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Bluetooth stops working but works after restarting the laptop

Anonymous
2014-04-07T22:33:26+00:00

Original Title: Bluetooth stops working

Hi guys,

I'm having a very annoying issue on which Bluetooth just stops working in the middle of a session. Weird thing: usually when changing windows/applications. No event, no nothing. Devices show as connected, but they won't work. If I restart Windows, it works just fine again.

Already tried reinstalling device, drivers, latest drivers, updates, etc. It seems it started to happen after I installed Windows 8.1 (back when it was released).

Config.: Intel(R) Centrino(R) Wireless Bluetooth(R) 4.0 + High Speed Adapter, Windows 8.1, Lenovo ThinkPad S430.

Any ideas will be welcome. I'm already thinking on throwing the Intel and getting a Broadcom, see if it works without restarting. Having both headset and mouse with Bluetooth, it can be a real pain.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-04-08T16:24:58+00:00

    Hi Carlos,

    This issue might occur if the Bluetooth adapter driver is going to power saving mode. Also, when you restart the laptop, it starts connecting again and then the same issue may re-occur.

    Did you try updating the driver by referring to the Lenovo’s website?

    First of all, check if there is an error for the Bluetooth adapter under Device Manager:

    • Press Windows+X keys and select Device Manager.
    • Locate the Bluetooth Radios icon. Expand the driver icon.
    • Right click on the driver and select Properties.

    See if there is an error for the device.

    If you haven’t tried downloading the latest Bluetooth driver, refer to the link to download Bluetooth driver for Windows 8.1 from Lenovo’s website:

    http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloads/detail.page?DocID=DS032614

    Make sure that you uninstall the current version and then install the latest version of Bluetooth driver. If you have already tried the same, follow the methods listed below and check if it fixes the issue:

    Method 1:

    Refer to the link to know how to run the troubleshooter:

    Refer to the section “Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter”

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/what-device-isnt-installed-properly

    Check if it fixes the issue. If not, proceed to the next method.

    Method 2:

    Follow the steps to disable power saving mode for the Bluetooth adapter and see if it makes any difference:

    • Press Windows+X keys and select Device Manager.
    • Locate the Bluetooth Radios and expand the driver icon.
    • Right Click on the Bluetooth driver and click on Properties.
    • Navigate to Power Management tab and uncheck the option that says “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”.
    • Click on OK.

    Check if that fixes the issue with the Bluetooth device.

    Please let us know the status of this issue.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-04-16T08:38:20+00:00

    Hi Carlos,

    Glad to know that the issue is fixed.

    It's because the driver for the device was set to run in power saving mode.

    Please let us know if you have more queries on Windows.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2014-04-15T17:55:49+00:00

    Method 2:

    Follow the steps to disable power saving mode for the Bluetooth adapter and see if it makes any difference:

    • Press Windows+X keys and select Device Manager.
    • Locate the Bluetooth Radios and expand the driver icon.
    • Right Click on the Bluetooth driver and click on Properties.
    • Navigate to Power Management tab and uncheck the option that says “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”.
    • Click on OK.

    Hi. Well. This really fixed it. One week now and didn't have any occurrence.

    Thank you!

    Anybody cares to explain where this issue comes from? Faulty drivers controlling power management?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2014-04-12T13:43:06+00:00

    Hi Carlos,

    Thank you for a quick update on the issue.

    Well, it's not an issue with the device's card that will lead to an event under Event Viewer when the device goes to the power saving mode. It's somehow the device is set in the specific mode.

    Please keep us posted on the results.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2014-04-08T18:29:28+00:00

    Hi, thanks for your reply.

    Tried and verified everything except disabling power management. I'm giving it a try right now.

    It doesn't make much sense from my point of view: I'm not having issues when the computer and/or bluetooth is idle (or after, when I start using them again). Only when I'm actively using the computer and the devices, including the mouse. Also, it should create an event if the power management failed... But hey, worth a shot.

    Will keep you posted.

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