Microsoft Bluetooth Software Download

In order for any Microsoft Bluetooth software download to work with Bluetooth devices, the right driver must be installed. All versions of Windows after XP service pack 2 have Bluetooth drivers. If you don’t have service pack 2, you’ll need to install it for Bluetooth devices to work.

Step 1

Download Windows XP service pack 2. It is available at Microsoft’s website. After the download is finished, double click the file. Follow the on-screen instructions to install service pack 2.

Step 2

Reinstall the Bluetooth device. Because service pack 2 has the generic Bluetooth driver, the device should start working. If not, proceed to step 3.

Step 3

Click the Start menu. Type “%windir%\inf” at the Run program (no quotations). Click ok.

Step 4

Go to Windows Explorer. Look for the Bth.inf file. Right click it and choose “rename”. Type Bth.bak. Restart the PC. Reinstall the Bluetooth device. If it still won’t run, proceed to step 5.

Step 5

Download a 3rd party Bluetooth driver/software. Better yet, download the driver from the manufacturer’s device. This can be found at the download or support section of the website. When you make the Microsoft Bluetooth software download, remember where you put the file.

Step 6

Click the Start menu and click the Run program. Type “devmgmt.msc” (minus the quotations). Click ok.

Step 7

Look for your Bluetooth device. Right click the device and select “update driver”. Follow the instructions that will appear. You have to be connected to the Internet because the driver will be downloaded.

Step 8

Click the browse button. Go to the folder where you downloaded and saved the file in step 5. Select the file. Click open. Press next. Wait for the driver to finish the installation.

Tips and Warnings

These steps are only necessary for Windows XP without service pack 2 installed. If you are running Windows Vista and later, there should be no problems running the Bluetooth device on your computer. If for some reason it isn’t working, chances are there is a problem with the device, not the operating system.

Go to the manufacturer’s website for the software/driver update. Follow the instructions for downloading and installing the driver. If necessary, restart the computer after installation. After restarting the computer, the device should work properly.

Before you perform any Microsoft Bluetooth software download, read the instructions on the website. Always follow them to the letter so problems do not occur. Check the manufacturer website for updates.