Windows 8: Bluetooth cannot be activated - what to do?
If your Bluetooth cannot be activated in Windows 8, this can have several reasons. We have put together some tips and hints for you.
Is your Bluetooth activated at all?
First check whether you have activated your existing Bluetooth.
- To do this, move the mouse into the right corner of your screen and select "Settings".
- At this point, select "Change PC settings" and then click on "PC and devices" in the left display.
- Now click on "Bluetooth" and move the controller to the right.
Bluetooth cannot be activated: Install correct drivers
It is possible that a driver error or an incorrect driver means that you cannot activate Bluetooth.
- In the Windows 8 tile menu, simply enter "Update device driver" and click on the program found.
- At this point, open the Bluetooth entry and right-click on the assigned hardware.
- In the opened menu, select "Update driver software".
- Then confirm the search with "Automatically search for current driver software" and follow the instructions if necessary.
Bluetooth does not work: changed hardware?
Maybe you replaced the Bluetooth hardware or connected a new Bluetooth adapter.
- It is always best to install the adapter using the enclosed installation media.
- If you have any problems, you can go back to Device Manager.
- Right-click on the displayed Bluetooth hardware again and select "Search for changed hardware".
Maybe your PC doesn't have Bluetooth
If you cannot activate Bluetooth with any of the solutions mentioned above, check whether you have a Bluetooth interface at all.
- To do this, open the Windows device manager.
- If the blue Bluetooth symbol does not appear there, your device is simply not Bluetooth-compatible.
In the next practical tip, read how to add a Bluetooth device in Windows.