General Bluetooth troubleshooting in Windows 10

12 Apr 2022

This article is mainly in regards to troubleshooting a connection to a Bluetooth GPS receiver or other SPP (Serial Port Profile) device in Microsoft Windows 10 such as on the Mesa 3 or Mesa 2.

Please verify that you have our latest firmware and OS patch installed, which is required in newer builds of Windows 10.

Perform a 20-second shutdown. Remove any external power to the tablet. Press down the Power button for 20 seconds. Release the Power button and wait 30 more seconds for electrical processes in the background to finish. The removable and internal batteries are electrically disconnected from the tablet, causing a complete shutdown. To power on the tablet, connect it to external power, and then press the Power button. 

Try running the Bluetooth Troubleshooter utility that is included in Windows 10.

Remove the existing pairing and create a new pairing to the Bluetooth device. This is done under Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. You may also need to go further to remove any existing Outgoing Port (if there are any) from under More Bluetooth options > COM Ports tab.

Under “Ports (COM & LPT)” in Device Manager, tap and hold on the device to try to Disable device then Enable device, Update driver, or Uninstall device then "Scan for hardware changes" to re-install the device.

Verify that you are using the correct passkey with the Bluetooth device. Many GPS receivers and other instruments use a basic passkey such as 0000 or 0183.

Re-install or Update the Bluetooth drivers, such as are available at the following web links.

Mesa 3 Windows newer units - https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/99445/intel-wirelessac-9260/downloads.html

Mesa 3 Windows older units - Bluetooth drivers for Mesa 3

Mesa 2 Windows - Wifi 802.11 and Bluetooth driver update

Test connecting other similar Bluetooth devices, connecting the Bluetooth device to other Windows 10 computers, and/or connecting to other software applications. Doing this could help determine if the problem is with a specific device or software.

If willing, backup apps and data then perform a Set Factory Defaults (Clean Boot) by tapping on Start > Settings > Update & security > Recovery > Reset this PC. Follow the instructions provided.

If a repair is needed, please follow the instructions and fill out the form starting at this web page.

Original article from 11 Jan 2019