Bluetooth is ON but showing OFF, and only some Bluetooth will work.

Question

Bluetooth is ON but showing OFF, and only some Bluetooth will work.

Kerr, Stephen Paul 0

My bluetooth mouse via the HP Wireless Keyboard Kit works, but my Designer Compact Keyboard will not work. After attempts to reconnect, then after restarting my computer a few times, I can finally get the Computer Bluetooth to show the computer name and I can get the Designer Compact Keyboard to work again. The problem is rather erratic, and sometimes I can go for a few days before it fails to work again. I believe the problem is with the computer, not any of the devices. How can I fix this? Please see snips of the issue, my settings, device manager, and system info. Thank you.

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Answer 1

Use the built‑in Bluetooth troubleshooting steps to stabilize the connection and fix the “Bluetooth is ON but shows OFF / some devices not working” behavior.

Remove and re‑add the Designer Compact Keyboard
1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
2. Under Input, select Designer Compact Keyboard.
3. Select Remove device.
4. Select Add device > Bluetooth, put the keyboard in pairing mode, and select it when it appears.
Power‑cycle Bluetooth
1. In Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices, turn Bluetooth off.
2. Wait at least 10 seconds.
3. Turn Bluetooth back on.
4. Try using or pairing the keyboard again.
Check the keyboard’s battery and range
1. Fully charge or replace the batteries in the Designer Compact Keyboard.
2. Turn the keyboard off and back on.
3. Keep it close to the PC while pairing/using it.
Reinstall the Bluetooth adapter driver
1. Press the Windows logo key, type Device Manager, and press Enter.
2. Expand Bluetooth.
3. Select the main Bluetooth adapter (for example, Realtek or similar), then press Shift+F10 (or right‑click) and choose Uninstall device.
4. Confirm Uninstall.
5. Shut down the PC completely, wait a few seconds, then power it back on so Windows reinstalls the driver automatically.
6. If it does not reinstall, open Device Manager, press Alt+A, and select Scan for hardware changes.
If issues persist after these steps
- Run Windows Update to ensure the system and Bluetooth stack are fully updated.
- Repeat step 1 (remove/re‑add the keyboard) after any driver or system update.

These actions address common causes where Bluetooth is enabled but individual devices intermittently fail to connect or show as not connected.

References:

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Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-24T20:22:17.14+00:00

Ivan provided a great deal of assistance, beyond the AI suggestions.

Answer 2

Ivan B 105.3K Independent Advisor

Hi,

First, remove the Bluetooth device and then turn off Bluetooth on your PC.

Next, download the chipset and Bluetooth drivers from the links below:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp165501-166000/sp165739.exe

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp165501-166000/sp165646.exe

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp165501-166000/sp165648.exe

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp165501-166000/sp165740.exe

After installing these drivers, open the command prompt (admin) and run the following command: sfc Run /scannow and dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth, wait for the process to finish, and restart your computer.

Then perform a clean boot and uninstall any unused applications you may need.

[Link to Microsoft support page: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-execute-a-simple-boot-start-in-windows-da2f9573-6eec-00ad-2f8a-a97a1807f3dd]

Turn Bluetooth back on. Click "See more devices," scroll down, go to "More Bluetooth settings," and check the option "Allow Bluetooth devices to find this PC" and apply.

Then pair again and test.

The links provided are drivers for your desktop model from HP

https://support.hp.com/br-pt/drivers/hp-omnidesk-desktop-pc-m02-0000i/model/2102686309?sku=B6RG0AA

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Thanks

Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-15T20:01:39.1966667+00:00

Can you please provide an English language link for the HP support drivers that you included in your recent message? Thank you.
Ivan B 105.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-03-15T20:04:36.35+00:00

Hi,

Sorry, here is the link with all the drivers on the HP USA website:

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/hp-omnidesk-desktop-pc-m02-0000i/model/2102686309?sku=B6RG0AA

Thanks
Ivan B 105.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-03-17T12:20:03.24+00:00

Hi ,

Were you able to follow the procedure?

