 11 starts again, the updated Bluetooth driver should be installed. You can then try connecting your Bluetooth device again. Turn on the device you want to use and put it into pairing mode if needed, then use Windows Bluetooth settings to pair it.
If Bluetooth still does not work
A successful installation does not always fix every Bluetooth issue immediately. Start with the simple checks below after the restart.
- Make sure the Bluetooth device has power or a charged battery.
- Move the device closer to the computer during pairing.
- Confirm the device is in pairing mode. Many headphones, speakers, keyboards, and mice require you to hold a button before they can connect.
- Disconnect the device from another phone, tablet, or computer if it is already connected elsewhere.
- Restart the Bluetooth device, then try pairing it again.
If the Intel installer will not run or reports that it is not compatible, your computer may use Bluetooth hardware from another manufacturer. In that case, do not force the Intel driver to install. Use the driver supplied for your computer’s Bluetooth hardware instead.
Keep the installer until Bluetooth is working
Leave the downloaded installer in your Downloads folder until you confirm that Bluetooth works after the restart. Test it with the device you use most, such as wireless headphones or a keyboard. Once the connection works normally, the driver installation is complete.
Installing the latest Bluetooth driver can restore the connection between Windows 11 and your wireless devices. Download from the official Intel site, confirm the Intel Corporation publisher prompt, use the Typical installation option, and restart when prompted.
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