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

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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.

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-07-07T23:59:44+00:00

    I was going to research to see if anyone had any trouble with Bluetooth with Windows 10. Maybe not. I still have 8.1, I did get Bluetooth working (by downloading a driver for a different pc) but it's intermittent. Usually have to turn it off/on again once or twice to get it working.

    I've been hesitant to upgrade to 10 based on what happened with 8.1 - but it seems like overall a much better experience. I heard the free upgrade deadline has been extended to July 31st? I wonder what files would be lost. Those I spoke to who upgraded didn't lose anything. Don't want to get off topic so I'll do some research.

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-07-08T07:19:16+00:00

    Hi Steve,

    Thank you for sharing your inputs.

    The official last date of Windows 10 free upgrade is 29th July, 2016.

    For more information: Upgrade to Windows 10: FAQ

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-09-16T15:05:13+00:00

    well I have a weird problem which seems not to be addressed here:  I used to connect to a bluetooth audio adapter with no problems until about 3 months ago. Then I went away, and now after those 3 months my Acer Windows 8.1 laptop refuses to find the bluetooth adapter. This is especially weird because:

    1. the adapter is working fine with my other (much older) laptop and my android smartphone
    2. the laptop connects just fine with the bluetooth of my phone

    So it's not like either bluetooth is totally broken. Also, there hasn't been any bluetooth driver update, so that can't be it either. It worked fine 3 months ago, and after a 3 months break it is not, for no apparent reason.

    What to do????

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-10-08T09:00:13+00:00

    Have you tried the troubleshooting suggested on this thread?

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