Windows 10 update wiped out my Bluetooth adapter! How do I fix this?

[1thomson]

I updated my Windows 10 pc to the current version.  After that, the "Compatibility Assistant" in the notifications window informed me that "Broadcom 802.11 Wireless LAN Adapter is no longer available.  This app was removed from your PC.  It was removed because it doesn't work with this version of Windows".  So, after years of happily using my Sony wireless headphones with my HP Pavilion computer running Windows OS, I suddenly can't use the headphones anymore because the Bluetooth adapter isn't there.  By "adapter" I'm assuming they mean a piece of software.  I didn't do anything to the inside of the PC physically.  I didn't remove a card or anything.  So, I don't know what to do to get my Bluetooth functionality back and to get my headphones working again.  And HP just says that there's no downloadable driver for "my product", which is my HP PC!  Can anyone help me with this!  I'm baffled.   Thanks, JT

[banhien]

@1thomson 

No Windows 10 drivers for your machine

    https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-pavilion-p7-1400-desktop-pc-series/5295962/model...

Please try to download and install:

   http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp71501-72000/sp71572.exe

Regards.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi, @1thomson 

The parts list for your PC indicates that it comes with a Broadcom BCM943228HMB 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN BT wifi adapter.

These are the latest W10 wifi and Bluetooth drivers you need for that model wifi adapter...

This package provides the Broadcom Wireless LAN drivers for supported notebook models running a supported operating system. Broadcom Wireless LAN drivers are required to enable the integrated Broadcom Wireless LAN adapter.

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp78001-78500/sp78044.exe

This package contains the Broadcom Bluetooth driver for supported models that are running a supported operating system. Broadcom Bluetooth Driver is required to enable Broadcom Bluetooth devices.

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp75001-75500/sp75330.exe

[1thomson]

Paul, you are a god among men!  Those downloads made everything work again.  I spent 12 hours yesterday trying to figure out how to fix this problem, and not one tech rep I spoke to could figue out how to do it.   I even registered with Broadcom as a user, hoping to find something on their site, which I couldn't navigate for the life of me.   I finally wound up ordering a USB Bluetooth dongle from Amazon for about $12.  The HP Smartsupport guy I talked to was pretty sure that would help, but even he didn't know about these Broadcom links that you provided.  Nor did he seem to know how to look up the parts list for my old Pavilion, something I asked about repeatedly from both him and the people at Staples, where I bought the PC low these many years ago. I can't thank you enough for your help.  You should be awarded an extra merit badge or something.  Definitely at least a merit badge!  John T. 

[1thomson]

Hi, Banhien!  I read the same support page you provided the link for.  That was when I just about gave up on HP.  How did you find that other link for the MediaTek Bluetooth driver from HP?  I never saw any mention of that anywhere!  I have downloaded and installed it, but I haven't tried it yet.  I read Paul Tikkanen's post first and downloaded those drivers, which are working just fine so far.  They are Broadcom drivers, and Broadcom is the Bluetooth hardware inside my HP pc.  So, I hope there's no conflict with the driver you suggested.  I guess I'll find out the next time I boot my pc.  I'll let everyone know what happens.  Crossing my fingers it's all OK now.  Anyway, thanks for your help.  I really appreciate it.  JT

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, John.

Do not install the Meditek/Ralink Bluetooth driver, as it is only going to work with a Mediatek/Ralink wifi adapter.

Your PC has the Broadcom wifi adapter.

Here is the link to the parts list for your PC...

http://partsurfer.hp.com/Search.aspx?searchText=H3Z36AA

[1thomson]

Thanks for the headsup, Paul.  I immediately uninstalled that MediaTek software.  I did have to reactivate my Bluetooth for some reason after it had worked all morning.  I also just de-activated the external speakers and turned on the Bluetooth again.  After that Windows found my headphones and set them up again.  They're now the only thing that shows in the Settings windows under "Audio".  I hope this fix takes.  I'll let you know if it doesn't.   Your help has been great.  I really, really appreciate it.  John

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime, John.

Glad to have been of assistance.

Paul