Standardizing the Shelf Edge

Bluetooth® technology is helping unlock the next phase in retail digital transformation to deliver better outcomes for both stores and shoppers.

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Bluetooth® Core Specification Version 5.4 – Technical Overview

This feature overview summarizes and explains the updates introduced in Bluetooth® Core Specification Version 5.4, including two new features that together enable secure, bi-directional communication between a wireless access point (AP) and thousands of very-low power end nodes.

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How to Fix It When Windows 10 Bluetooth Is Not Working

Cause of Windows 10 Bluetooth Problems

Bluetooth problems on Windows 10 computers are usually caused by a combination of software and hardware issues. Sometimes multiple Bluetooth devices cause conflicts with each other and the computer to which the Bluetooth devices are trying to connect. Other times, connectivity problems occur because the computer needs an operating system, software, or device driver update.

Other common causes of Windows 10 Bluetooth errors include a broken device, the incorrect settings were enabled or disabled in Windows 10, and the Bluetooth device is turned off.

How to Fix Bluetooth Issues on Windows 10

Because the causes of a faulty Bluetooth connection can vary, there are numerous possible solutions to try. Here are the most effective ways to fix common Windows 10 Bluetooth problems.

  1. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Sometimes Bluetooth is accidentally disabled on Windows 10 computers and tablets. To confirm it’s on, open the Windows 10 Action Center by selecting the system tray icon in the lower-right corner of the screen, and look at the Bluetooth icon. If it’s dim, Bluetooth is turned off. Select the Bluetooth icon to turn it on.

2. Turn Bluetooth on and off again. A quick reset of the Bluetooth setting can often fix any connectivity issues. This manually forces your device to search for Bluetooth devices.

To turn Bluetooth on and off, open the Windows 10 Action Center, select the Bluetooth tile to turn it off, wait several seconds, then select the Bluetooth tile again to turn it on

3. Move the Bluetooth device closer to the Windows 10 computer. It’s possible that your Bluetooth device could be out of range of your Windows 10 computer or tablet. Place one next to the other when making the initial connection.

4. Confirm that the device supports Bluetooth. While Bluetooth is common with smart devices, it’s not used by everything. If the product doesn’t mention Bluetooth on its packaging or in its instruction manual, it likely needs to connect to a Windows 10 device using another method, such as Wi-Fi or with a cable.

5. Turn on the Bluetooth device. A Bluetooth device needs to be powered on to connect to a Windows 10 computer.

6. Restart the Windows 10 computer. A simple restart can fix a variety of Windows 10 problems, including those associated with connecting to a Bluetooth device.

7. Check for a Windows 10 update. Having the latest version of Windows 10 installed on your computer or tablet keeps it secure and helps you pair your Bluetooth device by downloading any necessary files it may be missing.

Tip: When performing a Windows 10 update, make sure that your device is connected to a power source. The process can drain battery power, and major errors can occur if the Windows 10 device turns off while installing an update.

8. Turn off other Bluetooth devices. Even though this technically shouldn’t be an issue for modern computers, having multiple Bluetooth devices paired can occasionally make it difficult to pair new ones.

During the initial pairing phase, turn off all other hardware that connects to your Windows 10 computers through Bluetooth.

9. Check for Bluetooth conflicts. Some Bluetooth devices have trouble connecting when being paired with more than one computer, tablet, or smartphone. These conflicts can be resolved by turning off Bluetooth on all but one of the smart devices and computers.

Note: Some fitness trackers can have trouble connecting to more than one device at a time. It’s a good idea to only pair a fitness tracker with your smartphone or computer, but not both.

10. Run the Windows 10 Bluetooth troubleshooter. Windows 10 has built-in troubleshooter programs that scan a computer for specific problems and fix these issues.

To begin the Bluetooth troubleshooter, open the Start menu, then select Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Bluetooth.

11. Remove the Bluetooth device and re-add it. Open the Windows 10 Start menu, then select Settings > Devices. Locate your Bluetooth device from the list of connected devices, and select its name. Then, select Remove device. Restart the computer, and then pair the device. This process often corrects any problems that were associated with the initial Bluetooth pairing.

Fix connections to Bluetooth audio devices

If pressing the Connect button in action center doesn’t find your device, here are some things to try:
  • Check action center to see if your Windows device supports Bluetooth. If it does, there’ll be a Bluetooth Bluetooth logo button in action center. Make sure it’s turned on.
  • If you don’t see the Bluetooth Bluetooth logo button in action center, try updating your device’s driver. Here’s how:
    1
    Go to Start Windows logo Start button, enter Device Manager, and select it from the list of results.
    2
    In Device Manager, locate your device, press and hold (or right-click) it, select Update driver, select Search automatically for updated driver software, and then follow the rest of the steps.
  • If Bluetooth is turned on and the driver is up to date but your device still doesn’t work, try removing the device and re-pairing it. Here’s how:
    1
    Go to Start Windows logo Start button, enter Devices, select Bluetooth and other devices settings > select the device > Remove device > Yes.
    2
    Try pairing again.
  • Make sure that the Bluetooth-enabled audio device is on and discoverable. How you do this varies with devices, so check the info that came with your device or go to the manufacturers website.
Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

Select Start , then select Settings  > Update & Security  > Troubleshoot . In Find and fix other problems, select Bluetooth, and then select Run the troubleshooter and follow the instructions.

Uninstall the Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager

If you don’t see the Bluetooth icon, but Bluetooth does appear in Device Manager, try to uninstall the Bluetooth adapter and trigger an automatic reinstall. Here’s how:

  1. In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager, then select Device Manager from the results.

  2. In Device Manager, select Bluetooth. Press and hold (or right-click) the Bluetooth adapter name (which may include the word “radio”), and select Uninstall device.

  3. Select Start , then select Power  > Shut down .

  4. After your device shuts down, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on. Windows will try to reinstall the driver.

  5. If Windows doesn’t reinstall the driver automatically, open Device Manager and select Action > Scan for hardware changes.

Still having problems?

If these methods don’t fix your Bluetooth problem, use Windows Feedback Hub to file a bug. This helps Microsoft determine the root cause of this issue.

Include details about what you were doing or specific steps you were taking when the bug occurred. For example, if you started having Bluetooth problems after updating Windows or changing Windows versions, include this information.