Tips For Troubleshooting Bluetooth Driver Problems on Windows

After updating or upgrading Windows, users often face issues with Bluetooth, making their Bluetooth-connected devices non-functional. But the good news is that these problems can be easily fixed, and the post focuses on them.

What is Bluetooth Driver?

A Bluetooth driver on Windows allows connecting wireless devices. When missing, broken, or corrupt, making a connection with Bluetooth devices becomes difficult. The Bluetooth driver should be updated since wireless devices are becoming popular to avoid any connectivity issues on the computer.

Why Do You Face Bluetooth Driver Issues?

Outdated OS
Corrupt, Missing Driver
Faulty system files
Malware Infection
Bluetooth Service Not Running
Incorrect Audio Settings

Driver Issues You Can Fix After Reading the Guide

Bluetooth icon missing.
Bluetooth is not showing in Device Manager.
Bluetooth device stops working after upgrading to the Windows operating system.
After Windows Update, Bluetooth connection is not possible.
Can’t connect PC to Bluetooth

Apart from the issues mentioned above, the following tips can be followed to fix other Bluetooth issues.

14 Tips to Fix Bluetooth Issues Windows

Due to whatever reason you are facing Bluetooth errors, don’t worry. We’re here to help. Below we mention several ways that will help fix almost all types of Bluetooth-related issues.

1. Ensure Bluetooth is Enabled

Before we get into technical details, we must do some basic checks simultaneously. First, check if the Bluetooth is enabled or not.

Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings
Select Devices.

Go to Bluetooth & other devices and check whether the option is enabled or not. If not, enable it. However, if it is enabled, disable it and then re-enable it.

If your laptop has an external button, check that too.

2. Disable Airplane Mode

Laptops these days come with a dedicated Airplane button; check it and enable it if disabled. In addition, follow these steps if there’s no specific button for Airplane mode.

Go to Windows Settings > select Network & Internet.

Head to Airplane mode settings and disable Airplane settings if enabled.

3. Try a Different USB Port

There are chances that the Bluetooth device has no issues. Instead, it is the USB port. To clear the doubt, try another USB port. If it is working fine, move to the next fix.

4. Restart the PC

Sometimes a simple system restart can help fix the most complicated issues. Therefore, to fix issues, try restarting the device and see if it helps or not.

5. Unhide Bluetooth Device

Open Device Manager
Click View tab > Show hidden devices

Check whether you can see the Bluetooth category and devices or not.

6. Check Bluetooth Device & Reconnect the Device

Some devices don’t have Bluetooth enabled by default. Therefore, we need to check the same and enable Bluetooth.

Power off the device and wait a few seconds before powering it on again.
Ensure the device is in range.
Remove all the interference between the Bluetooth devices.

If the Bluetooth is working, let’s move forward.

Re-install Device

Go to Windows Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & Other devices > click Other devices > select the device with which you are facing the issue > Remove device > Yes.

Reconnect the Bluetooth Device

Launch Windows Settings > Bluetooth & other devices > Add Bluetooth & other devices.

Select Bluetooth

Bluetooth > select the device you want to add.

If the device you are connecting prompts for a PIN to pair, use the default PIN 0000 or 1234. Also, you can check the device manual for further details.

7. Reconfigure Bluetooth Audio Settings

Bluetooth connectivity issues can also occur when you are trying to connect multiple devices simultaneously, or discovery mode is enabled. To fix this issue, follow these steps:

Abovementioned issues,

8. Update Bluetooth Drivers

When the Bluetooth driver is outdated or corrupt, you face connectivity issues. You can update the driver manually and automatically. If looking for a risk-free and easy way to update drivers, using a third-party tool to keep drivers updated is recommended.

Manually Update Bluetooth Driver.

Press Windows + R to open the Run window
Type devmgmt.msc to open Device Manager.
Go to Bluetooth category > double click on it > right-click the driver you are facing issues with > select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers and follow on-screen prompts.
Restart the PC to bring changes into effect.

If Windows cannot find the driver update, we suggest trying the automatic way to update drivers.

Automatically Update Bluetooth Driver.

Download and install Advanced Driver Updater.

Open the tool and click Start Scan Now to scan the PC for outdated drivers.

Evaluate scan results and update the driver using the Update driver or the Update All option.

If you are using the Free version, use the Update driver.

Restart the PC to save changes.

9. Restore Bluetooth Icon

Open Device Manager as explained in the above step.
Go to the Bluetooth category, double click on it > right-click the driver you are facing problems with > Uninstall device.
Restart the PC and wait to let Windows re-install the generic driver.
Now go to Device Manager to look for a Bluetooth driver. If it doesn’t appear, click Action > Scan for hardware changes.

Let Windows detect and reinstall the Bluetooth driver.

10. Run System File Checker

Open elevated Command Prompt
Type sfc /scannow and press the Enter key
Wait for the tool to scan the system files for errors and fix them if any are detected.
Restart the PC.

11. Run Bluetooth Service

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type services.msc
Find the Bluetooth Support Service. If the service is disabled > right-click Start. If already running right-click > Restart.

Let the process finish and reboot the PC.

12. Change Power Saving Options

To some, this may seem unrelated, but it has helped many users. Therefore, don’t skip this fix.

Open Device Manager > go to Bluetooth category > double click on it > select the problematic device > right-click select Properties > click Power Management tab > uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power > Ok.

13. Check the PC for Malware Infections

Virus and malware infection can also interfere with Bluetooth connectivity. To resolve any chances of them creating the problem, scan your PC with updated antivirus software for infections.

You can use Systweak Antivirus for this purpose or can run Windows Defender.

14. Perform a System Restore

You can try performing a system restore if none of the steps have worked. To do so, follow these steps:

Type Recover in the Windows search bar.
Go to Open System Restore.

Follow on-screen instructions and click Next.

Select the restore point to which you want to restore the PC.

Conclusion

There can be multiple factors contributing to Bluetooth driver issues. To fix it, you can use any of the methods mentioned above. However, we recommend using Advanced Driver Updater to keep the driver updated automatically without any problems.

We hope the above steps helped in fixing the issue. Please let us know which method worked for you in the comments section.

Preeti Seth

A UX writer who loves explaining technical details in a clear, crisp, and concise manner. She loves writing about technical troubleshooting, How-To's, product reviews, etc. In her free time, she loves reading, meditating, and traveling.