Have you experienced a Bluetooth driver error on a Windows PC? You’re using many Bluetooth adapters in your computer. We’ll help you understand how to fix the Bluetooth not working and get back to using your computer’s Bluetooth function again.
Common Causes of Bluetooth Driver Errors
- Outdated or Corrupt Drivers: The most common reason is that your Bluetooth driver is too old or corrupted.
- Windows Updates: Certain updates may conflict with existing Bluetooth drivers.
- Disabled Bluetooth Services: Background services like Bluetooth Support Service may be turned off.
- Hardware Conflicts: Faulty or incompatible USB dongles, Wi-Fi card conflicts, or internal Bluetooth chip issues.
- Virus or Malware: Malware may corrupt driver files, blocking device detection.
How to Fix Bluetooth Driver Errors
1. Update Your Bluetooth Drivers
When Bluetooth stops working properly on a computer, one likely cause is outdated Bluetooth adapter drivers. To solve the issue quickly and permanently, update the Bluetooth driver immediately.
Windows Update provides an efficient way of updating device drivers quickly and effortlessly, and also updates Windows itself automatically. Utilise it today.
- Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
- Expand Bluetooth, right-click your adapter, and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers or manually install the latest from the manufacturer’s website.
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2. Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers
Reinstall Bluetooth drivers by opening Device Manager and right-clicking on the Bluetooth adapter, choosing Uninstall device. Restart the computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver. This restores proper Bluetooth functionality by fixing Bluetooth driver errors or missing drivers.
3. Fix Windows’ Corrupted System Files
Another reason why a Bluetooth error happens on a Windows PC is that your main system files are damaged. If this occurs, the integrated Windows features, including Bluetooth, cease to function.
Your system files can be repaired easily using SFC (System File Checker), an integral Windows tool designed to identify and repair corrupt system files on PCs. By taking advantage of SFC, you’ll quickly be able to address any system file-related issues.
4. Disable the Built-in Bluetooth Adapter
If you connect an external Bluetooth adapter when your computer already features built-in capabilities, that may cause complications within its operating system. In this instance, to resolve your problem, you must disable the adapter.
If you don’t plan to connect the external adapter, remove it from your computer. To switch on an external adapter and turn off built-in support simultaneously. Here’s how.
Open Device Manager and find Bluetooth, right-click your built-in adapter, and choose “Disable Device.”
5. Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter
If nothing works, run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter to find and fix Bluetooth issues.
- Click the Start button
- Click Settings
- Go to Update and Security
- Troubleshoot
- Choose Bluetooth under the Find and fix issues category.
- Choose the Run Troubleshooter. Follow the steps given.
Your Bluetooth may have difficulty sending or receiving data due to various causes. This does not signify its failure. Rather, it could be related to incompatible drivers, poor connection reliability issues, or simply being misconfigured. By following the tips offered herein, you should be able to solve it independently.
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5. Hardware Check
As part of your hardware check, perform Bluetooth tests using another device or a USB Bluetooth dongle. If only the dongle works but its internal adapter doesn’t, this could indicate damage within your Bluetooth hardware that needs repair or replacement.
Final Thoughts
Bluetooth driver errors may be frustrating, yet often straightforward to address with updates or reinstallation. Begin with simple solutions like restarting services and updating drivers; if those don’t help, consider hardware examination or replacement as possible solutions.
By keeping drivers and Windows updated, you will reduce the likelihood of Bluetooth issues in the future.
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