Bluetooth on Windows 8.1 it's not finding devices

@Blue Eyes Mary

I have a similar problem. I received recurring messages from the Windows Action Center that there was a problem with my Bluetooth. I clicked on the notifications and was prompted to download and install Qualcomm Atheros Bluetooth Software V8.0.1.316_x64_Win8_Win8.1. Since installing my PC no longer connects to any of my Bluetooth devices. The Bluetooth icon appears correctly in the system tray. If I go to Bluetooth settings, each device shows not connected. If I try to add a new device, the system doesn't detect any.

After hours of searching on my own then on hold and with service personnel at Dell, we determined that the Atheros Bluetooth Software V8.0.1.316_x64_Win8_Win8.1 is not in fact compatible with Windows 8.1.

I can't uninstall the package. When I try to do so, Windows tells me that I am trying to "install" software that is not compatible with my verison of Windows. I'm trapped.

Dell is telling me that the solution is to roll back to Windows 8. I'm not willing to do this. I upgraded back in the spring and who knows how much hassle the change will incur for me.

This all really stinks. Microsoft made a miscalculation that people would give up their keyboards and mice in favor of a "Next Generation" interface. Windows 8.0 was their answer. Windows 8.1 was their reaction to the marketplace failure of Win 8. The problem is that Microsoft doesn't live in a vacuum. A large part of their success is the ecosystem of other vendors who write drivers, applications and add ons to their products. They seem to have failed to consider (or don't care about) the chain of reaction of lost productivity they have caused because these vendors didn't step to Microsoft's cadence.

I'm not sure what to do except live without Bluetooth until someone comes to their senses and fixes this problem. We are not alone. Across the globe there are many people dealing with

this same issues. I hope Microsoft learns how mad we are at this enormous inconvenience. Frankly though, I don't think they care about their consumers inconveniences.

@Srimadhwa B

I tried all of these steps multiple times. No difference. 

The Dell support rep wants me to revert my PC to Win 8.0. I'm not willing to do so as it has been months since I upgraded to 8.1. I have no way of telling how much pain I will incur. This is a very unsatisfactory situation. 

Please let me know what other suggestions you may have.

Thank you.

Guy

Hi,

Let us follow these methods and check if this helps:

Method 1.

The Hardware Troubleshooter is an automated tool which checks the hardware on the computer for any known issues and provides the details on how to fix them.

Plug in the device and follow these steps to run the troubleshooter:

Press “Windows Logo” + “W” keys from the keyboard.

Type “Troubleshooting” in the search bar and press “Enter”.

In the “Troubleshooting” window, click on “View All” on the left pane.

Click on “Hardware and Devices”.

Click on “Advanced” and then click on “Run as Administrator”.

Click “Next” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process. Once this is done, restart the computer and check if the issue persists.

Article for reference:

Why isn't Windows finding my wireless device?: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows-8/why-isnt-windows-finding-device

Method 2.

Turn on the Bluetooth enabled device and then make it discoverable. Methods for making it discoverable can vary widely depending on the device. To learn how to make a Bluetooth enabled device discoverable, check the info that came with your device or go to the manufacturer’s website.

If your device has a wireless switch, make sure it’s turned on. The switch could be on the front, back, or side, and it could be small and unmarked. Check the info that came with your device to see if a picture shows where it’s located.

Method 3.

Please check if the Bluetooth service is started and set to automatic. To check please follow the steps.

a. Press Windows + R keys.

b. Type Services.msc and **** press ENTER.

c. Search for Bluetooth service and check if it is started.

d. If the service is not started please right click on the service and click on start.

e. If it is already started please right click on the service and click on Restart.

f. Right click on the service once again and select the option properties. Click on General tab and make the startup type as automatic and click on OK.

Method 4.

Usually after an update to a newer version some drivers or devices may not work as expected. This issue may occur as the computer may need the latest version of updates or drivers.

Drivers are updated occasionally. Windows can update them automatically, or you can install the updated drivers yourself. It's important for you to have confidence in the updated drivers you install. Windows notifies you if it detects a suspicious or unsafe driver you shouldn't install.

Download and install drivers: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows-8/all-drivers

Windows Update: Frequently Asked Questions: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows-8/windows-update-faq

Keep us posted on the status of the issue and we will be glad to offer our assistance.