Thanks
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T12:53:46.7033333+00:00

Ivan:

Thank you for your continued help. Yesterday, I updated all the drivers according to your recommendations, plus followed the recommended Microsoft updates, including the system bios! Then, I came back to the computer a couple of times to find out if the Bluetooth system would go off-line as it has been, even when Bluetooth is on, and the second time I found that it was off. Once again, the name of my computer had disappeared. The result was that my Bluetooth keyboard would not function again. So, today, I plan to go through the clean startup procedure, turning off all startup programs and re-initiating them one by one… I think this is going to be a little laborious.
Ivan B 105.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-03-17T12:58:26.35+00:00

Hi,

I understand, I hope this helps. It might be a third-party app causing the shutdown. Please keep me informed.

One possibility is a Bluetooth limitation; I'll check if that's a possibility, depending on the Bluetooth version.

Thanks
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T13:02:40.04+00:00

Question: when I go through the clean startup procedure, I am wondering if I will need to wait the hours in between startup and Bluetooth failing for each of the startup programs. If this is the case, this is going to take several days!
Ivan B 105.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-03-17T13:07:53.15+00:00

Hi,

In this case, you can do the following: perform a complete clean boot and test if the problem persists. This only confirms that some third-party program is causing the failure.

One thing I checked is the Bluetooth driver version. See if, even after installing via HP autorun, you have a more recent driver and are not using the manufacturer's version. If possible, compare the versions in Device Manager.

Thanks
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T13:31:03.3033333+00:00

I will start by examining the Bluetooth driver version. Which version should I use, the manufacturer's (HP) or the Microsoft version? How do I determine the difference?
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T13:35:29.7+00:00

The Realtek Bluetooth driver appears to be the most current (see screenshot).
Ivan B 105.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-03-17T13:36:57.0133333+00:00

Hi,

Use the driver recommended by HP because it's usually the driver that the manufacturer has tested on your computer.

Thanks
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T13:42:43.1233333+00:00

BTW, without any changes, the Bluetooth system started working again, and I do not know why. The Designer Compact Keyboard is working again, and more importantly, I think, the name of my computer is again displayed in the Bluetooth section of Settings. (I know the keyboard batteries are fine, since I have swapped between fresh batteries and the current batteries. Also, I did not do a computer restart over the last hour.) I think the most important issue is to determine WHY the Bluetooth turns off, even when in the on position, and the name of my computer disappears on the Bluetooth section in Settings.Screenshot 2026-03-17 093647.png
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Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T13:46:38.6033333+00:00

Is Realtek the HP or Microsoft Bluetooth driver?
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T13:48:37.0266667+00:00
Ivan B 105.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-03-17T13:58:00.5366667+00:00

Hi,

However, since it's working now, do a test for a day before.

Generally, when Bluetooth turns off and the driver fails to initialize, or some software is causing driver problems (like DS4), there are issues with Bluetooth 4.0 and 4.1.

Access Device Manager > + Bluetooth > Realtek Wireless Bluetooth > right-click > Update devices > select Browse my computer for driver software > Let me pick from a list of available devices on my computer > compare the dates.

It may show Microsoft and HP or other dates.

Thanks
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T14:02:37.5433333+00:00

I updated this driver via the HP driver update site, using the detection and auto update feature. But, I will do it again now.Screenshot 2026-03-17 100014.png
Ivan B 105.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-03-17T14:12:21.7166667+00:00

Hi,

Also, disable power management > after updating, uncheck the option in the properties.

Thanks
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T14:17:14.0333333+00:00

Screenshot 2026-03-17 101448.png
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T14:18:03.6933333+00:00
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T14:20:00.36+00:00

YES!! My thought exactly. I will uncheck this box. I would also like for it to wake up my computer, too, if it will allow.
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T14:21:33.6466667+00:00

These 4 images are of the current state of my Bluetooth driver, including this of the most recent events yesterday and today.
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T14:23:23.0366667+00:00

Now power saver turned off. But, wake up option is greyed out. I will wait and see....
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T14:28:53.26+00:00

I have been also seeing an error message like this on startup. Could this possibly be related?
Ivan B 105.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-03-17T14:30:25.04+00:00

Hi,

Keep testing, but your driver should be for an Intel chip instead of Realtek. Oh, now I understand. So I sent you the wrong driver, I'm sorry. Since you updated directly from HP support assistance, let's see how it works. I believe it might solve the problem.

