After upgrading to Windows 8.1, my Bluetooth device doesn’t work.

Anonymous
2013-11-11T23:32:10+00:00

After upgrading to Windows 8.1, my Bluetooth device doesn’t work. How can I get it working again?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2013-11-11T23:33:10+00:00

Hi,

 First, try updating the device’s driver:

1.      Check Windows Update for driver updates.

a.      Swipe in from the right to bring up the charms, and select Settings.

b.      Tap or click Change PC Settings.

c.      Select Update and recovery, then select Windows Update.

d.      Select Check for updates. Make sure to look at the Optional updates in the results.

2.      Check the device manufacturer’s site for updated drivers.

3.      Check the radio manufacturer’s site for updates. To determine what make and model of Bluetooth radio you have:

a.      Swipe in from the right to bring up the charms and select Search, and search for device manager. Open Device Manager from the search results.

b.      In Device Manager, expand Bluetooth, and look for a device with a name starting with Broadcom, Intel, or Qualcomm Atheros (these are the major radio manufacturers). Check the website of your radio manufacturer for driver updates.

c.      If you don’t see one of these manufacturers, but instead see Generic Bluetooth Adapter:

 i.     Press-and-hold or right-click on Generic Bluetooth Adapter, and select Properties

ii.     Select the Advanced tab.

iii.     Note the number next to Manufacturer ID.

iv.     Find that manufacturer ID on this page: https://www.bluetooth.org/en-us/specification/assigned-numbers/company-identifiers  (Common ones will be 2 = Intel, 15 = Broadcom, 69 = Atheros)

4.      Once you have updated your Bluetooth drivers, please try using your device again. In many cases, updating to the latest drivers will resolve the issue. In some instances, you may need to un-pair and re-pair the device from the Bluetooth settings (from the Settings charm, select Change PC Settings, and then select Bluetooth) to completely fix the issue.

If, after updating to the latest available driver and re-pairing the device, your Bluetooth device is still not working, please provide the following information in your post:

·              PC manufacturer and model

·              Bluetooth radio manufacturer and model

·              Remote device manufacturer and model

This information will help Microsoft to further understand your issue and determine if it is a known issue or a new problem that needs additional investigation.

Was this answer helpful?

50+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments

184 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Anonymous
    2015-02-25T02:05:26+00:00

    Same thing with Dell Inspiron 3521. Tried so many things in this thread. the pc pairs to the Bluetooth receiver but can't connect. The last thing I tried was from Dell's site: Dell Wireless 1703/1705 WiFi + Bluetooth Driver. The installation failed, the script said system not supported. I upgraded to Windows 8.1 in 2013 when this first happened. Went back to 8.0 and kept ignoring the suggestions to upgrade to 8.1.

    The Bluetooth receiver worked fine after reverting to 8.0. Somehow, 8.1 installed. I'm borrowing a tablet which the Bluetooth receiver works fine with. Sounds like there's no solution. If I had any idea what Windows 8 would be like when I bought the laptop in 2013 I would have bought a Windows 7 pc. I've spent so much time trying to resolve this. I installed a direct connection from the headset jack to the stereo input. I'm not one to typically rant on forums, but this makes me really want to consider other pc options. I know others are generally more expensive, but overall satisfaction with alternative operating systems seems to be very good.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2015-02-22T22:53:59+00:00

    Hi,

    Welcome to Microsoft Community forum.

    If you have updated drivers and all updates are installed then try the below mentioned methods and see if it helps you to fix the issue.

    Method 1:

    Run the hardware and device troubleshooter.

    **http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Open-the-Hardware-and-Devices-troubleshooter**

    Method 2:

    Check if the Bluetooth service is running.

    • Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc and press Enter.
    • Search for Bluetooth support service.
    • Check if it is started, if not Right click on the service and click on Start.
    • Ensure that the service is both set to automatic and started.

      

    Do keep us updated about the status of your issue and we will be happy to assist you.

    Regards,

    HI! My laptop runs on Win 8.1 and my bluetooth headset can't pair up with it too. 

    Laptop: Acer Aspire E1-472G

    Device: Philips SHB7000

    Bluetooth: I don't know.  Can't find it, either from here http://www.acer.com.ph/ac/en/PH/content/model/NX.MKPSP.001

    or here http://drivers.softpedia.com/get/BLUETOOTH/Atheros/Acer-Aspire-E1-472G-Atheros-Bluetooth-Driver-801305-for-Windows-81-64-bit.shtml

    Not sure.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2015-02-19T09:49:03+00:00

    Hi,

    Welcome to Microsoft Community forum.

    1. Are all the device drivers and Windows Updates updated?
    2. Are you able to use any other Bluetooth device?

    I would suggest you to try the steps provide by me replied on February 7, 2015 in the same thread and on the same page. Please try these steps and get back to us with the result. We will be happy to assist you.

    Regards,

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2015-02-17T22:10:23+00:00

    My laptop is a lenovo yoga

    bluetooth is RTL8723A 4.0 + High Speed Chip

    device is westinghouse bluetooth headphones WES-BTHP-150

    all worked before 8.1 grrr

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments