If your Bluetooth printer doesn’t work in Windows 10, the most common causes are Bluetooth being turned off, missing or incorrect drivers, the printer not being discoverable, or Windows services/settings blocking the connection. This article explains why the problem happens and shows 11 practical fixes so you can reconnect and print reliably.
You’ll learn how to check Windows settings and services, update drivers, pair correctly, diagnose interference or hardware issues, and when to contact support.
Bluetooth printer doesn’t work in Windows 10
Key Takeaway
Most Bluetooth printing problems are caused by configuration or driver issues on either the PC or the printer; start by confirming both devices are discoverable and powered, then update or reinstall the Bluetooth and printer drivers and ensure the Bluetooth Support Service is running.
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth is turned off on PC | Turn on Bluetooth in Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. |
| Printer not discoverable / pairing mode off | Enable pairing mode on the printer per manufacturer instructions. |
| Printer already paired to another device | Disconnect/unpair from the other device or turn that device’s Bluetooth off. |
| Outdated or corrupt Bluetooth drivers | Update or reinstall Bluetooth drivers in Device Manager. |
| Bluetooth radio disabled in Device Manager | Enable the Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager under Bluetooth or Network adapters. |
| Printer drivers missing or incorrect | Install the correct printer driver from the manufacturer’s website. |
| Bluetooth Support Service stopped | Start and set Bluetooth Support Service to Automatic in services.msc. |
| Airplane mode or hardware switch blocking Bluetooth | Disable Airplane mode in Action Center or toggle the physical Bluetooth switch. |
| Windows Firewall / Antivirus blocking | Temporarily disable firewall/AV or create rules to allow printer services. |
| Printer set to Offline / wrong port | In Devices and Printers, set printer online and check Ports. |
| Range or interference / low battery | Move devices closer, remove interference sources, and replace printer batteries. |
Detailed Fixes for “Bluetooth printer doesn’t work in Windows 10”
1. Bluetooth is turned off on PC
Why this causes the problem:
If Bluetooth is off, Windows cannot discover or connect to Bluetooth devices.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings (press Windows + I).
- Go to Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Make sure the Bluetooth toggle is On.
- If it’s on but not working, turn it Off, wait 5 seconds, then turn it On again.
- Try Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth and select your printer.
Tip: You can also toggle Bluetooth in the Action Center (click the notification icon on the taskbar).
2. Printer not discoverable / pairing mode off
Why this causes the problem:
Most Bluetooth printers must be put into a discoverable or pairing mode; otherwise Windows won’t see them.
Step-by-step solution:
- Consult the printer manual for the specific pairing procedure (usually pressing a Bluetooth or Wireless button for several seconds).
- Put the printer into pairing mode; an LED or screen message usually indicates pairing.
- On Windows, open Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices > Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth.
- Select the printer when it appears and follow any PIN prompts.
Note: Some printers use a default PIN like 0000 or 1234—check the manual.
3. Printer already paired to another device
Why this causes the problem:
Many Bluetooth printers accept only one active connection; if it’s paired to a phone, tablet, or other PC, Windows may fail to connect.
Step-by-step solution:
- Turn off Bluetooth on other devices or disconnect the printer from them.
- On the printer, use the settings or reset the Bluetooth pairing list (see manual).
- On Windows, remove any failed pairing: Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, select the printer and Remove device, then re-pair.
Tip: If you can’t identify the connected device, power-cycle the printer to clear temporary connections.
4. Outdated or corrupt Bluetooth drivers
Why this causes the problem:
Drivers allow Windows to communicate with the Bluetooth adapter; outdated or corrupted drivers cause connectivity failures.
Step-by-step solution:
- Press Windows + X and open Device Manager.
- Expand Bluetooth, right-click your Bluetooth adapter and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- If automatic update fails, go to the PC or adapter manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver; install it.
- If problems persist, right-click the adapter in Device Manager and choose Uninstall device, then reboot; Windows should reinstall the driver automatically.
Command-line tip: Run devmgmt.msc to open Device Manager directly.
5. Bluetooth radio disabled in Device Manager
Why this causes the problem:
The Bluetooth radio (hardware) may be disabled in Device Manager, preventing any connections.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager (Windows + X > Device Manager).
- Look under Bluetooth or Network adapters.
- If the adapter shows a down-arrow or is disabled, right-click and select Enable device.
- Reboot and try pairing again.
Note: Some laptops have a physical Bluetooth or wireless toggle—ensure it’s turned on.
6. Printer drivers missing or incorrect
Why this causes the problem:
Even if Bluetooth connects, printing requires the correct printer driver. Without it, print jobs fail or the printer won’t install.
Step-by-step solution:
- Visit the printer manufacturer’s support website and locate the driver for your exact model and Windows 10.
- Download and install the correct driver package.
- Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click the printer, choose Printer properties and confirm the driver under the Advanced tab.
- If a generic driver is installed, click New Driver and follow the wizard to replace it.
Tip: Use the manufacturer’s installation utility if available—some Bluetooth printers require specialized setup tools.
7. Bluetooth Support Service stopped
Why this causes the problem:
Windows uses the Bluetooth Support Service to manage device connections; if it’s stopped, pairing and profiles may fail.
Step-by-step solution:
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Find Bluetooth Support Service, right-click and choose Properties.
- Set Startup type to Automatic and click Start if the service is stopped.
- Click OK and try to pair again.
Note: Also check Bluetooth Handsfree Service or other Bluetooth-related services if present.
8. Airplane mode or hardware switch blocking Bluetooth
Why this causes the problem:
Airplane mode disables all wireless radios; some laptops have dedicated hardware switches that disable Bluetooth.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open the Action Center (click the notifications icon) and ensure Airplane mode is Off.
- If your device has a physical wireless switch or a Fn key combo (e.g., Fn + F2), make sure it’s enabled.
- Re-enable Bluetooth under Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
Tip: Some OEMs provide wireless management utilities—check them if standard toggles don’t work.
9. Windows Firewall / Antivirus blocking
Why this causes the problem:
Security software can block the services and ports that Bluetooth-based printing uses, or prevent device discovery.
Step-by-step solution:
- Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or firewall and test pairing/printing.
- For Windows Firewall, open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall and ensure relevant printing features are allowed.
- If disabling fixes the issue, create an exception for the printer software or service rather than leaving protection off.
Caution: Re-enable protection after testing and add controlled exceptions instead of permanently disabling security.
10. Printer set to Offline / wrong port
Why this causes the problem:
Even with a Bluetooth connection, Windows may send prints to the wrong port or mark the printer offline.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
- Right-click your printer and if it shows Use Printer Offline, uncheck that option.
- Choose Printer properties > Ports and verify the port matches your Bluetooth connection (Bluetooth devices may use a COM port or a virtual Bluetooth port).
- If incorrect, add or select the correct port and click Apply.
Tip: Remove the printer from Devices and re-add it using Add a printer to let Windows create the proper port.
11. Range, interference, or low battery
Why this causes the problem:
Bluetooth has limited range and struggles with interference from walls, Wi‑Fi, microwaves, and other devices; low printer batteries can also reduce radio strength.
Step-by-step solution:
- Move the PC and printer closer together (ideally within 10 meters / 33 feet and with a clear line of sight).
- Remove or turn off nearby devices that may cause interference (USB 3.0 hubs, cordless phones, microwaves).
- Replace or recharge printer batteries if applicable.
- If interference persists, try pairing in a different location to confirm it’s an environmental issue.
Tip: For permanent setups, consider a wired USB or network connection if Bluetooth reliability is poor.
When to contact support and additional resources
If you’ve followed the 11 fixes and the printer still won’t work, collect the following information before contacting support to speed resolution:
- Printer model and firmware version.
- PC make/model and Windows 10 build (Settings > System > About).
- Exact error messages and steps you’ve already tried.
- Whether the printer works with other devices (phone/tablet).
Contact the printer manufacturer for firmware updates or hardware diagnostics. If the Bluetooth adapter on your PC is external (USB dongle), try it on another PC to rule out adapter failure. Microsoft Support or your PC manufacturer can help with Windows-specific Bluetooth stack problems.
FAQ
How can I prevent Bluetooth printing problems in the future?
Keep Windows and all drivers up to date, avoid pairing your printer to multiple devices at once, and periodically check printer firmware. Use a stable location away from heavy RF interference.
Can I print via Bluetooth without installing a printer driver?
Some basic printing may work with a generic driver, but for full functionality (paper trays, ink status), you should install the manufacturer’s driver for Windows 10.
Why is Bluetooth printing slower than Wi‑Fi or USB printing?
Bluetooth has lower bandwidth and higher latency than Wi‑Fi and USB, so large or complex print jobs may take longer. Use Wi‑Fi or USB for high-volume printing.
My Bluetooth adapter is not listed in Device Manager — what now?
Check for a hidden device by selecting View > Show hidden devices in Device Manager. If still missing, run sfc /scannow and check BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure onboard Bluetooth is enabled.
Is Bluetooth printing secure?
Bluetooth supports encryption (SSP, pairing PINs). For sensitive documents, prefer a secure network printer with proper access controls or use a wired connection.
Conclusion
Bluetooth printing issues usually trace back to discoverability, driver/service problems, or interference, and most can be resolved by checking Bluetooth power, pairing mode, drivers, and the Bluetooth Support Service. If your Bluetooth printer doesn’t work in Windows 10, follow the step-by-step checks above to restore reliable printing.
