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FIX: Can’t add Bluetooth device to Windows 10

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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With Bluetooth continuing to be extremely relevant for short-distance communications, it sure pays to have the thing up and running on all of your devices.

However, that often has not been the case with Windows 10 as many users encountered Bluetooth connectivity issues.

Other users reported that Bluetooth is not detecting their devices. If you have the same problems, you can sort them out with the help ofthis useful guide.

Why can’t I add a Bluetooth device to Windows 10? Here are some of the most common Bluetooth issues on Windows 10, along with ways to get past them.

How do I fix common Bluetooth connectivity issues in Windows?

How do I fix common Bluetooth connectivity issues in Windows?

1. Bluetooth is not working

One of the most common causes for this problem is that the Bluetooth drivers in your device might be outdated and you need to install the latest version.

For this tedious task, it’s better to use automated software that can install any drivers rapidly, plus find the latest versions available. Hence, get it done efficiently usingOutbyte Driver Updater.

2. Bluetooth not showing in Device Manager

3. Bluetooth not showing in Device Manager and there are no Unknown Devices

This pertains to that scenario when Device Manager is neither showing Bluetooth nor Other Devices. Things would be a little more tedious here as you need to expand every device under Device Manager that has the remotest possibility of hosting Bluetooth under them.

Once you have successfully located the Bluetooth device as well as its Parent device, try updating the driver.

This can be done either by right-clicking/long pressing on the parent device and selectingUpdate driverfrom the menu shown, followed bySearch automatically for updated driver software.

If this does not work, try uninstalling the device. Right-click/ long-press the device and selectUninstall device. Restart the PC. This will make Windows make a fresh installation of the default device driver.

The other option for you will be to locate the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers.

Next right-click/long-press the parent device and selectUpdate Driver, thenBrowse my computer for driver softwareand manually select the driver you downloaded.

4. Bluetooth not working after upgrading to the latest Windows 10 version

This happens to be another common issue with Windows 10 devices and is more prevalent if the device is using a customized Bluetooth profile. In that case, just pair the Bluetooth device again and you will be good to go.

If you’re still unable to add the Bluetooth device in Windows 10, you should also check the device that you want to pair with another PC and see if it works.

We hope that the solutions listed above helped you fix the Bluetooth issues that you encountered. If you’ve come across other workarounds to fix this problem, you can list the troubleshooting steps in the comments section below.

More about the topics:bluetooth issues

Ivan Jenic

Windows Hardware Expert

Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.

When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.

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Ivan Jenic

Windows Hardware Expert

Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.