How To Install Bluetooth Driver In Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on November 10, 2025

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Bluetooth connectivity is essential for many Windows 10 users, allowing them to connect wireless headphones, speakers, mice, keyboards, and other devices. However, sometimes the necessary Bluetooth drivers are not installed or become corrupted, leading to connectivity issues. Fortunately, installing or updating your Bluetooth driver in Windows 10 is a straightforward process.

This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to install or reinstall your Bluetooth driver, ensuring seamless connectivity with your Bluetooth devices. Whether you’re experiencing issues with your current Bluetooth connection or setting up a new device, this guide will provide you with the information you need to get your Bluetooth working correctly.

How Do I Install a Bluetooth Driver on Windows 10?

Check Your Current Bluetooth Driver Status

Before installing anything, it’s good to know if you even need to. Here’s how to check.

Press the Windows key + X to open the Quick Link menu.
Select “Device Manager”.
Expand the “Bluetooth” category.
Look for your Bluetooth adapter. If you see a yellow exclamation mark, it indicates a problem with the driver.

Install the Bluetooth Driver Through Windows Update

Windows Update can often automatically find and install the correct Bluetooth driver for your system.

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Click on “Update & Security”.
Click “Check for updates”.
Windows will automatically search for and install available updates, including driver updates.
Restart your computer after the updates are installed.

Install the Bluetooth Driver Manually From Device Manager

If Windows Update doesn’t find the driver, you can manually install it through Device Manager.

Press the Windows key + X to open the Quick Link menu.
Select “Device Manager”.
Expand the “Bluetooth” category.
Right-click on your Bluetooth adapter (it might be labeled with a yellow exclamation mark).
Select “Update driver”.
Choose “Search automatically for drivers”. Windows will attempt to find and install the driver.
If Windows can’t find a driver, select “Browse my computer for drivers”.
You’ll need to have downloaded the driver from the manufacturer’s website beforehand (see next section). Navigate to the folder where you saved the driver files and click “Next.”

Download and Install the Driver from the Manufacturer’s Website

The most reliable way to get the correct driver is from the manufacturer’s website.

Identify your computer’s manufacturer (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo) and model number.
Visit the manufacturer’s support website.
Search for drivers for your specific model.
Download the Bluetooth driver for your operating system (Windows 10).
Extract the downloaded file (if it’s a .zip or .exe archive).
Follow the instructions in the “Install the Bluetooth Driver Manually From Device Manager” section above, selecting “Browse my computer for drivers” and pointing to the extracted driver files.

Uninstall and Reinstall the Bluetooth Driver

Sometimes, a fresh installation can resolve driver issues.

Press the Windows key + X to open the Quick Link menu.
Select “Device Manager”.
Expand the “Bluetooth” category.
Right-click on your Bluetooth adapter.
Select “Uninstall device”.
Check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device” if available.
Click “Uninstall”.
Restart your computer. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically. If not, follow the steps in the “Install the Bluetooth Driver Manually From Device Manager” section above.

Tips for Troubleshooting Bluetooth Driver Issues

Restart your computer: This often resolves temporary glitches.
Check for hardware issues: Ensure your Bluetooth adapter is properly connected (if it’s an external adapter) or enabled in your BIOS settings (for internal adapters).
Update BIOS: Sometimes, outdated BIOS versions can cause driver compatibility issues.
Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common Bluetooth problems. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Bluetooth.

Let’s compare the different methods we discussed:

Method	Pros	Cons
Windows Update	Easy and automatic; ensures you get the latest certified driver versions.	May not always find the correct driver; can be delayed if there are no immediate updates.
Manual Installation (Device Manager)	Allows you to install a specific driver version.	Requires you to find and download the driver yourself; can be more complex for novice users.
Manufacturer’s Website	Most reliable source for the correct driver; often includes additional utilities.	Requires you to know your computer’s model number; can be time-consuming to navigate the website.
Uninstall/Reinstall	Can resolve corrupted driver issues.	May not always work; requires reinstalling the driver.

Ensuring Seamless Bluetooth Connectivity

By following these steps, you can effectively install or reinstall your Bluetooth driver in Windows 10 and restore seamless connectivity with your Bluetooth devices. Remember to keep your drivers updated to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.

FAQ

How do I know if my Bluetooth driver is working properly?

Check the Device Manager. If there’s no yellow exclamation mark next to your Bluetooth adapter, it’s likely working correctly. You can also try connecting a Bluetooth device to test the connection.

Why is my Bluetooth device not connecting after installing the driver?

Make sure the Bluetooth device is in pairing mode and that Bluetooth is enabled on your computer. You may also need to remove and re-pair the device.

Can I use a driver from an older version of Windows?

It’s generally not recommended, as it may not be fully compatible with Windows 10. Always try to find a driver specifically designed for Windows 10.

Where can I find the latest Bluetooth drivers?

The best place to find the latest drivers is on the website of your computer’s manufacturer (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo) or the manufacturer of your Bluetooth adapter (if it’s a separate device).

What do I do if I still have Bluetooth problems after installing the driver?

Try running the Bluetooth troubleshooter in Windows Settings. You may also want to consult the manufacturer’s documentation or contact their support team for further assistance.