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How to Download and Install a Bluetooth Driver for Windows 10

Learn how to identify your Windows 10 Bluetooth adapter, update or reinstall its driver, and download the model-matched package from your PC maker.
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There is no one Bluetooth driver download that works for every Windows 10 PC. First identify the computer’s Bluetooth adapter, then try Windows’ built-in update tools; if those do not find the right driver, download the package for your exact PC model from its manufacturer’s official support site.

Important: Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. A manufacturer may still offer a driver package, but that is not ongoing Windows support. See Microsoft’s Bluetooth driver guidance and its Bluetooth troubleshooting guidance.

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1. Identify your Bluetooth adapter

  1. Open Start, search for Device Manager, and open it.
  2. Expand Bluetooth and look for the adapter name. Examples include “Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth(R)” and “Realtek Bluetooth Adapter.” These are examples, not universal driver recommendations. The radio’s name and appropriate package depend on the PC’s hardware. See Microsoft’s guide to identifying Bluetooth hardware.

Entries such as Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator or Bluetooth Device (RFCOMM Protocol TDI) are not the radio listing you need. If Bluetooth is not shown, check Other devices for an unknown device. If no likely adapter or unknown device appears, check the PC specifications or the manufacturer’s support information before choosing a driver; the computer may not include Bluetooth hardware.

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2. Try Windows’ built-in driver update

  1. In Device Manager, right-click the Bluetooth adapter and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
  2. Follow any on-screen instructions and restart if prompted.
  3. Open Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install relevant available updates.

If Windows reports that the best driver is already installed, that does not establish that the PC maker has no newer model-specific package. Microsoft advises checking the manufacturer’s website when a newer driver may be available.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC - Bluetooth 5.4 USB Dongle Receiver | Plug and Play, Nano Design, EDR & BLE, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/7 for Desktop, Laptop, Keyboard, Mouse, etc (UB500)
  • Bluetooth 5.4 + Broad Compatibility - Provides Bluetooth 5.4 plus EDR technology and is backward compatible with Bluetooth V5.3/5.0/4.2/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1.
  • Faster Speed, Extended Range - Get up to 2x faster data transfer and 4x broader coverage compared to Bluetooth 4.0 — perfect for smooth audio streaming and stable connections.
  • EDR and BLE Technology - This Bluetooth dongle is quipped with enhanced data rate and Bluetooth low energy, UB500 has greatly improved data transfer speed and operates at the optimal rate of power consumption
  • Nano-Sized - A sleek, ultra-small design means you can insert the Nano Bluetooth receiver into any USB port and simply keep it there regardless of whether you are traveling or at home
  • Plug & Play with Free Driver Support - Plug and play for Windows 8.1/10/11 (internet required). Supports Win7 (driver required and can be downloaded from website for free). Download the latest driver from TP-Link website to utilize Bluetooth 5.4

3. Download the matching driver from your PC maker

  1. Go to the computer manufacturer’s official support website and search by the PC’s model or service identifier.
  2. Select the Bluetooth driver that matches both the installed hardware and your Windows version. Do not assume that a package labelled Intel, Realtek, or another radio maker is suitable for every computer.
  3. Install it using the package format provided by the manufacturer:
  • Executable package: Run the downloaded file and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Individual driver files: Extract the files, then in Device Manager select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers and choose the folder containing the driver files. Microsoft describes this route for packages that include files such as INF and SYS files.

Restart if prompted. Microsoft’s instructions point users to the PC manufacturer’s support site rather than unrelated driver-download mirrors: Update Bluetooth drivers in Windows and Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows.

4. Reinstall or roll back the driver if needed

Roll back after a recent update

If Bluetooth stopped working after a driver or Windows update, open the adapter’s Properties > Driver tab in Device Manager and select Roll Back Driver if the option is available.

Rank #2
Amazon Basics Bluetooth 5.4 USB Adapter Dongle for PC, USB Receiver for Bluetooth Mouse, Keyboard, Laptop, Works with Windows 11/10/8.1
  • INSTANT BLUETOOTH ACCESS: Bluetooth dongle adapter receiver for PCs converts non-Bluetooth devices into Bluetooth-capable with simple USB connection
  • WIDE COMPATIBILITY: Supports Bluetooth 5.4 and is backwards compatible with Bluetooth 5.3/5.2/5.1/5.0/V4.2/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1; ONLY works with Windows 8.1, 10, and 11
  • MULTI-DEVICE CONNECTION: Connect up to 6 devices simultaneously; Not compatible with all other operation systems e.g. Mac, Linux, Chrome, Unix, Playstation(PS), Windows 7 and below; Nano bluetooth receiver can be plugged in via any standard USB port
  • ENHANCED PERFORMANCE: EDR and BLE technology offers enhanced data rate/transfer speed and low energy consumption
  • SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Not compatible with all other operation systems e.g. Mac, Linux, Chrome, Unix, Playstation(PS), Windows 7 and below; Disable any built-in Bluetooth of the device before use this product, refer to the user manual for detail

Uninstall and let Windows try to reinstall

If rollback is unavailable or does not help, uninstall the Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager and restart the PC. Windows can attempt to reinstall the adapter. If it does not return, open Device Manager and select Action > Scan for hardware changes. Follow the detailed steps in Microsoft’s Bluetooth troubleshooting guide.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

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5. Check the accessory before blaming the driver

A driver update will not resolve every connection problem. Check that the Bluetooth accessory is in pairing mode, within range, and sufficiently charged. Microsoft lists these device-level checks in its Bluetooth troubleshooting guidance.

