How To Fix USB Bluetooth Adapter Driver Issues

Recoverit Editorial Team

Oct 23, 2026 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

TL;DR:

Fix USB Bluetooth adapter failures on Windows 10, 11, 8, 7, and XP by updating corrupted drivers, adjusting power management settings, or running the built-in Update and Security troubleshooter.
    ● Resolve "hardware not found" sharing issues by opening Device Manager, accessing the wireless module's properties, and unchecking the power-saving option within the Power Management tab.
    ● Diagnose driver status using specific system alerts, where a "Code 10" signifies an outdated driver and a "not configured correctly" message indicates a missing or incompatible installation.
    ● Prevent signal interference and pairing failures by keeping the Bluetooth device away from exposed USB ports, disabling Airplane mode, and manually removing then re-adding the connection in Windows Settings.

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Bluetooth Device Driver errors are common problem users of Bluetooth face from time to time. The drivers are operating systems used in Windows and different Windows such as Windows 10, 8, and 7 use different drivers. What this means is that if you have an incompatible driver on your device you may not be able to send and receive data with ease. This article treats how to fix Bluetooth Adapter driver issues.

Overview of the Error

Most often than not, errors may occur when the required driver needed for your Bluetooth to function is either corrupted or missing. There may be other reasons but corrupted and missing drives are the major reasons why you may see this kind of error when you try using Bluetooth on your PC.

Common Bluetooth Drive Errors and Means

Here are some of the most common errors affecting Bluetooth adapters.

• Bluetooth device not found. Please verify your device is properly connected and turned on: This error is very common with Windows XP.
• Bluetooth cannot start because hardware not found: This is a sharing issue. Sending or receiving files is impossible if your Bluetooth is declared missing.

To resolve this kind of issue, Go to Device Manager and click on Bluetooth. Pick the properties od the very first entry which is mostly a wireless module.

In the dialogue box for Properties select Power Management tab> uncheck the box to turn off the device and save power.

This action may fix this particular error.

• The device is not configured correctly

The above error could mean that a compatible driver has not been installed or has gone missing

• The device cannot start (Code 10)

This means that the Bluetooth Driver is outdated

How to Fix Bluetooth Problems in Windows 10/11

1# Check your Product Information

If your Bluetooth suddenly goes missing, take the time to check your device's specifications to ensure that it has the correct Bluetooth capabilities. This information is crucial because some desktop computers and laptops do not have Bluetooth devices. If you are a Mac user, refer to the fixes for Bluetooth not turning on for Mac.

2# Make sure Bluetooth is turned on

If your Bluetooth is not turned on, your system will not find it. To make sure it is on, do the following.

• Click the Start button then choose Settings
• Open devices and then navigate to other Bluetooth and other devices
• Make sure it is on. If it is not, turn it on
• If you use a Laptop that has a Bluetooth switch make sure the switch is on

3# Check your Bluetooth device

If your Bluetooth uses batteries make sure the batteries are fully charged or replace them with a fresh one. Also, make sure that the batteries are the correct ones. Try these steps.

• Turn off your Bluetooth and wait for a few seconds then switch it back on
• Make sure the device is within range. If the signal is not very strong don't keep it too close to your PC or any other device they plugged to a USB port. Exposed USB devices can affect Bluetooth performance.

4# Check your PC

• Switch off airplane mode in case it is on
• Select the Start button then open Settings and navigate to Network and Internet then Airplane mode to check.
• Turn Bluetooth device on and off. To do this, select the Start button, go to Settings, open Devices, and click on Bluetooth and other devices. Turn Bluetooth off then on again.
• Remove the Bluetooth then re-add it again. To re-add it, click the Start button, pick Settings and navigate to Bluetooth and other devices. Under Bluetooth choose the device you are working on and select Yes to remove it. Add it again and then switch on

5# Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

If all fails, Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter to identify and fix errors.

• Select the Start button
• Click Settings
• Go to Update and Security
• Troubleshoot
• Select Bluetooth under the find and fix problems category
• Select Run Troubleshooter and follow the instructions provided

Your Bluetooth may not be able to send or receive data for several reasons but that doesn't mean that the device is bad. It may be as a result of missing or outdated drivers or even a wrong connection. With the information in this article, you should be able to fix it and get it working again without help from anybody since the steps are self-explanatory.

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