Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows 10

If you run into problems trying to connect to a Bluetooth device, here are some troubleshooting steps to try.

Note: For general info about how to connect a Bluetooth device to your PC, see Connect a Bluetooth device in Windows.

Before you start

Check these things before you start troubleshooting Bluetooth on your device:

Check your product information

If you’re setting up a new device and Bluetooth is missing, check the product specifications to make sure it has Bluetooth capabilities. Some devices don’t have Bluetooth.

Make sure Bluetooth is turned on

If you’re using a laptop with a physical Bluetooth switch on the body, make sure it’s switched on.

In Windows 10, there are two ways to check if Bluetooth is turned on. Here’s how:

Check in the taskbar. Select action center ( or ). If you don’t see Bluetooth, select Expand to reveal Bluetooth , then select Bluetooth to turn it on. You’ll see “Not connected” if your Windows 10 device isn’t paired to any Bluetooth accessories.

Check in Settings. Select Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices . Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.

When you turn Bluetooth on in Settings, the following message appears immediately:

«Now discoverable as computer_name>«

Check your Bluetooth device

Make sure your device is turned on, is charged or has fresh batteries, and is in range of the PC you want to connect to. Then, try the following:

Turn off your Bluetooth device, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.

Make sure your Bluetooth device is in range. If your Bluetooth device is unresponsive or sluggish, check to make sure it’s not too close to any other USB device that’s plugged into a USB 3.0 port. Unshielded USB devices can sometimes interfere with Bluetooth connections.

Check your PC

On the PC you want to pair to:

Make sure airplane mode is off: Select Start , then select Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode . Make sure Airplane mode is turned off.

Turn Bluetooth on and off: Select Start , then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices . Turn off Bluetooth, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.

Remove the Bluetooth device, then add it again: Select Start , then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices .. In Bluetooth, select the device you’re having problems connecting to, and then select Remove device > Yes. To learn more about pairing your Bluetooth device again, see Connect a Bluetooth device.

When Bluetooth doesn’t work or the Bluetooth icon is missing

Try these steps if your Bluetooth isn’t working. Here are some other common problems:

The Bluetooth icon is missing or Bluetooth can’t be turned on or off.

Bluetooth doesn’t work after a Windows 10 update is installed.

Bluetooth doesn’t work after you upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 8.1 or Windows 7.

Bluetooth doesn’t appear in Device Manager, and there are no unknown devices listed.

To get started, select a heading to see more info.

Select Start , then select Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot . In Find and fix other problems, select Bluetooth, and then select Run the troubleshooter and follow the instructions.

If you recently upgraded to Windows 10 or installed Windows 10 updates, the current driver may have been designed for an earlier version of Windows. To automatically check for driver updates:

In the search box on the taskbar, search for Device Manager, and then select Device Manager from the list of results.

In Device Manager, select Bluetooth, and then select the Bluetooth adapter name, which may include the word “radio.”

Press and hold (or right-click) the Bluetooth adapter, and then select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software. Follow the steps, then select Close.

After installing the updated driver, select the Start button, select Power > Restart if you’re prompted to restart, and then check whether that fixes the connection issue.

If Windows can’t find a new Bluetooth driver, visit the PC manufacturer’s website and download the latest Bluetooth driver from there.

Important: An outdated or incompatible driver is one of the most common causes of Bluetooth connection problems.

To manually install the Bluetooth driver:

Go to your PC manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver. Then do one of the following:

If you downloaded an executable (.exe) file, just double-click the file to run it and install the drivers. That should be all you need to do.

If you downloaded individual files, and at least one file has an .inf file name extension and another has a .sys extension, do the following:

In the search box on the taskbar, type Device Manager, and then select Device Manager from the list of results.

In Device Manager, select Bluetooth > the Bluetooth adapter name. (If it’s not listed there, check in Other devices.)

Press and hold (or right-click) the network adapter, and then select Update driver > Browse my computer for driver software.

Select Browse, select the location where the driver files are stored, and then select OK.

Select Next, and follow the steps to install the driver. When the installation is finished, select Close.

