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Bluetooth Device Keeps Disconnecting

Beginner Network & Wi-Fi Applies to: Windows 10, Windows 11

Headphones, a mouse, or another Bluetooth device drops the connection repeatedly, often on a fairly regular interval.

Before you start: save any open work and note down what you were doing when the problem started — that context helps if you need to search further or ask for help.
  1. Turn off the power-saving setting for your Bluetooth adapter: Device Manager > Bluetooth > right-click your adapter > Properties > Power Management > uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" — this is the single most common cause of Bluetooth dropping on a fairly regular interval.
  2. Move the device closer, and check for physical obstructions between it and the PC — Bluetooth range is genuinely short, and walls or even a closed laptop lid can weaken the signal enough to cause drops.
  3. Test the device on another PC or phone if possible, to rule out a hardware fault in the device itself before assuming it's Windows.
  4. Check for interference from a nearby Wi-Fi router — Bluetooth and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi share overlapping frequencies, and being close to a router can cause exactly this kind of intermittent drop, especially on older or budget hardware.
  5. Update the Bluetooth adapter driver via Device Manager, or check your PC manufacturer's support site for a dedicated Bluetooth driver update.
  6. Forget and re-pair the device: Settings > Bluetooth & devices > find the device > Remove device, then pair it again from scratch — this clears a stale or corrupted pairing that can cause repeated drops.
  7. If multiple Bluetooth devices are connected at once, try disconnecting ones you're not actively using — some adapters struggle to reliably maintain several simultaneous connections.
Still not fixed? Send us the details and we'll help you dig further, or browse related guides in Network & Wi-Fi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the type of Bluetooth device matter?
Yes to some extent — audio devices (headphones, speakers) are more sensitive to interference and power-saving disconnects than input devices like keyboards and mice, since they need a more constant, higher-bandwidth connection.
Why would turning off power saving for the adapter actually help?
Windows can put the Bluetooth adapter to sleep to save power, which interrupts active connections — disabling that specific setting keeps the adapter fully active, at a small cost to battery life on a laptop.

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