Bluetooth versions determine the features, speed, range, and compatibility of your PC with wireless devices. If you’re planning to connect new Bluetooth headphones, speakers, keyboards, or other accessories, checking your PC’s Bluetooth version can help you confirm whether they’re fully supported. Windows doesn’t display the Bluetooth version directly in the Settings app. However, you can quickly identify it using Device Manager by checking the Bluetooth adapter’s LMP (Link Manager Protocol) version, which corresponds to a specific Bluetooth version.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to check the Bluetooth version on Windows 11 and Windows 10, understand what the LMP version means, and determine whether your PC supports Bluetooth 5.0, 5.2, 5.3, or a newer standard.
Why Check Your Bluetooth Version?
Knowing your PC’s Bluetooth version helps you determine which wireless devices it can support and what features are available. While newer Bluetooth devices are generally backward compatible, some advanced features may only work when both your PC and the accessory support the same Bluetooth version.
Checking your Bluetooth version can help you:
- Verify compatibility before buying Bluetooth headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, or game controllers.
- Find out whether your PC supports Bluetooth 5.0, 5.2, 5.3, or later.
- Troubleshoot connection or performance issues caused by older Bluetooth hardware.
- Decide whether you need a newer Bluetooth adapter to improve range, speed, or power efficiency.
Method 1: Check the Bluetooth Version Using Device Manager
The easiest way to check your Bluetooth version is through Device Manager. While Windows doesn’t display the Bluetooth version directly, it does show the LMP (Link Manager Protocol) version, which you can use to identify the Bluetooth version supported by your PC.
Check the Bluetooth version
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Bluetooth category.
- Double-click your Bluetooth adapter.
- Open the Advanced tab.
- Look for the Firmware section and note the LMP version.
- Compare the LMP version with the table below to determine your Bluetooth version.
LMP Version and Bluetooth Version Chart
| LMP Version | Bluetooth Version |
|---|---|
| LMP 6 | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| LMP 7 | Bluetooth 4.1 |
| LMP 8 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| LMP 9 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| LMP 10 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| LMP 11 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| LMP 12 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| LMP 13 | Bluetooth 5.4 |
Example: If Device Manager shows LMP 11, your PC supports Bluetooth 5.2.
What If the Advanced Tab Is Missing?
Some Bluetooth adapters don’t display the Advanced tab or the LMP version in Device Manager. This is usually caused by the Bluetooth driver or the hardware manufacturer rather than a problem with Windows.
If the Advanced tab is missing, try the following:
- Update the Bluetooth driver using Windows Update or download the latest driver from your PC manufacturer’s support website.
- Check your PC’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website. Many manufacturers list the supported Bluetooth version for each model.
- Look up the Bluetooth adapter model in Device Manager and search the manufacturer’s documentation to find its supported Bluetooth version.
Tip: If you’re using a USB Bluetooth adapter, visit the adapter manufacturer’s website. The Bluetooth version is usually listed on the product page or in the user manual.
Bluetooth Version Comparison
Each new Bluetooth version introduces improvements in speed, range, power efficiency, security, or new features. If you’re wondering whether your PC supports the latest Bluetooth devices, the table below highlights the key differences.
| Bluetooth Version | Key Improvements |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth 4.0 | Introduced Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for lower power consumption. |
| Bluetooth 4.1 | Improved device coexistence with LTE networks and better stability. |
| Bluetooth 4.2 | Faster data transfer, improved privacy, and enhanced Internet of Things (IoT) support. |
| Bluetooth 5.0 | Up to twice the speed and four times the range of Bluetooth 4.2, with larger broadcast capacity. |
| Bluetooth 5.1 | Added direction finding for more accurate device location and positioning. |
| Bluetooth 5.2 | Introduced LE Audio, Multi-Stream Audio, and improved power efficiency for compatible devices. |
| Bluetooth 5.3 | Better connection reliability, lower power consumption, and improved interference handling. |
| Bluetooth 5.4 | Enhanced support for electronic shelf labels, IoT devices, and more efficient low-power communication. |
Note: Your PC can usually connect to devices with newer Bluetooth versions because Bluetooth is backward compatible. However, advanced features such as LE Audio or Multi-Stream Audio require support from both your PC’s Bluetooth adapter and the connected device.
Which Bluetooth Version Do You Need?
The best Bluetooth version depends on how you use your PC. While newer versions offer better performance and additional features, even older versions are sufficient for many everyday tasks.
| Use Case | Recommended Bluetooth Version |
|---|---|
| Wireless mouse or keyboard | Bluetooth 4.0 or later |
| Bluetooth headphones or speakers | Bluetooth 5.0 or later |
| Gaming controllers | Bluetooth 5.0 or later |
| LE Audio compatible devices | Bluetooth 5.2 or later |
| Longer range and improved connection stability | Bluetooth 5.0 or later |
| Latest Bluetooth accessories | Bluetooth 5.3 or later |
Tip: Most Bluetooth devices are backward compatible, so they’ll usually work with older Bluetooth versions. However, newer features such as LE Audio, Multi-Stream Audio, and improved power efficiency require both your PC and the connected device to support the same Bluetooth version.
Important Things to Know About Bluetooth Versions
Before comparing Bluetooth versions or buying a new wireless device, keep these points in mind:
- Windows doesn’t determine your Bluetooth version. The Bluetooth version is determined by your PC’s Bluetooth hardware (adapter) and its firmware.
- Bluetooth is backward compatible. A Bluetooth 5.3 adapter can connect to Bluetooth 4.2 devices, but the connection will use the older device’s capabilities.
- Newer Bluetooth features require compatible hardware. Features like LE Audio and Multi-Stream Audio are available only when both your PC and the connected device support them.
- Updating Windows won’t upgrade your Bluetooth version. Software updates can improve stability and compatibility, but they can’t change the Bluetooth version supported by your hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Open Device Manager, check your Bluetooth adapter’s LMP version under the Advanced tab, and compare it with the LMP version chart in this guide. For example, LMP 9 corresponds to Bluetooth 5.0, while LMP 12 indicates Bluetooth 5.3.
You can’t upgrade the Bluetooth version through software or a Windows update. The supported version depends on your computer’s Bluetooth hardware. If you need a newer version, you can install a compatible internal wireless card (if supported) or use a USB Bluetooth adapter.
Yes. Bluetooth 5.3 improves connection reliability, reduces power consumption, and handles wireless interference more efficiently. However, you’ll only benefit from these improvements if both your PC and the connected Bluetooth device support Bluetooth 5.3.
Yes. Bluetooth is backward compatible, so newer Bluetooth adapters can connect to older Bluetooth devices. However, the connection will use the features supported by the older device.
Some Bluetooth drivers don’t display the Advanced tab or the LMP version. In that case, check your PC or Bluetooth adapter model on the manufacturer’s website to find the supported Bluetooth version.