After you’ve updated the driver, select the Start button, select Power > Restart if you’re prompted to restart, and check whether that fixes the connection issue.

If you don’t see the Bluetooth icon, but Bluetooth does appear in Device Manager, try to uninstall the Bluetooth adapter and trigger an automatic reinstall. Here’s how:

In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager, then select Device Manager from the results.

In Device Manager, select Bluetooth. Press and hold (or right-click) the Bluetooth adapter name (which may include the word “radio”), and select Uninstall device.

Select Start , then select Power > Shut down .

After your device shuts down, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on. Windows will try to reinstall the driver.

If Windows doesn’t reinstall the driver automatically, open Device Manager and select Action > Scan for hardware changes.

Note: You may need to contact your PC or other hardware manufacturer to obtain the latest drivers for your Bluetooth adapter.

If these methods don’t fix your Bluetooth problem, use Windows Feedback Hub to file a bug. This helps Microsoft determine the root cause of this issue.

Include details about what you were doing or specific steps you were taking when the bug occurred. For example, if you started having Bluetooth problems after updating Windows or changing Windows versions, include this information.

Note: If your school or workplace manages your device and you don’t see the Bluetooth icon, it may be disabled by your organization. Check with your system administrator.

Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth accessories

If you can turn on Bluetooth but are having problems pairing or using a Bluetooth accessory, use the following methods for troubleshooting common problems with Bluetooth accessories.

You should also check your device manufacturer’s website, especially if you have other Bluetooth devices that are working. The device manufacturer will probably have more detailed, product-specific information and troubleshooting steps.

To get started, select a heading to see more info.

If you’re prompted to enter a PIN to use your device, but you don’t know the PIN:

Check the device’s documentation for a pin, or look for one on the device itself.

Try 0000 or 1234.

If you’re prompted to enter a PIN, but you don’t see a place to enter one on your PC’s screen, type 0000 on your Bluetooth keyboard and press Enter.

Try to remove the device, then pair it again. Your device might be paired, but not connected—Bluetooth keyboards, mice, and pens connect only when necessary.
To remove a Bluetooth device, select Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices . Select the Bluetooth device that’s paired but not working, then select Remove device > Yes. After that, pair the device again. For more info on pairing devices, see Connect a Bluetooth device.

If you’re having problems connecting a Bluetooth audio device or hearing sound:

Make sure the audio device is within range of your PC.

Make sure the audio is playing through the Bluetooth device. Select Start , then select Settings > System > Sound . In Choose your output device, select the Bluetooth device.

If your device displays as Paired but you can’t hear audio, make sure it’s connected. Select Start , then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices . In Bluetooth, select the device, and then select Connect.

Try unpairing, then re-pairing, the device. To unpair a device, select Start , then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices . Select the Bluetooth device that’s paired but not working, then select Remove device > Yes. After that, pair the device again. For more info on pairing devices, see Connect a Bluetooth device.

If your device is connected, but the audio quality is poor:

Make sure the audio is playing through the Bluetooth device. Select Start , then select Settings > System > Sound . In Choose your output device, select the Bluetooth audio device.

Pause other things that might be using Bluetooth, such as file-sharing over Bluetooth. For more info, see Fix sound problems in Windows 10.

Verify that stereo is selected for the Bluetooth device in order to ensure the best quality audio. To do this:

On the right side of the taskbar, click Volume and then select the chevron icon to choose a playback device.

Select the Bluetooth device, and make sure the Stereo option is selected. (The lower-audio quality option is Hands-Free.)

If stereo is not available as an option, remove the device in Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and then re-add the device. Then, check the Volume panel again to make sure that stereo is selected.

If your Bluetooth volume controls no longer work after you install a Windows update, follow these steps.

Warning: Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. For added protection, back up the registry before attempting to modify it.

Make sure you’ve installed the latest updates from Windows Update. (A solution for this issue was included in the October 24, 2018—KB4462933 (OS Build 17134.376) update for Windows 10 version 1803.)

To check for updates, select Start , and then go to Settings > Update & security > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Manually disable the Absolute Volume feature by making a change in the registry. To do this, select Start and type cmd. Right-click Command Prompt in the Search results and select Run as administrator.