Rank #3
UGREEN USB Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter for PC Bluetooth Dongle Receiver
  • Upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter: This bluetooth adapter for pc uses the latest upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 BR+EDR technology, greatly improves the stability of the connection data transfer speed, reduces the possibility of signal interruption and power consumption.
  • Up to 5 Devices Sync Connected: UGREEN Bluetooth dongle for PC supports up to 5 different types of Bluetooth devices to be connected at the same time without interfering with each other, such as Bluetooth mouse/keyboard/mobile phone/headphones, etc. If Bluetooth audio devices of the same type (such as speakers/headphones) are connected, only one device can play music.
  • Plug and Play: The Bluetooth adapter is developed for Windows systems only and does not support other systems. No driver installation is required under Windows 11/10/8.1. NOTE: Win 7, Linux and MacOS System are NOT supported.
  • Mini Size: An extremely compact Bluetooth stick that you can leave on your laptop or PC without removing it.The compact size does not interfere with other USB ports. Convenient to carry, no space occupation.
  • What Can I do if the Bluetooth adapter can not work?: Ensure there are no other Bluetooth devices installed on the computer. If there are, disable all existing Bluetooth devices in "Device Manager", then insert the adapter and try again. (For detailed information please read the user manual)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

6. If the PC has no working Bluetooth hardware

An external USB Bluetooth adapter is a possible hardware fallback, not a driver download or a guaranteed fix. Check the adapter maker’s Windows 10 support and compatibility information for your PC before buying; Microsoft’s guidance on adding a hardware device to a Windows device does not endorse a particular adapter.

Best Value
Sale
Long Range USB Bluetooth 5.4 Adapter for Desktop PC Plug&Play Mini Dongle | Class 1 Wireless EDR Transfer Transmitter Receiver 500FT for BT Mouse/Keyboard/Headphones/Print Severs Support Win11/10
  • Bluetooth 5.4 dongle: Applies the latest Bluetooth 5.4+EDR technology, compatible with Bluetooth 5.3/5.2/4.2/4.2 LE/4.0/2.1+EDR, and supports Dual mode (BR/EDR+ Bluetooth Low Energy) to achieve low energy consumption and high speed. Quick response and better anti-interference.
  • Plug & Play: USB wireless Bluetooth is not limited by network and location, no need to install drivers, just plug the USB wireless adapter into your computer, you can use it directly. You can use the Bluetooth function at any time. Greatly improve your work efficiency and save your time.
  • Long Range Bluetooth Adapter: The USB Bluetooth 5.4 dongle uses Class 1 radio technology, equipped with extra long antenna, and the transmission range in the open area can reach 500ft/150m, Bluetooth connections are no longer affected by distance. Note: The actual transmission range will be affected by physical obstructions and wireless interference.
  • Fast Transmission Rate: This upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 adapter features EDR technology and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) configuration up to 3Mbps, which greatly improves transmission rates and reduces the loss of transmission efficiency due to interference in the 2.4GHz band. Enables fast, no delay wireless data connections between your computer and Bluetooth devices.
  • System Support: The upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 dongle has a wide range of applications. You can connect up to 5 devices at the same time using Bluetooth wireless. Such as Bluetooth speakers,keyboards,headsets,mice, and Bluetooth printers,etc. Only supports Windows 11/10/8.1, Not compatible with Mac OS, Linux,car stereo systems,XBOX,ps4 or TVs.
Rank #4
UGREEN USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC Bluetooth 6.0 Dongle Receiver | EDR & BLE, Plug & Play for Windows 11/10/8.1, for Headphone/Keyboard/Mouse/Speakers/Printer
  • This Bluetooth adapter for PC utilizes the latest Bluetooth 6.0 EDR technology, delivering faster data transfer speeds, seamless high-quality audio/video streaming, and efficient large-file transfers.
  • Up to 5 Devices Sync Connected: This Bluetooth dongle for PC supports up to 5 different types of Bluetooth devices to be connected at the same time without interfering with each other, such as Bluetooth mouse/keyboard/mobile phone/headphones, etc. Note: If Bluetooth audio devices of the same type (such as speakers/headphones) are connected, only one device can play music.
  • Ultra-High Data Transfer Speeds: With Bluetooth 6.0 technology, this bluetooth dongle will bring us a faster speed experience. And Bluetooth 6.0 is backward compatible with Bluetooth5.4/5.3.
  • EDR and BLE Technology - This Bluetooth dongle is equipped with enhanced data rate and Bluetooth low energy, it wil optimize energy.
  • Plug and Play: The Bluetooth receiver is developed for Windows systems only and does not support other systems. No driver installation is required under Windows 11/10/8.1. NOTE: Linux and MacOS , Win 7 System are NOT supported.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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