To update the Bluetooth driver in Windows 10, right-click Start and select Device Manager. Expand Bluetooth, right-click your Bluetooth adapter, and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers. Restart your PC when it’s done.
If Windows says the best driver is already installed, check Windows Update for optional driver updates or download the driver from your PC maker’s website.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 24, 2026.
Update the driver in Device Manager
- Right-click Start (or press Windows + X) and select Device Manager.
- Expand Bluetooth and right-click your adapter. Its name usually includes Bluetooth or Wireless.
- Select Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers.
- Follow the prompts, then restart if asked.
Ignore Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator and similar entries. Update the adapter itself.
Get driver updates from Windows Update
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
- Select View optional updates, then expand Driver updates.
- Check any Bluetooth or wireless driver and select Download and install.
Download the driver from your PC maker
Windows doesn’t always have the newest driver. Your PC or adapter maker usually does.
- Find your model name, often on a sticker under the laptop, or in Settings > System > About.
- Go to the maker’s support site and find the drivers for your model and Windows 10.
- Download the Bluetooth driver. On many laptops it’s combined with the Wi-Fi driver.
- Run the file and restart.
Only download drivers from the PC or chip maker’s own website. Avoid “driver updater” sites and tools.
Reinstall the Bluetooth driver
Reinstalling fixes a driver that’s damaged or stuck.
- In Device Manager, right-click the Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device.
- Leave Delete the driver software for this device unchecked unless you have a new driver ready, then select Uninstall.
- Restart your PC. Windows reinstalls the adapter automatically.
If Bluetooth is missing from Device Manager
- Select View > Show hidden devices and check Bluetooth again.
- Look under Other devices for an unknown device with a yellow warning. It usually needs a driver from your PC maker.
- Shut down completely: hold Shift while you select Power > Shut down, wait a minute, then turn the PC on.
- Check airplane mode in the Action Center. It turns Bluetooth off.
- Check that your PC has Bluetooth. Some desktops don’t. A small USB Bluetooth adapter adds it and usually installs its own driver.
Check the Bluetooth service
Bluetooth needs a background service to work, even with the right driver. Press Windows + R, type services.msc and press Enter. Double-click Bluetooth Support Service, set Startup type to Automatic, select Start if it isn’t running, and select OK.
Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter
Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, select Bluetooth, and run it. It checks the service, the adapter and common settings, and fixes what it can.
Know which driver you need
On many laptops, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi share one chip from Intel, Realtek, MediaTek or Qualcomm. The maker usually offers separate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers for the same chip, so install the Bluetooth one even if Wi-Fi already works. The adapter name in Device Manager, such as Intel Wireless Bluetooth, tells you which maker to look for.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which Bluetooth driver version I have?
In Device Manager, right-click the adapter, select Properties, and open the Driver tab.
Can I roll back a bad driver update?
Yes. On the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver if it’s available.
My device still won’t connect after updating. What next?
See how to fix Bluetooth problems in Windows 10.
To pair a new device, see how to set up Bluetooth on Windows 10. To update everything at once, see how to update all drivers on Windows 10. Microsoft’s guide is Fix Bluetooth disappeared in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Do I need a driver for Bluetooth headphones or a mouse?
Usually not. Windows includes drivers for common Bluetooth devices. The driver you update is for the PC’s own Bluetooth adapter. Some gaming mice and headsets offer an optional app for extra features.
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.