If a small “Add a device” pop-up keeps appearing in the corner of your Windows 11 screen, sometimes every few minutes, Windows has detected a nearby Bluetooth device that’s ready to pair. That’s handy when you’re setting up new earbuds, but annoying when it’s your neighbor’s speaker, a phone in pairing mode, or a device you never plan to connect. You can stop these prompts without turning off Bluetooth.
Why the Notification Appears
Windows 11 uses a feature called Swift Pair. When a compatible Bluetooth device nearby is in pairing mode, Windows shows a notification offering to connect it. The prompt can also repeat if a device keeps advertising itself, if a previously paired device is in a bad state, or if an app like Phone Link keeps trying to connect to your phone.
Fix 1: Turn Off Swift Pair Notifications
This is the most direct fix.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Bluetooth & devices > Devices (you may need to click View more devices on some versions).
- Scroll to Device settings.
- Turn off Show notifications to connect using Swift Pair.
You can still pair devices normally by clicking Add device in Bluetooth settings.
Fix 2: Turn Off the Notification from the Notification Itself
When the notification appears, or in the notification center (click the clock or press Windows + N), click the three-dot menu on the notification and choose the option to turn off notifications from that sender. You can review and turn senders back on later in Settings > System > Notifications.
Fix 3: Check Phone Link
Microsoft’s community forums report that repeated “Add a device” prompts are sometimes caused by the Phone Link app trying to connect to a phone over Bluetooth. Open Phone Link, go to its settings (the gear icon in the top-right corner), and review the connected devices and Bluetooth options. If you don’t use Phone Link, you can remove your phone from it or stop it from running at startup in Settings > Apps > Startup.
Fix 4: Remove and Re-pair Problem Devices
If the prompt is for a device you’ve already paired, the pairing may be corrupted.
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
- Find the device, click the three-dot menu, and choose Remove device.
- Put the device in pairing mode and add it again with Add device.
Fix 5: Restart the Bluetooth Support Service
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Find Bluetooth Support Service (and Bluetooth User Support Service if listed).
- Right-click each and choose Restart.
Fix 6: Update or Reinstall the Bluetooth Driver
A buggy driver can cause repeated prompts. Open Device Manager, expand Bluetooth, right-click your adapter, and choose Update driver. If that doesn’t help, choose Uninstall device, restart, and let Windows reinstall it. You can also download the latest driver from your PC maker. See how to install a Bluetooth driver in Windows 11.
Fix 7: Turn Off Bluetooth When You Don’t Need It
If you rarely use Bluetooth, turning it off in Quick Settings (Windows + A) stops all Bluetooth prompts. Turn it back on when you need it. See how to turn on Bluetooth in Windows 11.
Similar Notifications You Can Turn Off
- “Set up your device” or “Finish setting up” prompts: These come from Windows’ setup suggestions. Turn them off under Settings > System > Notifications > Additional settings.
- USB device prompts: Windows may notify you about USB issues or a device that can perform faster. These can be managed under Bluetooth & devices > USB.
- AutoPlay pop-ups: When you plug in a phone, camera, or drive, AutoPlay may ask what to do. Change this under Bluetooth & devices > AutoPlay.
Tips
- Use Do not disturb (Settings > System > Notifications) during presentations or games to silence all pop-ups temporarily.
- If you share a building with lots of Bluetooth devices, leaving Swift Pair off is usually the best long-term setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off Swift Pair stop my headphones from connecting?
No. Already-paired devices still connect automatically. Swift Pair only controls the pop-up for new devices.
Why does it show devices I don’t own?
Bluetooth devices nearby, such as in an apartment or office, can be detected if they’re in pairing mode.
Summary
To stop “Add a device” notifications in Windows 11, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices and turn off Show notifications to connect using Swift Pair. If prompts continue, check Phone Link, remove and re-pair problem devices, restart the Bluetooth Support Service, or update your Bluetooth driver.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.