How to Reinstall the Bluetooth Driver in Windows 10

To reinstall the Bluetooth driver in Windows 10, open Device Manager, expand Bluetooth, right-click your Bluetooth adapter, and select Uninstall device. Then restart your PC. Windows detects the adapter when it starts up and installs the driver again automatically.

Try this when Bluetooth has disappeared, shows an error, or has stopped working for every device. If only one pair of headphones or one mouse won’t connect, remove and pair that device again first. That’s quicker and doesn’t touch the driver.

Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 24, 2026.

Before you start

• Plug in a wired mouse or keyboard if you normally use Bluetooth ones. They stop working until the driver is back.
• Save your work. You’ll restart the PC.
• Note your adapter’s name in Device Manager in case you need to download its driver later.

Step 1: Try updating the driver first

A driver update fixes many Bluetooth problems without a reinstall.

1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager. (You can also press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.)
2. Expand Bluetooth.
3. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver. The adapter usually has Bluetooth or Wireless in its name. Paired devices such as headphones are listed there too, but they aren’t the adapter.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
5. Restart your PC.

If Windows says the best driver is already installed, move on to Step 2.

Step 2: Uninstall and reinstall the Bluetooth driver

1. In Device Manager, expand Bluetooth.
2. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device.
3. Leave Delete the driver software for this device unchecked, so Windows reinstalls the same driver when you restart. Check it only if you’ve already downloaded a newer driver from your PC maker or the current driver is known to be faulty.
4. Select Uninstall.
5. Restart your PC.

After the restart, open Device Manager again and expand Bluetooth. The adapter should be back without a warning sign. If it isn’t, select Action > Scan for hardware changes.

Step 3: Check Windows Update for a driver

Windows Update sometimes offers a newer Bluetooth driver as an optional update.

1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates and install anything offered.
3. Select View optional updates, open Driver updates, and install any Bluetooth driver listed.
4. Restart your PC.

Step 4: Install the driver from your PC maker

Your PC or Bluetooth adapter maker often has a newer driver than Windows Update.

1. Go to the support page for your exact PC or adapter model on the maker’s website.
2. Download the Bluetooth driver for Windows 10 that matches your system (usually 64-bit).
3. Run the installer, then restart your PC.

Only download drivers from the PC or adapter maker’s own site. Avoid driver-updater programs, which can install the wrong driver or unwanted software.

If Bluetooth isn’t in Device Manager at all

• Show hidden devices: in Device Manager, select View > Show hidden devices, then look under Bluetooth and Other devices. An unknown device with a yellow warning sign usually needs a driver from your PC maker.
• Check airplane mode: select the Action center icon on the taskbar and make sure Airplane mode is off.
• Check for a wireless switch or key: some laptops have a switch or a function key that turns Bluetooth and Wi-Fi off.
• Shut down fully: select Start > Power, hold Shift, and select Shut down. Wait 30 seconds, then turn the PC back on.
• Your PC may not have Bluetooth: many desktop PCs don’t. A small USB Bluetooth adapter adds it.

Frequently asked questions

Will I lose my paired Bluetooth devices?

You may need to pair some devices again after reinstalling the adapter. Keep your headphones or mouse nearby, and put them in pairing mode if they don’t reconnect on their own.

What if the new driver makes things worse?

In Device Manager, right-click the adapter, select Properties, open the Driver tab, and select Roll Back Driver if it’s available. Otherwise, install the previous driver from your PC maker’s site.

Is Windows 10 still getting driver updates?

Windows 10 no longer gets regular updates, so newer Bluetooth drivers may only be on your PC maker’s site, and some makers have stopped releasing them. See how to enroll in Windows 10 Extended Security Updates if you plan to stay on Windows 10.

For all the ways to open Device Manager, see how to open Device Manager in Windows 10.

If the driver isn’t the problem, work through how to fix Bluetooth problems in Windows 10. On Windows 11, see how to reinstall the Bluetooth driver in Windows 11. Microsoft’s guide is Update Bluetooth drivers in Windows. More help is on our Devices & Drivers Help & Guides page.

Matt Jacobs

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.