How to Install Bluetooth Driver in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 14, 2025

Have you ever tried to connect your wireless headphones, mouse, or smartphone to your PC, only to realize that Bluetooth isn’t working? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many Windows 10 users face this issue because of missing or outdated Bluetooth drivers.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through how to install Bluetooth driver in Windows 10 step by step. You’ll also learn how to check if Bluetooth is available, update your existing driver, and fix connection problems — all in simple, beginner-friendly language.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

🧭 Quick Summary: Key Takeaways

Task Description Tools Needed
Check Bluetooth availability Make sure your PC supports Bluetooth Device Manager
Install driver manually Download from manufacturer or Windows Update Internet connection
Update existing driver Keep your system stable and compatible Device Manager
Fix driver issues Reinstall or troubleshoot Settings / Troubleshooter
Enable Bluetooth Turn on Bluetooth services Settings / Action Center

💡 What Is a Bluetooth Driver in Windows 10?

A Bluetooth driver is the software that allows your PC to communicate with Bluetooth devices like headphones, controllers, and keyboards. Without it, your computer can’t detect or connect to these devices.

Think of it as a translator — your hardware and operating system speak different languages, and the driver helps them understand each other.

🧩 Why You Might Need to Install or Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers

There are several reasons you may need to install Bluetooth drivers manually:

  • Bluetooth toggle missing in Settings

  • Device not pairing or disappearing

  • “Bluetooth not available” error

  • After reinstalling Windows 10

  • Outdated drivers causing connection drops

If any of these sound familiar, reinstalling or updating the driver can often fix it.

🔍 How to Check If Your PC Has Bluetooth

Before installing anything, verify that your computer actually supports Bluetooth.

✅ Method 1: Check via Device Manager

  1. Press Windows + X and choose Device Manager.

  2. Look for Bluetooth in the list.

  3. If you see Bluetooth listed (e.g., “Intel Wireless Bluetooth” or “Realtek Bluetooth Adapter”), your PC supports it.

If you don’t see Bluetooth:

  • Expand Network adapters or Other devices.

  • Sometimes Bluetooth drivers appear under those categories.

✅ Method 2: Check via Settings

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Devices → Bluetooth & other devices.

  3. If you see a Bluetooth toggle, your PC supports it.

✅ Method 3: Check via Command Prompt

  1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.

  2. Type:

    systeminfo | find "Bluetooth"

  3. If the result mentions Bluetooth, your system supports it.

⚙️ How to Install Bluetooth Driver in Windows 10 (Step-by-Step)

There are three main methods to install or reinstall your Bluetooth driver — through Windows Update, Device Manager, or manual installation.

Let’s go through each one in detail.

🪟 Method 1: Install Bluetooth Driver Using Windows Update

This is the easiest and most reliable method since Windows automatically finds the correct driver for your system.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings

    • Press Windows + I and click on Update & Security.

  2. Check for Updates

    • Select Windows Update → Check for updates.

  3. Install Available Drivers

    • If Windows detects a missing Bluetooth driver, it will download and install it automatically.

  4. Restart Your PC

    • Once installed, restart your system to activate the driver.

✅ Tip: Always keep your system updated — it ensures stable Bluetooth performance and fixes known bugs.

🧰 Method 2: Install Bluetooth Driver via Device Manager

If Windows Update doesn’t find a suitable driver, you can manually install one from Device Manager.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + X → Select Device Manager.

  2. Expand the Bluetooth section (or Network adapters if missing).

  3. Right-click on your Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver.

  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

  5. Windows will look for and install the latest version.

If Bluetooth is missing:

  • Click Action → Scan for hardware changes.

  • If still not visible, see the “Fix Bluetooth Missing” section below.

💻 Method 3: Install Bluetooth Driver Manually (From Manufacturer Website)

If automatic methods don’t work, download the driver directly from your PC or Bluetooth adapter manufacturer.

Steps:

  1. Find your Bluetooth adapter model

    • Open Device Manager → Right-click Bluetooth adapter → Properties → Details tab → Hardware IDs.

    • Note down the model (e.g., Intel Wireless Bluetooth, Realtek, Qualcomm, Broadcom).

  2. Visit the manufacturer’s website

  3. Search for Bluetooth driver

    • Enter your PC model number or adapter name.

  4. Download and install

    • Download the latest compatible Windows 10 Bluetooth driver.

    • Double-click the installer (.exe) file and follow the on-screen instructions.

  5. Restart your PC

    • After installation, restart to apply changes.

🧼 How to Reinstall Bluetooth Driver in Windows 10

Sometimes, uninstalling and reinstalling the Bluetooth driver can fix persistent problems.

Steps:

  1. Open Device Manager.

  2. Expand Bluetooth.

  3. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter → Select Uninstall device.

  4. Confirm the action.

  5. Restart your PC.

Windows will automatically reinstall the driver after reboot.
If it doesn’t, use Windows Update or download it manually.

