Reconnection problems with bluetooth on laptop with advanced administrator

Question

I'm on a Windows 11 laptop with strict and advanced administrator. Bluetooth menu in System Settings does not pop up, and bluetooth refuses to reconnect with my Nintendo Switch Pro controller. I've tried registry edit and device manager, but those don't work either. The only way I can connect my controller is through the quick settings, but if I disconnect it once, it cannot be reconnected. I can press another device and it'll say connecting, yet my controller doesn't say it. Everytime I press it, it just gets selected. No connecting, no settings, just selected.

Answer 1

Hello Nathaniel,

Thank you for posting question on Microsoft Windows Forum!

Based on your query of Bluetooth not being able to reconnect with your Nintendo Switch Pro controller. Well! The suggestion here is to try pairing correctly on the controller by holding the small Sync button on the top (next to USB-C) until the lights flash, then try pairing from Windows while it is flashing. Also, making sure the controller has enough battery; very low batteries sometimes allow initial connection but not re-connect behavior.

As you mentioned the Bluetooth menu page does not pop up. Try to force open the Bluetooth Settings via URI by pressing Win + R on your keyboard and type ms-settings:bluetooth and hit Enter. Check if the Bluetooth settings page open at all.

It is also worth checking Bluetooth Support Service is running. Double-click it and ensure the Startup type is set to Automatic.

• 

There might be a chance a policy (GPO / MDM) is hiding or blocking the Bluetooth Settings page or pair functionality. You can check by running gpedit.msc and search for Settings Page Visibility or search keywords Bluetooth. If any policy hides the Bluetooth page. If so. You might need to contact your Admin or IT department.

Hope the above information is helpful! If it helps you getting more insight into the issue, It is appreciated to consider clicking "Accept Answer". Should you have more questions, feel free to leave a message.

Answer 2

The behavior indicates a Bluetooth configuration/driver issue rather than a controller‑specific problem. Use the built‑in Bluetooth troubleshooting steps for Windows 11 and focus on fixing Bluetooth itself so the controller can reliably reconnect.

Follow these steps in order:

1. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

• Open the Get Help app using the Bluetooth troubleshooter link: Run the troubleshooter in Get Help.
• Let it run diagnostics and apply any fixes it suggests.

2. Make sure Bluetooth is fully enabled and visible

• Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
• Ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
• If the Bluetooth page or toggle is missing or grayed out, follow the “Bluetooth disappeared” steps below (Solutions 2–4).

3. Remove and re‑add the controller When a device will not reconnect but still appears in the list, remove it and pair again.
4. Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
5. In the device list, find the Nintendo Switch Pro controller.
6. Select More options (… ) > Remove device.
7. Select Add device, put the controller into pairing mode, and select it when it appears.
8. Test disconnect/reconnect from Settings > Bluetooth & devices, not only from Quick Settings.
9. Check controller power and range

• Make sure the controller battery is charged.
• Turn the controller off and back on, then put it into pairing mode again.
• Move it close to the laptop and away from other USB 3.0 devices that might interfere.

5. Update Bluetooth drivers (very important for reconnect issues) Outdated or incompatible drivers are a common cause of pairing/reconnection problems.
6. Select Start > Device Manager.
7. Expand Bluetooth.
8. Right‑click the Bluetooth adapter (may include the word “radio”).
9. Select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software and complete the wizard.
10. Restart the laptop if prompted and test Bluetooth again.

If Windows does not find a newer driver:

• Go to the laptop manufacturer’s support site, download the latest Windows 11 Bluetooth driver, and install it.
• If the download is an .exe, run it and follow the prompts.
• If it is a set of .inf/.sys files, in Device Manager choose Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers, point to the folder with the driver files, and complete the installation, then restart.

6. If the Bluetooth menu/toggle is missing or grayed out If Settings > Bluetooth & devices does not open correctly or the Bluetooth toggle is missing:
7. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter again from Get Help.
8. Install the latest Bluetooth drivers as in step 5.
9. Check Windows Update for additional driver/OS updates:
   • Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install everything offered, then restart.
10. Ensure Airplane mode is off:
    • Press Windows + A to open Quick settings and verify Airplane mode is not enabled.
11. Uninstall and reinstall the Bluetooth adapter If the controller still will not reconnect and the Bluetooth UI behaves abnormally:
12. Open Device Manager.
13. Expand Bluetooth.
14. Right‑click the Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device > Uninstall.
15. Shut down the laptop completely (Start > Power > Shut down), wait a few seconds, then power it back on.
16. Windows should reinstall the Bluetooth driver automatically.
17. If it does not, in Device Manager select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
18. After the adapter reappears, repeat the driver update step and then re‑pair the controller.

After these steps, Bluetooth should present a stable toggle/menu in Settings, and the Nintendo Switch Pro controller should be able to disconnect and reconnect normally from Settings > Bluetooth & devices and from Quick settings.

---

References:

• Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows
• Troubleshoot Bluetooth not connecting in Windows
• Fix Bluetooth disappeared in Windows
• Use a screen reader to fix Bluetooth problems in Windows