When Bluetooth headphones won't connect, first check whether the headphones are in pairing mode and whether Windows Bluetooth is enabled. Work through these steps before reinstalling drivers.
## 1. Charge the headphones and enter pairing mode Charge the headphones and follow the manufacturer's instructions to put them into pairing mode. Turning them on is not always the same as making them discoverable. If the headphones automatically connect to a phone or tablet, disconnect them from that device temporarily.
## 2. Check Bluetooth in Windows On Windows 11, open Settings → Bluetooth & devices and make sure Bluetooth is on. Select Add device → Bluetooth, then choose the headphones when they appear. On Windows 10, open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices and choose Add Bluetooth or other device.
Menu labels can vary by Windows version and PC manufacturer.
## 3. Remove and pair again If the headphones are already listed but won't connect, select them in Bluetooth settings and choose Remove device, then restart pairing. Do this only if you can put the headphones back into pairing mode.
## 4. Check sound output The headphones may connect but Windows may still play audio through speakers. Open Quick Settings or Settings → System → Sound and choose the headphones as the output device. Check the app's own audio settings too.
## 5. Restart and update carefully Restart the PC and check Windows Update. If Bluetooth is missing or the adapter shows an error, use the PC maker's official support site for model-specific guidance. Avoid third-party driver-updater programs.
## When to suspect hardware If Bluetooth won't work with any device, or the headphones won't pair with any phone or computer, test another known-good device if possible. That helps distinguish a Windows issue from a headphone problem.
Official sources
For current instructions and details that vary by device or Windows version, consult Microsoft Support — Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows.
Menu names and available features vary by Windows version, hardware, and manufacturer. Before any step that could erase data or change security settings, read the warning and make sure important files are backed up.
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