BenchReady — Bluetooth is present, but your device will not pair
Windows 11 with Bluetooth visible in Device Manager and a Bluetooth accessory that can be put into pairing mode.
Outside this guide: If Bluetooth is entirely missing, this pairing workflow is not the right diagnosis. If sound alone fails after connection, record that as a separate audio issue.

STOP: Keep a working input method before removing a keyboard or mouse pairing. On a managed PC, ask IT before changing controlled settings or drivers. Stop using damaged or overheating accessories.

PREPARE
[ ] The accessory’s pairing instructions
[ ] An adequately charged accessory within reach
[ ] Another input method if your mouse or keyboard uses Bluetooth

CHECKS
1. Check the starting state
Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices. Turn Bluetooth on. Put the accessory into the pairing mode described by its manufacturer and keep it close to the PC.
2. Record discoverability
Select Add device and check whether the accessory appears. Record “not listed”, “listed but pairing fails”, or “connected”; these are different results.
3. Review an existing pairing
If it is already listed but will not connect, remove that accessory and add it again when you have another usable input method. Record the result separately from the first attempt.
4. Choose a bounded follow-up
Check accessory charge. You can run the Bluetooth troubleshooter in Get Help; it may apply fixes. Record whether it ran and what changed. If the problem continues, keep the exact PC/accessory models for their support teams.

OBSERVATIONS
Bluetooth in Device Manager: Not checked
Choices: Not checked / Present / Missing / Uncertain
Accessory pairing mode: Not checked
Choices: Not checked / Confirmed / Not confirmed
Add device result: Not checked
Choices: Not checked / Accessory not listed / Listed; pairing failed / Connected
Remove and add again: Not checked
Choices: Not checked / Connected afterward / Still failed / Skipped to preserve input
Get Help troubleshooter: Not checked
Choices: Not checked / Ran; response improved / Ran; no improvement / Not available
Remaining problem: Not checked
Choices: Not checked / Discovery / Pairing / Connected function / No issue in this check

NEXT STEPS
The accessory never appears: Pairing mode, charge and discoverability remain unresolved. An absent entry alone does not identify a failed radio.
It appears but pairing fails: Keep that distinction in the record, along with whether re-pairing was attempted.
It connects but a function fails: Move to that function’s troubleshooting route, such as audio or input. Do not repeat pairing as if discovery had failed.

OFFICIAL SOURCES
Microsoft: Troubleshoot Bluetooth not connecting: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/bluetooth/troubleshoot-bluetooth-not-connecting-in-windows (checked 2026-10-20)

Guide: https://csl-15-device-repair.pages.dev/guides/windows11-bluetooth-pairing/
Keep credentials, recovery keys, personal files and serial numbers outside this worksheet. A recorded observation is not proof of a physical repair.