Bluetooth should work without much thought on Windows 11 today, but in practice problems still exist. Just connecting headphones, controllers or other peripherals often goes without error, but inconveniences can start when the computer is idle for a while or wakes up from “sleep” mode.
This is when Bluetooth devices do not reconnect automatically. The headset or controller remains paired but not activated until the user manually turns Bluetooth off and on again. At first glance, it seems like a problem with the antenna, the driver or the Bluetooth module itself, but the cause can be much simpler.
By default, Windows 11 allows the computer to turn off the Bluetooth adapter to save power. When this happens, the devices after sleep do not always manage to connect on their own, so the user has to manually “wake up” the Bluetooth connection.
Windows 11 can turn off the Bluetooth adapter to save power
The solution is in the Device Manager. It needs to be opened Device Managerto expand Bluetooth section, right-click on the Bluetooth adapter and choose Properties. Then it should be opened Power Management tab and turn off the option:
Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
When this option is turned off, Windows should no longer shut down the Bluetooth adapter to save power. After that, Bluetooth headsets, controllers and other devices can connect normally again after the computer is idle or wakes up from sleep mode.
This change especially makes sense on desktop and gaming computers that are constantly connected to electricity. The energy saving brought by turning off the Bluetooth adapter is practically negligible, while the daily manual connection of peripherals is a very tiring and irritating process.
On laptops, this setting makes more sense, because any form of energy saving can slightly extend battery life. However, even then, the user can judge what is more important to him: minimal energy savings or a more stable Bluetooth connection.
The problem is that this setting is “buried” deep in the Device Manager, instead of being in the main Bluetooth settings of the Windows 11 system. Because of this, many users first suspect the hardware, drivers or quality of the Bluetooth adapter, although it is a hidden power management option, XDA writes.