Windows supports a variety of Bluetooth versions. Here’re the steps to check which Bluetooth version your Windows 10 or 11 device has.
Most Windows laptops and even some Windows desktops have built-in Bluetooth support. Depending on the Bluetooth version, its functionality will vary. For example, if you wish to transfer files to and from a Windows device over Bluetooth, you should be using Bluetooth v4 or higher. That’s because the Windows 10 & 11 operating system doesn’t support older versions for file transfers.
Additionally, some hardware like Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, or game controllers requires a specific version to work properly. It is better to check the Windows 10 Bluetooth version in those situations before making decisions.
Thankfully, Windows 10 and Windows 11 provide several ways to find the Bluetooth version. Let me show you how.
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Check Bluetooth version in Windows 10 and 11
Below are the two methods you can use to find which Bluetooth version your Windows 10 & 11 laptop has. The first method uses the built-in device management tool. The second method uses third-party software and gives you the required information straightaway.
Note: The steps shown here will work in both Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems.
Show Bluetooth Version in Device Manager
Follow these steps to check the Bluetooth version using the Device Manager tool.
- Press “Windows Key” to open the Start menu.
- Search for and open “Device Manager“.
- Expand the “Bluetooth” option.
- Right-click on the Bluetooth adapter.
- Select “Properties“.
- Go to the “Advanced” tab.
- Next to firmware, you will see the LMP version. Note it down.
If the LMP version is six or over, you use Bluetooth version 4 or above. To be more specific, take a look at the below map to know more.
LMP Version – Bluetooth Version
- LMP v3.x – Bluetooth V2.0
- LMP v4.x – Bluetooth V2.1
- LMP v5.x – Bluetooth V3.0
- LMP v6.x – Bluetooth V4.0
- LMP v7.x – Bluetooth V4.1
- LMP v8.x – Bluetooth V4.2
- LMP v9.x – Bluetooth V5.0
- LMP v10.x – Bluetooth V5.1
- LMP v11.x – Bluetooth V5.2
Bluetooth Version Finder
Bluetooth version finder is a free third-party application to find the currently running version quickly.
The best thing about using this software is that it directly tells you the version number. You don’t have to decode the LMP version. Moreover, being portable software, you don’t have to install it to use it.
- Download Bluetooth Version Finder.
- After downloading, open the zip file.
- Extract the EXE file to your desktop.
- Double-click on the EXE file.
- The application will instantly show the Windows 10 Bluetooth version.
If you have multiple Bluetooth devices connected to the system, select the Bluetooth device from the drop-down menu to know its version.
Why is it Important to Find Bluetooth Version?
Bluetooth has and is being evolved. Depending on the Bluetooth version, you get access to additional functionality thanks to its ever-evolving profiles and even improved security.
Some Bluetooth devices require Windows 10 to meet a minimum version to work. A good example would be Bluetooth-enabled keyboard and mouse or game controllers.
Generally, most Windows desktops and laptops support at least Bluetooth version 4. When a Bluetooth device is not working as it should, checking its version will narrow the troubleshooting process.
If you found out that your system doesn’t support a minimum required Bluetooth specification, you can always buy a cheap Bluetooth dongle from Amazon or other stores.
That is all. If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible. If you like this guide, check out how to find Windows 10 version.