Having Bluetooth Issues on Windows 10? Here's Why

If you followed the instructions and still can't get your new Bluetooth device to connect to your Windows laptop, then there might be a bigger issue at hand. The latest June 11, 2019 update for Windows 10 intentionally prevents some Bluetooth devices from connecting to a PC. 

Microsoft warned about the issue in a security statement on its support site, "You may experience issues pairing, connecting or using certain Bluetooth devices after installing security updates released June 11, 2019. These security updates address a security vulnerability by intentionally preventing connections from Windows to unsecure Bluetooth devices."

MORE: How to Update Windows 10

The company elaborated that a vulnerability in the Bluetooth Low Energy specification (filed as  CVE-2019-2102) could theoretically allow a nearby attacker to remotely inject keystrokes onto a device without the user ever knowing. The only solution Microsoft offered for those experiencing connectivity issues after installing the latest version of Windows is to contact the manufacturer of their Bluetooth device and see if a patch exists. If it doesn't, you might be best off buying a more secure Bluetooth device altogether.

To determine if your Bluetooth device is affected, access the Event Log and look for the error message, “Your Bluetooth device attempted to establish a debug connection.  The Windows Bluetooth stack does not allow debug connection while it is not in the debug mode." 

Microsoft says that any device using "well-known keys" for encryption could be affected, including security fobs. This vulnerability appears to have first been discovered on Android device, and patched by Google earlier this month. 

Microsoft has recently fallen into an unfortunate pattern of releasing updates that do more harm than good. In this case, the software giant is getting out in front of a potential security vulnerability so you can keep your PC protected, even if that means throwing your Bluetooth devices in the trash.  

Phillip Tracy

Phillip Tracy is the assistant managing editor at Laptop Mag where he reviews laptops, phones and other gadgets while covering the latest industry news. After graduating with a journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin, Phillip became a tech reporter at the Daily Dot. There, he wrote reviews for a range of gadgets and covered everything from social media trends to cybersecurity. Prior to that, he wrote for RCR Wireless News covering 5G and IoT. When he's not tinkering with devices, you can find Phillip playing video games, reading, traveling or watching soccer.