Keep me informed.

Thanks
Ivan B 105.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-03-17T14:32:55.3333333+00:00

Hi,

I don't think so, but from what I've researched, you have any mobile software installed. There are several software programs in this group, and it could be one of them causing this message.

Remember, if possible, one of these software programs could also be the cause, depending on the type of software, such as AnyTransfer.

Thanks
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T14:37:36.8166667+00:00

Just to confirm...since I have updated drivers via the HP support page yesterday and today, the driver on this screenshot HP USA from 3/15/2026 would have been overwritten/replaced? Thanks.
And, I will now 'wait and see' if I have a re-occurrence of my Bluetooth system failure issue. Thank you for you help.
Ivan B 105.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-03-17T14:40:57.58+00:00

Hi,

Generally, they can accumulate, and depending on the installation, they may overwrite the previously installed driver, but they may not delete the previous driver, for example.

Thanks
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T17:43:06.9+00:00

Thank you. I am back in the office for a few minutes, and woke up the computer from sleep. The keyboard would not wake the PC, but the wireless mouse did (connection is through a USB dongle, and driver is HP Wireless Keyboard Kit). After about 1 minute, the keyboard strokes showed up on the screen allowing me to enter my PIN. So, I will just work through this, given all the info you have provided. As a researcher, I know it is important to avoid introducing additional variables, so this will take some time, one variable at a time. Will you please keep this correspondence open for the next several days as I have opportunity to test and look for cause/remedy? Thank you.
Ivan B 105.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-03-17T17:51:31.7966667+00:00

Hi,

I understand, just to be sure, how many Bluetooth devices are you using simultaneously?

Thanks
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T19:36:16.4566667+00:00

Basically, the attached image shows my Bluetooth devices. I do not know what are the first grouping, nor the AVRCP Transport or Enumerators. I know that the Designer Compact Keyboard is the keyboard I like to use, and that the Realtek is the main Bluetooth adapter. Fosi Audio is my computer sound output for all music and audio, but why 2? And, iPhone is my iPhone 17, but again, why 2? As to the question, how many do I use? I think 3: keyboard, Fosi Audio, and my iPhone.
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T19:47:00.5866667+00:00

When I selected "Show Hidden Devices" I found many more entries as shown here.
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T19:47:26.38+00:00

Plus these at the bottom of the list.
Ivan B 105.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-03-17T22:26:02.3766667+00:00

Hii,

This isn't unusual; it's normal for it to list the driver line every time. Windows shows each Bluetooth function separately, so it seems like there are several duplicate devices, but they are actually parts of the same device.

You can remove them one by one in the Start menu > Settings > Bluetooth and Devices. When you remove a device and add it back, it reloads the quantity line.

Some are services coming from Bluetooth itself.

In that case, you can reset the settings completely to clear the list entirely.

Thanks
Ivan B 105.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-03-20T04:50:31.35+00:00

Hi ,

Did you manage to solve the problem?

Thanks
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-20T17:23:08.5866667+00:00

Ivan: thank you very much for staying in touch. I’m not in the office today to verify if it is working properly, but it is working better yesterday than it was a couple of days ago. I still find quite a noticeable delay (30-60 sec) after waking the computer before I can get the keyboard to respond with my PIN. I appreciate all your help, and I will continue to dig deeper on this issue.
Kerr, Stephen Paul 0 Reputation points

2026-03-24T14:26:19.3666667+00:00

Ivan:

Thank you again for your help. While a few 'quirks' remain, I think my situation is mostly resolved.

Stephen
Ivan B 105.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-03-24T18:05:06.5866667+00:00

Hi,

I'm happy to help. You can always count on the Microsoft Q&A community, and have a good week.

If you recognize the answer, you can confirm it here in the post or not.

Thanks

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Bluetooth is ON but showing OFF, and only some Bluetooth will work.

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