🧠 How to Fix Bluetooth Missing in Device Manager

If you don’t see Bluetooth in Device Manager, try these fixes:

Problem Solution
Bluetooth completely missing Enable it in BIOS or reinstall chipset drivers
Bluetooth greyed out or disabled Enable Bluetooth services
Recent Windows update issue Roll back or reinstall update
Hardware issue Use an external USB Bluetooth adapter

Enable Bluetooth Services

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Find these services:

    • Bluetooth Support Service

    • Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service

    • Bluetooth User Support Service

  3. Right-click each → Properties → Startup type → Automatic → Start.

  4. Restart your PC.

🔄 How to Update Bluetooth Driver in Windows 10

Keeping your Bluetooth driver updated ensures better performance and fewer connectivity issues.

Steps:

  1. Open Device Manager.

  2. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter → Update driver.

  3. Choose:

    • Search automatically for drivers, or

    • Browse my computer for drivers if you’ve downloaded one manually.

  4. Follow the prompts and restart.

Alternative:
Use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant or Dell SupportAssist for automatic updates.

🧹 How to Roll Back Bluetooth Driver (If New Update Causes Problems)

Sometimes, new drivers can create compatibility issues. You can revert to the previous version easily.

Steps:

  1. Go to Device Manager.

  2. Right-click Bluetooth adapter → Properties → Driver tab.

  3. Click Roll Back Driver (if available).

  4. Choose a reason → Yes.

  5. Restart your PC.

🧰 How to Enable Bluetooth on Windows 10 After Installing Drivers

Once the driver is installed, make sure Bluetooth is turned on.

Method 1: From Settings

  1. Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices.

  2. Toggle Bluetooth to On.

Method 2: From Action Center

  1. Press Windows + A to open Action Center.

  2. Click the Bluetooth icon to enable it.

If the icon is missing, click Expand to see more quick actions.

🪄 How to Connect a Bluetooth Device in Windows 10

Now that Bluetooth is active, let’s connect your device.

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices.

  2. Click Add Bluetooth or other device → Bluetooth.

  3. Select your device (headphones, mouse, phone, etc.).

  4. Wait for pairing to complete.

✅ Tip: Keep your Bluetooth device within 1–2 meters during pairing.

🧩 Common Bluetooth Driver Problems and Fixes

Issue Cause Solution
Bluetooth toggle missing Driver missing or disabled Reinstall driver, enable services
Device won’t pair Outdated driver or interference Update driver, restart Bluetooth Support Service
Audio crackling Low signal or outdated firmware Keep device close, update drivers
Device disconnects randomly Power management issue Disable “Allow computer to turn off this device to save power” in Bluetooth adapter properties

🔋 Optimize Bluetooth Performance on Windows 10

To ensure smooth wireless performance:

  • Keep drivers and Windows updated.

  • Avoid using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth simultaneously on 2.4 GHz (use 5 GHz Wi-Fi).

  • Disconnect unused Bluetooth devices.

  • Use Airplane Mode toggle to reset Bluetooth quickly.

🧾 Summary: Installing Bluetooth Driver on Windows 10

Task Method Tools
Check Bluetooth availability Device Manager / Settings Built-in
Install via Windows Update Automatic Settings
Install manually Manufacturer website Browser
Reinstall driver Device Manager System tools
Enable Bluetooth Settings / Action Center Built-in

Installing a Bluetooth driver in Windows 10 isn’t complicated. Whether you use Windows Update, Device Manager, or manual installation, the process takes just a few minutes. Once set up, you’ll enjoy seamless wireless connections for all your devices.

🧩 FAQs About Installing Bluetooth Driver in Windows 10

1. How do I reinstall Bluetooth driver in Windows 10?

Open Device Manager → Bluetooth → Uninstall device, then restart your PC. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

2. Where can I download Bluetooth drivers for Windows 10?

You can download drivers from your PC manufacturer’s website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, etc.) or directly from Intel or Realtek.

3. Why is Bluetooth missing from Device Manager?

The driver might be uninstalled or disabled. Enable Bluetooth Support Service, reinstall chipset drivers, or use an external adapter.

4. Can I install Bluetooth on a PC that doesn’t have it?

Yes! You can use a USB Bluetooth adapter to add Bluetooth capability to any desktop or laptop.

5. Does Windows 10 automatically install Bluetooth drivers?

Yes. Windows 10 usually installs compatible Bluetooth drivers automatically through Windows Update when you connect a Bluetooth adapter.

🏁 Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to install Bluetooth driver in Windows 10 — whether you’re setting it up for the first time or fixing a missing driver issue.

Start with Windows Update for automatic installation, use Device Manager for manual control, and download directly from your manufacturer when needed. Once done, enable Bluetooth and enjoy the convenience of wireless connectivity.

From headphones and keyboards to smartphones and controllers — Bluetooth makes everything easier. So, follow the steps above, and you’ll be connected in no time! 💻✨

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