A Detailed Guide to Fixing Windows 10 Not Receiving Files via Bluetooth

Windows 10 comes with many built-in tools to enable its users to receive files from other devices wirelessly. Bluetooth is a prime example. It’s not the fastest file transfer protocol on a Windows computer, but it gets the job done. And also allows you to connect bluetooth speakers and headphones. However, there are times when Bluetooth does not work in Windows 10.

Some Windows users have reported instances where they could not receive files from other Bluetooth enabled devices. If you ever encounter such a problem, refer to the solutions presented below.

1. Reactivate Bluetooth

Turn off Bluetooth on your computer and turn it back on. This can help resolve any connection issues / conflicts that are preventing your Windows 10 computer from receiving files. You can turn off Bluetooth from the Windows Action Center or go to Settings> Devices and turn Bluetooth off and back on.

2. Reconnect the two devices

To receive files via Bluetooth on your Windows 10 computer, make sure the device sending the file is paired / connected to your PC. If you are still unable to receive files, you can remove the device from your PC and reconnect it. Go to Settings> Devices and tap the device you want to receive files from. Then press the Delete button.

You will receive a prompt asking you to confirm that you want to remove the device from your computer. Tap Yes to continue.

This will remove the device from the list of connected Bluetooth devices on your PC. Now pair the device to your PC again and check if the issue has been resolved.

Follow the highlighted steps below to pair a device to your Windows 10 computer via Bluetooth.

Step 1: Launch the Windows Settings menu and tap Devices.

2nd step: Activate Bluetooth.

This will turn on your PC’s Bluetooth and make it discoverable by other devices. On the device (smartphone or other PC), search for available Bluetooth devices and select the name of your PC. This will display a prompt in the lower right corner of your computer, informing you that a new device wants to pair with your PC.

Step 3: Press the prompt to continue.

Step 4: Authenticate the pairing process by confirming that the PIN code displayed on your PC screen matches the connecting device.

Step 5: Tap Close to complete the pairing process.

If Windows still does not receive the files after performing the above operations, check if you are sending the files to your computer correctly.

3. Use bluetooth file transfer

You cannot send files to Windows 10 computer through Bluetooth without the PC first initiating a file transfer connection. In addition, the device you are sending the file from must be paired with your PC beforehand (see method # 2 above).

Let’s see how to correctly receive a file on Windows 10 computer via Bluetooth.

Step 1: Tap the up arrow icon in the lower right corner of the taskbar.

2nd step: Right click on the Bluetooth icon. If you can’t find the Bluetooth icon in the “Show hidden icons” menu, check that your PC’s Bluetooth is turned on.

Step 3: Then select “Receive a file”.

This will open the Bluetooth file transfer window.

Your computer will start receiving files in this same window as soon as a paired Bluetooth device starts sending / transmitting data.

4. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

If your Windows 10 computer is still not receiving files, the Windows Bluetooth troubleshooter can help you identify the problem and fix it.

Step 1: Launch the Windows Settings menu and type Bluetooth in the search box.

2nd step: Select “Find and fix problems with Bluetooth devices” from the suggested search results.

This will open the Bluetooth troubleshooting window.

Step 3: Tap Next to continue.

The troubleshooter will scan your computer for any Bluetooth related issues.

Step 4: If a problem is found, the troubleshooter will correct it automatically. Tap Close to exit the Bluetooth troubleshooter.

Now try to send a file via bluetooth and check if your Windows PC is receiving it.

5. Restart the Bluetooth support service

If your computer suddenly stops receiving files from other Bluetooth enabled devices, try restarting the Windows Bluetooth support service. It might help straighten things out.

Step 1: Launch the Run Windows window using the “Windows Key + R” keyboard shortcut.

2nd step: Type services.msc in the Open dialog box and press OK.

Step 3: Right click on ‘Bluetooth Support Service’ and select Restart.

6. Reinstall the Bluetooth adapter

This involves uninstalling the Bluetooth adapter from your device from Windows Device Manager. You don’t have to worry about finding or downloading a new Bluetooth adapter; your computer will do the reinstallation. Follow the steps below to do so.

Step 1: Open the Windows quick access menu (Windows key + X) and select Device Manager.

2nd step: Expand the Bluetooth driver menu and right-click on “Generic Bluetooth Adapter”.

Note: If you can’t find the Bluetooth adapter in your PC’s Device Manager, check out this guide for what to do.

Step 3: Select Uninstall Device from the pop-up menu.

Step 4: Press the Uninstall button on the confirmation prompt to continue.

The Bluetooth driver will be removed from your computer. Go to the next step to reinstall the driver.

Step 5: Tap Action on the Device Manager menu bar.

Step 6: Select “Check for hardware changes”.

This will reload Device Manager and reinstall the Bluetooth driver that was just removed. You can update the driver further if Windows 10 still does not receive files via Bluetooth after reinstalling.

Step 7: Right click on the Bluetooth driver and select Update Driver.

Step 8: Select “Automatically search for updated driver”.

Your PC will search online and notify you if an updated version of the driver is available for your PC.