Removing unused Bluetooth devices on your Windows 10 PC helps you keep the device list decluttered. Sometimes, while doing so, you might come across devices you can’t remove. Even if you select the remove option, those devices continue to appear in your device list.
There are various reasons a Bluetooth device won’t go away from your PC. Luckily, you can fix most of the underlying issues yourself to successfully remove a device. We’ll show you a few solutions here.
Use Airplane Mode on Windows 10
When you can’t remove a Bluetooth device on your PC, enable fleantúch modus and see if you can remove the device. Airplane mode disconnects your PC from all wireless services, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
To turn on airplane mode on your PC:
- Iepenje de ynstellings app troch op te drukken Windows + I toetsen tagelyk.
- Útkieze Netwurk en ynternet on the Settings window.
- Kieze Airplane mode fanôf de sydbalke oan de linkerkant.
- Wikselje op 'e Airplane mode opsje oan de rjochterkant.
- Remove the Bluetooth device from ynstellings, as you usually would.
- When the device is removed, turn off airplane mode.
Restart Device Association Service
Your PC must be running the Device Association Service to remove a paired Bluetooth device. This service usually automatically starts when you turn on your PC, but if it hasn’t turned on or there’s an issue with it, you should manually restart the service.
You can use the Services window in Windows 10 to restart that service:
- Iepenje de run box by pressing Windows + R toetsen tagelyk.
- Type the following in the Run box and press Yngean: services.msc
- Sykje de Tsjinst foar apparaatferiening on the Services window.
- Rjochts-klikke op de Tsjinst foar apparaatferiening en kies Restart.
- Try to remove your Bluetooth device from the ynstellings app.
Update the Bluetooth Device’s Drivers
A possible reason you can’t remove a Bluetooth device from your PC is that there’s an issue with your device’s drivers. In this case, you can update the drivers for that device and then see if you can delete the device.
You don’t have to manually find and install the drivers, as you can use Device Manager to automatically find the latest drivers.
- Rjochts-klikke op de Start menu ikoan en kies Device Manager.
- Expand de Bluetooth menu and find your Bluetooth device.
- Right-click your Bluetooth device and select Update driver.
- Kieze Sykje automatysk nei sjauffeurs op it folgjende finster.
- Wait for Device Manager to find and install the updated drivers for your device.
- When the drivers are updated, try to remove the device from your PC.
Remove the Bluetooth Device From Control Panel
There are multiple ways to remove a Bluetooth device on Windows 10. If the Settings method doesn’t work for you, try using the Control Panel method and see if that works.
- Iepenje de Start menu, sykje nei Control Panel, en selektearje Control Panel yn 'e sykresultaten.
- Útkieze Besjoch apparaten en printers on the Control Panel window. If you don’t see this option, select the Sjoch by option at the top-right corner and choose Kategory.
- You’ll see all your Bluetooth devices on your screen. Find the device that you’d like to remove from your PC.
- Right-click your Bluetooth device and choose Apparaat fuortsmite.
- Útkieze Ja in the prompt that appears to remove your device.
Uninstall the Bluetooth Device From Device Manager
Another way to delete a Bluetooth device in Windows 10 is by using Device Manager. You should use this method if both Settings and Control Panel methods don’t work for you.
- Tagong by de Start menu, sykje nei Device Manager, and select that in the search results.
- Selektearje it Bluetooth menu to see the available Bluetooth devices.
- Right-click the device you’d like to remove and choose Unjildich apparaat wiskje.
- Útkieze Ja in the prompt that opens to confirm your choice.
Use Bluetooth Troubleshooter on Windows 10
Windows 10 has many troubleshooters that you can use to fix various problems on your computer. One of these is a Bluetooth troubleshooter that, as the name suggests, allows you to find and fix Bluetooth-related issues op jo PC.
Use this troubleshooter to fix issues with your device, and then you should be able to remove the problematic device from your PC.
- Druk op 'e Windows + I kaaien om de ynstellings app.
- Útkieze Update & befeiliging on the Settings window.
- Kieze Troubleshoot fanôf de sydbalke oan de linkerkant.
- Útkieze Oanfoljende troubleshooters in the pane on the right.
- Sykje en selektearje Bluetooth, Selektearje dan Laad de troubleshooter.
- Wait for the Bluetooth troubleshooter to detect issues with your devices.
Use Safe Mode to Remove the Bluetooth Device
If your Bluetooth device still doesn’t go away, chances are a third-party app is the culprit here. In this case, boot your PC in safe mode and then try to remove the problematic device.
When you reboot your PC in safe mode, your PC only loads the essential files to run the operating system. This prevents any third-party apps from interfering with your tasks.
Getting Rid of Stubborn Bluetooth Devices on Windows 10
There are several reasons you can’t remove a Bluetooth device from your Windows 10 PC. The good thing is you also have several ways to fix the problem. Let us know what method helped you resolve the issue in the comments below.