In modern days, people are more used to doing work more simply and easily. Who wants to perform a task by following multiple steps instead of a single step?
Microsoft changed their newly released Windows 11 designed pattern where the Bluetooth connections shortcut option is removed from the Cast panel. To connect Bluetooth devices, you need multiple clicks now.
It’s quite annoying and frustrating if you often switch your headphones or other devices between desktop, laptop, and phone because you need to perform multiple steps in windows 11 that create a terrible user experience every time.
Doing the same thing over and over again is tedious and time-consuming also.
So, to fix the issue, I will show you some tested and proven methods to create the Bluetooth connections shortcuts in Windows 11 in this post. Keep reading and precisely follow the instructions.
Okay, let’s get started without further ado.
How to Fix Bluetooth Connections Shortcut in Windows 11
Microsoft changes the design of the new Windows 11. They added and removed many features on the newly released Windows 11 OS.
In Windows 10, pressing Ctrl+K opened the Cast panel that showed Cast-enabled devices and Bluetooth-enabled devices. Users can connect the Bluetooth device by pressing a single click.
In Windows 11, Microsoft removes the available Bluetooth devices list from the Cast Window. Now, it’s only showing cast-enabled devices.
Microsoft adds the Bluetooth toggle switch on Windows Action Center or Quick Panel Settings in Windows 11. By pressing the Win+A on your keyboard, you can access the Windows Action Center or Quick Panel Settings shortcut.
Here, you can only enable or disable the Bluetooth, and it takes a bunch of extra clicks to connect Bluetooth devices. There is no shortcut Bluetooth device list on the Action Center.
Though you can’t find any Bluetooth device list shortcut option for connections by default, there are some effective ways to create the shortcut in Windows 11.
This section will describe three tested methods to create the Bluetooth connections shortcut. By following these methods, you can relieve your headache.
Check out the easiest way to fix Bluetooth on Windows 11.
Here are the steps to fix the Bluetooth connections shortcut in Windows 11:
1. Open Cast Panel & Hit the Enter Key
First and foremost, to open the Bluetooth connection devices options, you can still use the Cast panel shortcut window though the process is slightly different from Windows 10.
Here are the steps to open the Bluetooth Settings window:
- Open the Cast Panel by pressing the Win+K on your keyboard.
- Hit the Enter key to open the Bluetooth settings window. Or,
- Click on the Find other devices option at the bottom of the Cast panel to open the Bluetooth settings window.
Also, check out our separate post on fix Windows can’t access network drive on Windows 11.
2. Dragged the Bluetooth Icon
The most effective and straightforward way to add the Bluetooth Connections shortcut is to drag the Bluetooth icon from the Overflow menu / System Tray menu on the taskbar.
Here are the steps to drag the Bluetooth icon:
- Open the Overflow or System Tray menu by clicking the up arrow icon on the right side taskbar.
- Click and drag the Bluetooth icon on the taskbar corner.
- The Bluetooth icon now always be visible on the taskbar corner.
- Double-click on the icon to open the Bluetooth Settings window directly.
- Right-click on the icon to open all the available Bluetooth options.
3. Add/Create a Shortcut
You can add or create a shortcut to open the Bluetooth settings windows using the windows Shortcut widget. By adding a shortcut key, you can also open the Bluetooth panel directly.
Here are the steps to add/create a shortcut:
- Right-click on the Desktop and go to New > Shortcut.
- Enter the item’s location that you would like to create a shortcut.
- Type ms-settings:bluetooth in the location field and click on the Next
- Enter a name for the shortcut. For example, Bluetooth.
- Click on the Finish The shortcut is created on the desktop.
- Double-click on the shortcut to open the Bluetooth Settings window.
If you want to add a shortcut key to open the Bluetooth shortcut, follow the steps below:
- Right-click on the shortcut and choose Properties.
- Select the Web Document
- Under the Bluetooth section, you can see the Shortcut Key
- Click on the Shortcut Key option and press any key to add the shortcut key. For example, I add the Ctrl+Alt+B key to open the Bluetooth shortcut.
- Click on the Apply and then Ok to save the changes.
Follow our guide to fix remote desktop not working on Windows 11.
How to Enable Bluetooth in Windows 11
There are two effective ways to enable Bluetooth in Windows 11. Follow the steps below to turn on the Bluetooth on your Windows 11 computer.
Here are the steps to enable the Bluetooth in Windows 11:
1. Use Action Center
The first method to enable or turn on the Bluetooth is the Windows 11 Action Center.
Here are the steps to do so:
- Open the Action Center by pressing the Win+A keys on your keyboard. Or, click on the network/sound section beside the Time & Date option on the right-side taskbar.
- Click on the Bluetooth icon to enable the Bluetooth.
2. Use Windows Settings App
Another practical way to enable Bluetooth is using the Windows Settings app on your Windows 11 system.
Here are the steps to enable the Bluetooth Windows Settings app:
- Open the Windows Settings app by pressing the Win+I
- Select Bluetooth & devices tab on the left-side menu panel.
- At the top of the bottom of the windows, you can find the Bluetooth
- Click on the toggle button next to the Bluetooth section.
Here’s a complete guide on how to fix Windows 11 spotlight not working.
How to Connect Bluetooth Devices in Windows 11
After enabling Bluetooth, you are now ready to connect your Bluetooth device to your PC. To connect your Bluetooth device with your computer, just need to follow some simple steps.
Here are the steps to connect Bluetooth devices on Windows 11:
- Open the Windows Settings app by pressing the Win+I
- Select Bluetooth & devices tab on the left-side menu panel.
- Click on the Add device on the top of the window or next to the Devices
- Select the Bluetooth option on the Add a device window.
- Choose your Bluetooth device on the available device list.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the selected device.
Check out our expert-recommended guide on How To Enable Telnet On Windows 11.
Final Thoughts
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology that allows devices to communicate with each other without cables or wires.
In the modern era, Bluetooth devices are everywhere, and everyday people are getting more used to them day by day. People are more likely to use wireless mice, keyboards, headphones, printers, etc.
However, Windows 10 gives users a more user-friendly experience using Bluetooth devices. But, after upgrading to Windows 11, users face Bluetooth Connections shortcuts that are no longer available on Windows 11.
Though Microsoft removes the Bluetooth Connections shortcuts on Windows 11, there are some tricks to add the option on your Windows 11. In this post, I describe three methods to ease the problem.
That’s all. I hope you find the most helpful and insightful as well. Share with your Windows 11 user friend to resolve the problem.
Goodbye until next time. Have a good day.
