[Solved] Bluetooth Connection Issues in Windows 10

[Solved] Bluetooth Connection Issues in Windows 10

/ Shayne Sherman

Bluetooth gives you the convenience of connecting your devices without a wired connection. However, it isn’t always reliable, file transfers can sometimes be slow and Bluetooth speakers, and headsets often have delays in terms of audio output.

If you are having problems with Bluetooth on Windows 10, follow the guide below to troubleshoot it.

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Common Reasons for Windows 10 Bluetooth Not Working

There could be several reasons why the Bluetooth feature in Windows 10 is not working as expected. Below, we have listed some of the most common reasons along with their brief explanations. Understanding these causes will help you troubleshoot your Bluetooth issues more effectively.

  1. Outdated or Corrupt Bluetooth Drivers: One of the most common reasons for Bluetooth not working in Windows 10 is outdated or corrupt Bluetooth drivers. As mentioned earlier in the article, updating the drivers to their latest version can often resolve this issue.
  2. Bluetooth Radio is Disabled: In some cases, the Bluetooth radio might be disabled in your system’s BIOS/UEFI settings or on your computer’s hardware switch, which prevents Windows 10 from detecting and utilizing the Bluetooth capabilities. To resolve this issue, you may need to enable the Bluetooth radio in BIOS/UEFI settings or on the hardware switch.
  3. Interference from Other Devices: Bluetooth devices use radio frequency to establish a connection, and they can often face interference from other devices that also use radio frequencies, such as Wi-Fi routers, smartphones, or other Bluetooth devices. To minimize interference, try moving your problematic Bluetooth device away from these potential sources of interference and check if the performance improves.
  4. Devices are Not Discoverable: The Bluetooth connection issue may occur if either your computer or the Bluetooth device you’re trying to connect is not set to discoverable mode. Ensure that both the devices are set to discoverable mode to establish a successful connection.
  5. Obsolete Bluetooth Hardware: Older Bluetooth hardware may have compatibility issues with the latest Windows 10 updates, which could cause performance problems or stop it from working altogether. In this case, you may need to purchase a new Bluetooth adapter that is compatible with Windows 10.
  6. Windows 10 Bluetooth Services are Disabled: Windows 10 relies on certain services to manage Bluetooth connections. If these services are disabled or misconfigured, it may result in Bluetooth not working correctly. To resolve this issue, ensure that the necessary Windows 10 Bluetooth services are enabled and configured properly.

By understanding these common reasons behind Bluetooth-related issues on Windows 10, you can quickly identify and troubleshoot the problem to restore the functionality of your Bluetooth devices.

In most cases, following the solutions listed in the article would help fix the problem. If you continue to experience issues, it might be worth considering a visit to a service center or contacting your device’s manufacturer for further assistance.

Fix 1: Restart Your Bluetooth

The easiest way to fix Bluetooth related problems is by simply restarting the Bluetooth radio on your computer.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + S and Search for “Bluetooth settings.”

search bluetooth settings

Step 2: Open Bluetooth Settings.

Step 3: Turn off the Bluetooth switch, then turn it on again.

enable bluetooth

Step 4: Try connecting your Bluetooth device and see if the connection issue is fixed.

Fix 2: Update Your Drivers

Bluetooth radio relies on drivers for it to function correctly. If your Bluetooth drivers are outdated or corrupted, they cannot run smoothly and causes connection problems on your computer.

To update your drivers, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + S and Search for “Device Manager.”

search device manager

Step 2: Open Device Manager.

Step 3: On Device Manager, find Bluetooth and expand it.

Step 4: Right-click on your Bluetooth Device.

**In our case, it’s Qualcomm Atheros Bluetooth 4.0**

Step 5: Click on Uninstall.

uninstall bluetooth driver

Step 6: Reboot your computer

Windows will automatically install the latest Bluetooth driver for your device after restarting.

Fix 3: Forget Your Device

Step 1: Press the Windows Key + S and Search for “Bluetooth Settings.”

Step 2: Open Bluetooth Settings.

Step 3: On settings, find the device you are having problems with.

Step 4: Click on the Device and Click Remove Device.

remove bluetooth device

Step 5: A prompt will appear asking if you want to remove the device; click Yes.

Step 6: Turn off the Bluetooth on your computer and the device you want to connect.

Step 7: Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.

Step 8: Click on the device you want to connect.

Step 9: Click on Pair.

pair bluetooth device

Step 10: A pop-up window will appear, asking you to compare the passcode. Make sure that the code match on both devices.

Step 11: Click on Yes.

Step 12: Wait for the device to finish pairing and check if the connection problem is fixed.

compair bluetooth pair code

Fix 4: Use Windows Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in application to assist users in fixing computer issues. To use Windows troubleshooter, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Press on Windows Key + S and Search for “Troubleshooting.”

search troubleshoot settings

Step 2: Open troubleshooting.

Step 3: On the Troubleshooting menu, find Hardware and Sound.

Step 4: Under Hardware and Sound, click on Configure a Device.

hardware and sound

Step 5: The Troubleshooting application will open; click on Next.

troubleshoot hardware and devices

Step 6: Wait for the scan to finish.

Step 7: Click on Apply this fix and wait for your computer to restart.

click apply to

Check if the connection issues on your Bluetooth device are fixed.

If you still have problems with your Bluetooth connection after doing the possible fixes in this article, the problem could be hardware related. Go to the nearest service center and ask them to check your computer’s Bluetooth radio.

Conclusion: Fixing Windows Bluetooth Issues

In conclusion, Bluetooth issues in Windows 10 can often be resolved by following the troubleshooting steps provided in this article. By understanding and identifying the common reasons behind these issues, you can effectively diagnose and address the problem to get your Bluetooth devices up and running.

Always remember to keep your drivers updated, maintain the discoverability of your devices, and minimize interference from other sources. If all troubleshooting steps have been exhausted and the issues persist, seeking professional assistance from a service center or contacting the device’s manufacturer would be the most appropriate course of action.

With a little patience and attention to detail, you can enjoy the convenience of wireless connectivity through Bluetooth on your Windows 10 system.

Shayne Sherman
Meet the author

Shayne is an expert on all things Microsoft Windows and computer security. As a Windows user of over 30 years, he has been featured on Business Insider, Yahoo, Tech Republic, Hacker Noon, Techopedia, and many other publications. Aside from entertaining at his home theater, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his English bulldog, Fergie.