In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:

reg add HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Bluetooth\Audio\AVRCP\CT /v DisableAbsoluteVolume /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

You may need to restart Windows for the registry change to take effect.

To re-enable the Absolute Volume feature, type the following command in the Command Prompt window:

reg add HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Bluetooth\Audio\AVRCP\CT /v DisableAbsoluteVolume /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Fix sound problems in Windows 10

If you’re having audio problems, the following suggestions might help. The tips are listed in order, so start with the first one, see if that helps, and then continue to the next one if it doesn’t.

If multiple audio output devices are available, check that you have the appropriate one selected. Here’s how:

Select the Speakers icon on the taskbar.

Next, select the arrow to open a list of audio devices connected to your computer.

Check that your audio is playing to the audio device you prefer, such as a speaker or headphones.

If this doesn’t help, continue to the next tip.

The audio troubleshooter might be able to fix audio problems automatically.

To run the troubleshooter

In the search box on the taskbar, type audio troubleshooter, select Fix and find problems with playing sound from the results, then select Next.

Select the device you want to troubleshoot and then continue through the troubleshooter.

You can also launch the troubleshooter from audio Settings. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound > Troubleshoot.

If running the troubleshooter doesn’t help, continue to the next tip.

To check for updates

Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Do one of the following:

If the status says «You’re up to date, go to the next tip.

If the status says «Updates are available,» select Install now.

Select the updates you want to install, then select Install.

Restart your PC and see if your sound is working properly.

If that didn’t solve your problem, continue to the next tip.

Try these steps

Check your speaker and headphone connections for loose cords or cables. Make sure all cords and cables are plugged in.

If you have multiple 5mm jacks to plug into, especially on a surround sound system, make sure all cords and cables are plugged into the correct jack.

If it’s not clear which jack goes with which cord, consult your hardware manufacturer, or try the most obvious outputs one at a time and see if they work.

Note: Some systems use a green jack for output and pink for mic input and others will be labeled «headphone» or «microphone.»

Make sure the power is turned on and check the volume level.

Make sure the mute setting is not turned on, and try turning up all the volume controls.

Remember some speakers and apps have their own volume controls. Be sure to check them all.

Try connecting your speaker and headphones to a different USB port.

It’s possible that your speakers won’t work when your headphones are plugged in. Unplug your headphones and see if that helps.

If your cables and volume are OK, see the next sections for additional troubleshooting.

Check to make sure your audio devices aren’t muted and haven’t been disabled.

Right-click the Speakers icon on the taskbar, and then select Open Volume mixer.

You’ll see a set of volume controls for your devices. Make sure none of them are muted. If any of them are muted, you’ll see a red circle with a line through it next to the volume control. In that case, select the volume control to unmute.

Check your device properties to make sure that your devices have not been disabled by mistake. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound .

Select your audio device, and then select Device properties. Be sure to select Device properties for both the output and input devices.

Make sure the Disable check box is cleared for the output and input devices.

If that didn’t solve your problem, continue to the next tip.

Hardware problems can be caused by outdated or malfunctioning drivers. Make sure your audio driver is up to date and update it if needed. If that doesn’t work, try uninstalling the audio driver (it will reinstall automatically). If that doesn’t work, try using the generic audio driver that comes with Windows. If you’re having audio issues after installing updates, try rolling back your audio driver.

To update your audio driver automatically

In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.

Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.

Right-click the listing for your sound card or audio device, such as headphones or speakers, select Update driver, then select Search automatically for updated driver software. Follow the instructions to complete the update.

If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, look for one on the device manufacturer’s website and follow those instructions. If that doesn’t work, try uninstalling your audio driver.

To uninstall your audio driver

In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.

Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.

Right-click the listing for your sound card or audio device, select Uninstall device, select the Delete the driver software for this device check box, and then select Uninstall.

Restart your PC.

Note: Be sure to save documents and any other current work before you restart.

This restart will automatically prompt your PC to reinstall your audio driver.

To restart, select Start > Power > Restart .

If those options didn’t work, try using the generic audio driver that comes with Windows.

