How to fix problem with Bluetooth driver

Dwight Johnson 0 Reputation points
2026-03-13T02:53:26.2166667+00:00

The Bluetooth on my computer stopped working after an update from the Windows Insider program. I have removed the driver, removed the device itself, and replaced it with a driver from this system.

Windows Insider program | Windows Insider preview | Devices and drivers
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  1. AI answer

    2026-03-13T02:53:39.3333333+00:00

    Use Device Manager to completely remove and let Windows reinstall the Bluetooth adapter, then, if needed, install the latest driver from the PC/adapter manufacturer.

    1. Uninstall the Bluetooth adapter
      1. Open Device Manager.
      2. Expand Bluetooth.
      3. Right‑click the Bluetooth adapter (may include the word “radio”) and select Uninstall device (confirm if prompted).
      4. Shut down the PC completely (not just restart). Wait a few seconds, then power it back on. Windows will try to reinstall the Bluetooth driver automatically.
      5. If the driver does not reinstall:
        • Open Device Manager again.
        • Select Action > Scan for hardware changes to force detection and reinstall.
    2. Roll back the driver (if Bluetooth worked before the Insider update)
      1. In Device Manager, expand Bluetooth and right‑click the Bluetooth adapter.
      2. Select Properties > Driver tab.
      3. If available, select Roll Back Driver and follow the on‑screen instructions.
    3. Install the latest OEM Bluetooth driver
      1. Go to the PC or motherboard manufacturer’s support website.
      2. Search using the exact device model.
      3. Download and install the latest Bluetooth driver for the Windows version currently installed.
      4. Restart the PC after installation.

    If Bluetooth is still missing after these steps, repeat the uninstall from Device Manager, shut down fully, power back on, and then install the OEM driver again. For more general checks (e.g., Bluetooth icon missing, adapter not detected), follow the broader guidance in the Bluetooth troubleshooting article.

    References:

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  2. Hendrix-V 18,520 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-13T04:43:46.48+00:00

    Hi Dwight Johnson,

    Thank you for sharing the details. When Bluetooth stops working after a Windows Insider Preview update, it’s usually related to how the system refreshes device drivers during the update.

    In addition to Q&A Assist's answer, please follow the steps below to ensure the Bluetooth driver and services are correctly restored:

    1, Clean reinstall the Bluetooth driver

    • Open Device Manager
    • Expand Bluetooth
    • Right‑click the Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device
    • Check Delete the driver software for this device
    • Shut down the PC completely, then power it back on

    2, Force hardware detection (if Bluetooth doesn’t reappear)

    • Open Device Manager
    • Select Action > Scan for hardware changes

    3, Roll back the driver (if available)

    • In Device Manager, right‑click the Bluetooth adapter
    • Select Properties > Driver
    • Choose Roll Back Driver if the option is available

    4, Install the device manufacturer’s Bluetooth driver

    • Download the latest Bluetooth driver directly from your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s support site
    • Install the driver and restart the device

    5, Verify Bluetooth services

    • Press Win + R, type services.msc
    • Ensure Bluetooth Support Service is set to Running and Startup type: Automatic

    6, Run the built‑in Bluetooth troubleshooter

    • Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
    • Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

    I appreciate you taking the time to work through these steps. Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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