Bluetooth Adapter Version in Windows 10

This guide shows you how to find the Bluetooth adapter version in Windows 10, which tells you which Bluetooth standard your PC supports (e.g., 4.0, 4.2, 5.0, 5.3). Knowing this helps you determine compatibility with devices like headphones, keyboards, and file-transfer speeds. You only need your Windows 10 PC and a few minutes—no extra tools required.

What You’ll Need

A Windows 10 PC with Bluetooth enabled (most laptops and many desktops have it built-in).
Administrator access (not strictly required for viewing, but helpful if you need to update drivers).

Step-by-Step

Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button (or press Win + X) and select Device Manager from the menu.
Locate the Bluetooth section: In Device Manager, scroll down and click the arrow next to Bluetooth to expand it. You’ll see one or more entries—usually something like “Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth(R)” or “Realtek Bluetooth Adapter.”
Open adapter properties: Right-click your Bluetooth adapter (the one with “Bluetooth” in the name, not “Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator”) and select Properties.
Go to the Advanced tab: In the Properties window, click the Advanced tab. Look for a line that says Bluetooth Radio or Firmware—the version number (e.g., 5.0, 5.1, 5.2) is often listed there. If you don’t see it, try the Details tab.
Use the Details tab (if needed): In the Details tab, click the dropdown under Property and select Hardware IDs. The value will show something like USB\VID_8087&PID_0026. Copy that string.
Search the hardware ID online: Paste the hardware ID into a search engine. The first few results usually show a spec sheet or driver page that lists the Bluetooth version. For example, VID_8087 is Intel, and you can look up the PID to find the exact model and its Bluetooth version.
Check via Command Prompt (alternative): Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter. Then run this command and look at the “LMP” (Link Manager Protocol) value:
```
get-pnpdevice | Where-Object {$_.Class -eq "Bluetooth"} | Format-List FriendlyName, InstanceId
```
The LMP number is often in the driver details, but the command helps identify the adapter model.

Common Mistakes

Confusing the Bluetooth version with the LMP version: LMP 9.x corresponds to Bluetooth 5.0, but LMP 10.x is 5.1, 11.x is 5.2, and 12.x is 5.3. Many users mistake LMP 9 for Bluetooth 9, which doesn’t exist.
Looking at the wrong device: “Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator” is not the adapter itself. Always pick the one with a manufacturer name like Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm, or Broadcom.
Assuming the version is shown in the General tab: The General tab only shows device status and driver date, not the Bluetooth version.
Relying on the driver version alone: The driver version (e.g., 22.50.0.1) does not directly tell you the Bluetooth version. You need the hardware ID or the Advanced tab.

Tips

Use the hardware ID method: It’s the most reliable because it identifies the exact chipset, and the manufacturer’s spec page will list the Bluetooth version.
Update your drivers first: If the Advanced tab is blank or missing, update the Bluetooth driver via Device Manager (right-click → Update driver → Search automatically). Then re-check.
Check the LMP version via PowerShell: Run this command to see the LMP number, which maps directly to the Bluetooth version:
```
Get-PnpDevice -Class Bluetooth | Get-PnpDeviceProperty -KeyName DEVPKEY_Device_LocationInfo
```
Not always helpful, but the LMP can be found in the driver’s INF file if you dig deep.
For USB dongles: The version is often printed on the dongle itself (e.g., “Bluetooth 5.0”). If not, the hardware ID method works the same.

Troubleshooting

No Bluetooth section in Device Manager: If you don’t see Bluetooth at all, your PC may not have a Bluetooth adapter, or it’s disabled in BIOS. Check your PC’s manual or the BIOS settings (F2/F10/Del at startup) for a Bluetooth enable option.
Advanced tab is missing: Some adapters (especially older ones) don’t expose the Bluetooth version there. Use the hardware ID method instead.
Hardware ID shows “VEN_” and “DEV_” but no clear model: Search the full string (e.g., USB\VID_8087&PID_0A2B) on a site like PCI Database or the manufacturer’s support page. You’ll find the chipset name, then look up its Bluetooth version.
LMP version doesn’t match expected: For example, LMP 9 could be Bluetooth 5.0, but some older drivers report LMP 8 (which is 4.2). Update the driver to get the correct LMP.
Bluetooth icon missing from taskbar: That’s a separate issue—go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and toggle Bluetooth on. The adapter version is still found via Device Manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the LMP value and how does it relate to Bluetooth version?

LMP (Link Manager Protocol) version numbers correspond to Bluetooth versions: LMP 6 = 4.0, LMP 7 = 4.1, LMP 8 = 4.2, LMP 9 = 5.0, LMP 10 = 5.1, LMP 11 = 5.2, LMP 12 = 5.3. You can find LMP in the adapter’s driver details or via PowerShell.

2. Can I upgrade my Bluetooth adapter’s version via a driver update?

No. The Bluetooth version is determined by the hardware chipset. A driver update can fix bugs or add features, but it cannot turn a Bluetooth 4.2 adapter into a 5.0 one. If you need a newer version, you’ll need a new USB Bluetooth dongle.

3. Why does my PC show Bluetooth 5.0 but my phone says 5.2?

Your PC’s adapter is a specific hardware version. The phone may have a newer chipset. Both devices will use the lower of the two versions when communicating. So if your PC is 5.0 and your phone is 5.2, they’ll connect using 5.0 features.

4. Does the Bluetooth version affect audio quality?

Not directly. Audio quality depends on the codec (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC) and the headphones. Bluetooth 5.0+ offers better range and bandwidth, which can support higher-quality codecs, but the headphones must also support them.

5. How do I know if my Bluetooth adapter supports Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)?

All Bluetooth 4.0 and newer adapters support BLE. If your adapter is 4.0 or higher, it supports BLE. You can also check Device Manager: right-click the adapter, go to Properties > Advanced, and look for “Bluetooth Low Energy” or “BLE” in the options.

6. Is there a way to see the Bluetooth version without opening Device Manager?

Yes. Open PowerShell and run: Get-PnpDevice -Class Bluetooth | Select-Object FriendlyName, InstanceId. Then look up the model online. Or, if you have a USB dongle, check the label on the device itself.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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