Windows 11 Bluetooth File Transfer Failing? Try These Fixes

Common causes

• Incorrect Bluetooth settings
• A receiving device that isn’t ready to receive files
• A device that isn’t discoverable
• A device that’s out of range or low on battery
• Outdated drivers or Bluetooth adapter issues after a Windows update
• Restrictive file-sharing policies
• Incompatible encryption settings
• A device that doesn’t support the required Bluetooth file transfer protocol

Step-by-Step Solutions

Start with the checks on the other device and your PC’s transfer window, try the transfer again after each step, and leave driver changes for last.

1. 1

   Step 1: Get the other device ready

   The device receiving the file must be on, paired and ready to receive over Bluetooth.

   If you see Bluetooth file transfer not completed when you send a file, the other device might not be ready to receive files via Bluetooth.

   Make sure the other device is turned on and paired with your PC. It doesn’t have to be a Windows device; it can be an iOS or Android device, for example.

   To get a phone or other device ready to receive files, see the device’s documentation or the manufacturer’s website.

2. 2

   Step 2: Set your PC to receive files

   Open Receive files on your PC, then start sending from the other device.

   Select Start, then Settings, then Bluetooth & devices, then Devices. Under Related settings, select Send or receive files via Bluetooth.

   In the Bluetooth File Transfer window, select Receive files. The Waiting for a connection page appears. Now start the transfer on the other device, which must be paired with your PC and in discoverable mode to send files.

   When the transfer finishes, the Save the received file page appears. Keep the default location or select Browse to choose another, then select Finish.

   Good to know

   You can also right-click the Bluetooth icon in the taskbar and select Receive a file.

3. 3

   Step 3: Check Bluetooth, range and battery

   The devices need Bluetooth on, power and a stable signal between them.

   Select Start, then Settings, then Bluetooth & devices, and turn on the Bluetooth toggle. Make sure airplane mode is off in quick settings.

   Make sure the other device is turned on, is charged or has fresh batteries, and is within range of your PC. Move it closer to your PC to get a stable signal.

   Turn off the other device, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.

4. 4

   Step 4: Send the file and check pairing

   The Bluetooth File Transfer window shows whether your PC is paired with the other device.

   Open Send or receive files via Bluetooth as above and select Send files. On the Select where to send your files page, select the device, then select Next.

   If the device isn’t listed, make sure it’s turned on and in range. If the Use authentication option is grayed out, the devices are paired. If it’s available, your PC might not be paired with the other device.

   On the Select the files to send page, select Browse, choose the file, then select Next. When the file is sent, the File successfully transferred page appears; select Finish.

5. 5

   Step 5: Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

   On Windows 11, Microsoft recommends starting with the automated troubleshooter.

   Run the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It runs diagnostics and attempts to fix the problem.

   You can also select Start, then Settings, then System, then Troubleshoot, then Other troubleshooters. Next to Bluetooth, select Run and follow the instructions.

6. 6

   Step 6: Remove the device and add it again

   Pairing again can help when the device is listed but won’t connect.

   If the device appears in the Bluetooth list but won’t connect, select Start, then Settings, then Bluetooth & devices.

   Find the device, select More options (…), then Remove device. Then select Add device and select the device from the list.

7. 7

   Step 7: Restart your PC and update Windows

   A restart clears temporary issues, and Windows should be up to date.

   Restarting helps resolve temporary system issues affecting Bluetooth. Select Start, then Power, then Restart.

   Then select Start, then Settings, then Windows Update, then Check for updates. Let it download and install any available updates.

8. 8

   Step 8: Update or roll back the Bluetooth driver

   An outdated or incompatible driver is one of the most common causes of Bluetooth connection problems.

   Select Start, type Device Manager and select it from the results. Expand Bluetooth, right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver, then Search automatically for drivers. Restart your PC when the update completes.

   If Bluetooth worked before a recent driver or Windows update, try rolling the driver back instead. Right-click the adapter, select Properties, select the Driver tab, then Roll Back Driver, if it’s available.

   If Windows reports that the best driver is already installed, you may still find a newer version on your PC manufacturer’s website.

9. 9

   Step 9: Uninstall and reinstall the Bluetooth adapter

   Windows tries to reinstall the driver after a restart.

   Open Device Manager and select Bluetooth. Right-click the Bluetooth adapter name and select Uninstall device, then Uninstall.

   Select Start, then Power, then Restart. Windows will try to reinstall the driver.

   If it doesn’t, open Device Manager, select Bluetooth, right-click the Bluetooth adapter name and select Scan for hardware changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related guides

• Bluetooth & DevicesWindows 11 Bluetooth Not Working? Try These FixesTurn on Bluetooth, run the troubleshooter, check and re-pair your device, update Windows and the Bluetooth driver, and know when to contact your PC maker.