How to Fix Bluetooth Mouse Not Working on PC: Step-by-Step Tutorial

When your Bluetooth mouse suddenly stops working and the entire Bluetooth functionality disappears from your PC—no toggle switch, no Bluetooth in Device Manager—it usually indicates a deeper issue with the system’s Bluetooth configuration, drivers, or services. This comprehensive guide walks you through multiple methods to restore Bluetooth functionality on Windows PCs.

Quick Tip: To fix a Bluetooth mouse that’s not working, save all work then press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn off the computer, then unplug the mouse (or remove its batteries) and wait 30 seconds before reconnecting power. Afterward, check your device’s Bluetooth settings to re-establish the connection.

🔧 Method 1: Check If Bluetooth Hardware Is Present

Step 1: Check Device Manager

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Look for a Bluetooth section.
- If it’s missing, expand Network adapters or Other devices.
- Look for any device that might reference Bluetooth (e.g., “Unknown device” or “Bluetooth Radio”).

Step 2: Check for Hidden Devices

In Device Manager, click View > Show hidden devices.
Re-check if Bluetooth appears.
If it appears greyed out or with a warning icon, update or reinstall the driver (see Method 4).

🔧 Method 2: Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Step 1: Access Troubleshooter

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Scroll down and click Run next to Bluetooth.

Step 2: Follow On-Screen Instructions

Windows will detect and attempt to fix problems automatically.

🔧 Method 3: Restart Bluetooth Support Service

Step 1: Open Services

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Locate Bluetooth Services

Look for these:
- Bluetooth Support Service
- Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service
- Bluetooth User Support Service

Step 3: Restart and Set to Automatic

Right-click each service > Properties.
Set Startup type to Automatic.
Click Start if the service is stopped.
Click Apply and OK.

🔧 Method 4: Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers

Step 1: Uninstall Bluetooth Drivers

Open Device Manager.
If Bluetooth is visible, expand it.
Right-click the Bluetooth adapter (e.g., Intel Wireless Bluetooth) > Uninstall device.
Check “Delete the driver software for this device” and confirm.

Step 2: Restart PC

Windows will attempt to reinstall the default driver upon reboot.

Step 3: Manually Install Driver (If Not Reinstalled)

Visit your PC/laptop manufacturer’s website.
Download the latest Bluetooth driver compatible with your Windows version.
Install and restart your system.

🔧 Method 5: Enable Bluetooth in BIOS/UEFI

Step 1: Enter BIOS/UEFI

Restart your PC and press the BIOS key (e.g., F2, Del, Esc, varies by manufacturer).

Step 2: Check Wireless or Integrated Peripherals

Navigate to Advanced > Devices > Integrated Peripherals or similar.
Make sure Bluetooth is set to Enabled.
Save and exit BIOS (usually F10).

🔧 Method 6: Use Command Prompt to Reinstall Drivers and Services

Step 1: Launch Command Prompt as Administrator

Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.

Step 2: Reset Network and Bluetooth Stack

net stop bthserv
net start bthserv

Step 3: Scan for Hardware Changes

sfc /scannow

This checks and repairs system files.

Step 4: Reinstall Bluetooth Components (Optional)

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

🔧 Method 7: Enable Bluetooth from Registry (Advanced)

⚠️ Caution: Modifying the registry can cause system instability. Create a restore point before proceeding.

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to Key

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\BTHPORT

Step 3: Verify Entries

Look for Start DWORD and make sure its value is 2 (for Automatic).
If missing or set to another number, right-click, select Modify, and enter 2.

Step 4: Restart PC

🔧 Method 8: Check Windows Optional Features

Sometimes, a Windows update may inadvertently disable Bluetooth.

Step 1: Open Optional Features

Go to Settings > Apps > Optional features.
Click View features and search for Wireless Display or any Bluetooth-related features.
Install if missing.

🔧 Method 9: System Restore or Reset

If all else fails, revert to a system restore point or reset Windows.

Step 1: Perform System Restore

Press Windows + S, type Restore, and open Create a restore point.
Click System Restore, choose a point when Bluetooth was working, and follow the prompts.

Step 2: Reset Windows (Last Resort)

Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
Under Reset this PC, choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
Follow instructions to reset your system.

🧪 Additional Tips

Make sure Airplane Mode is off.
Try using a Bluetooth USB dongle if your internal Bluetooth hardware has failed.
Double-check your mouse battery and ensure it’s in pairing mode before troubleshooting.

If none of the above methods resolve the issue, it could indicate a hardware failure of your Bluetooth chip. In that case, consider using an external USB Bluetooth adapter or seeking professional hardware support.