To use the generic audio driver that comes with Windows

In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.

Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.

Right-click the listing for your sound card or audio device, then select Update driver > Browse my computer for driver software > Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.

Select the audio device whose driver you want to update, select Next, and then follow the instructions to install it.

If these steps didn’t solve your audio issue, visit your device manufacturer’s website and install the most recent audio/sound drivers for your device. Following is an example of a driver download page for a sound device manufacturer.

If you have audio issues after installing updates

If your audio was working before you ran Windows Update and now isn’t working, try rolling back your audio driver.

To roll back your audio driver

In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.

Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.

Right-click the listing for your sound card or audio device, then select Properties.

Select the Driver tab, then select Roll Back Driver.

Read and follow the instructions and then select Yes if you want to roll back your audio driver.

If rolling back your audio driver didn’t work or wasn’t an option, you can try to restore your PC from a system restore point.

Restore your PC from a system restore point

When Microsoft installs updates on your system, we create a system restore point in case problems arise. Try restoring from that point and see if that fixes your sound problems. For more info, see «Restore from a system restore point» in Recovery options in Windows 10.

If you’re connecting to an audio device—such as headphones or speakers—using USB or HDMI, you might need to set that device as the default audio device. If you’re using an external monitor that doesn’t have built-in speakers, make sure that the monitor isn’t already selected as your default output device. if it is, you won’t have any audio. You can check that when you set your default output audio device. Here’s how:

In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, then select it from the results.

Select Hardware and Sound from the Control Panel, and then select Sound.

On the Playback tab, right-click the listing for your audio device, select Set as Default Device, and then select OK.

If setting your audio device as the default device doesn’t help, continue to the next tip for additional troubleshooting.

Sometimes having audio enhancements on can result in audio issues. Disabling them may resolve your issue.

In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, then select it from the results.

Select Hardware and Sound from the Control Panel, and then select Sound.

On the Playback tab, right-click the Default Device, and then select Properties.

On the Enhancements tab, select either the Disable all enhancements or the Disable all sound effects check box (depending on which option you see), select OK, and try to play your audio device.

If that doesn’t work, on the Playback tab, select another default device (if you have one), select either the Disable all enhancements or the Disable all sound effects check box (depending on which option you see), select OK, and try to play audio again. Do this for each default device.

If turning off audio enhancements doesn’t help, see the next sections for additional troubleshooting.

In the search box on the taskbar, type services, then select it from the results.

Select each of the following services, right-click, and then select Restart:

Windows Audio Endpoint Builder

Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

If restarting these services doesn’t resolve your issue, see the next sections for more troubleshooting.

In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, and then select it from the results.

Select Hardware and Sound from the Control Panel, and then select Sound.

On the Playback tab, right-click (or press and hold) Default Device, and then select Properties.

On the Advanced tab, under Default Format, change the setting, select OK,and then test your audio device. If that doesn’t work, try changing the setting again.

If trying different audio formats doesn’t help, see the next sections for additional troubleshooting.

Many updates require you to restart your device.

To check and see if you have installed updates pending and need to restart

Save your work and close all open applications.

Select Start > Power . If you have installed updates pending, you’ll see options to Update and restart and Update and shut down.

Select one of those restart options to apply the updates

If restarting doesn’t help, see the next section for additional troubleshooting.

Some audio problems might be caused by an issue with the audio system’s IDT High Definition Audio CODEC. This can be fixed with a manual driver update which allows you to choose the sound driver you want to use.

Note: Not all systems will have an IDT High Definition Audio CODEC.

To check and see if you have one, and to manually update the driver

In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.

Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.

Look for IDT High Definition Audio CODEC. If it’s listed, right-click it and select Update driver, then select Browse my computer for driver software > Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.

You’ll see a list of pre-installed drivers. Select High Definition Audio Device, and then select Next.

1. Select Start > Settings > Privacy , and then select Microphone from the left menu.

Under Allow access to the microphone on this device, select Change. Make sure the toggle is turned On.

If you’re having this issue with a specific app, scroll down to Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your microphone and make sure that the toggle next to that app is turned On as well.