Hi Folks! I'm Anthony Danes and I'm a Technical Writer. I have been writing for various tech sites since 2007!
I grew up with PCs and Windows, and have been a full-time programmer in the past. This has made writing about anything 'tech' a natural by-product :)
Out of all the errors you can get with Windows device drivers, the thread stuck in device driver error is one of the most serious ones. The reason is that this error results in a blue screen of death (BSOD), which requires a PC restart.
What is the Thread Stuck in Device Driver error?
As the name suggests, the error basically means that the device driver software is stuck in a loop waiting for a hardware device to respond. Although this could be caused by the hardware device itself, in most cases, it is the result of a problem with the device driver software.
The error can occur on all Windows versions and is often seen with high-utilization types of processing, like gaming, or high CPU or GPU type of processing.
Once you see the error, you’ll want to fix the error.
Here is what you can try.
Steps to Fix the Thread Stuck in Device Driver error
There are a number of things you can try to solve the error. We’ll list them in sequence, so you can spend the least amount of time possible in solving the driver error.
1 – Update Windows
This may look like an obvious step, but it is so easy to overlook pending updates in Windows, especially in the latest Windows versions. So, make sure to go into the Settings (or Control Panel), and check for Windows Updates (1) and (2).
Tip: make sure to check for any optional updates (3), as Microsoft does not push all driver updates as mandatory! Optional driver updates will show here.
2 – Run the Troubleshooter
If you are running Windows 10 or Windows 11, you can try running the Troubleshooter from the Windows Settings. These built-in troubleshooters will check your system for common, known problems.
If a recommended troubleshooter is shown, (like the BSOD Troubleshooter), click the Run the troubleshooter button. If there is no recommendation, click the Additional troubleshooters link to pick one manually.
Apart from running the troubleshooter, Microsoft also recommends using the GetHelp app.
3 – Update your drivers
Even though you ran Windows Update, you may still be missing some important driver updates. Examples are:
drivers that are not distributed by Microsoft (non-WHQL)
drivers with newer generic device support that are not limited to specific hardware manufactures
drivers that are incompatible with the supporting software (like control panels)
It is best to check for additional driver updates. You can manually visit your PC manufacturer’s website and look for your PC model and any available driver update.
We recommend using our free driver finder software. DriverFinder will scan your PC for hardware devices and find the latest version of available drivers compatible with your Windows version. Simply download and install to make sure the latest driver is available for the device.
Tip: In some cases, it can be required to update the BIOS of your PC. Older BIOS versions may limit compatibility with newer Windows versions. Simply visit your PC manufacturer’s support website and see if an updated BIOS version is available for your model.
4 – Reinstall the device
Using the Windows Device Manager, it is possible to uninstall a device (and optionally the driver). When Windows restarts, the device is then reinstalled. This can sometimes help with the device and driver configuration.
Simply start the Device Manager by searching for it in the Windows search bar. Then select the device that is causing the device error. Right-click the device, and in the popup menu select Uninstall device.
Next, restart your PC and check if the error persists.
5 – Analyze the system logs
Unfortunately, this process requires technical skills. The first step is to look at the event viewer. This Windows software can help you pinpoint the cause of the thread stuck in device driver error. Looking through the System events, you can often pinpoint the device linked to the error. This in turn can then let you know which troubleshooter to run, or which driver to update.
Apart from the Event viewer, you can look at the minidump.
When a serious error occurs, like the thread stuck in device driver error, Windows creates a log file called a minidump. These files are stored in a folder called Minidump in the system root (typically C:\Windows\Minidump). The minidump filename will have the date in it and have an extension .dmp. If no such file is created, check the configuration for creating minidumps.
These crash dump files when generated as a result of the THREAD STUCK IN DEVICE DRIVER ERROR will often contain the filename, which in turn can help pinpoint the driver.
As mentioned earlier, the error is not often caused by a hardware error. But if you recently made changes to your system, like changing the video card, or adding memory, it is good to double-check. Make sure all hardware is properly inserted and compatible with your motherboard.
For disks, check the cables that connect them to the motherboard or disk controller.
7 – Disable GPU acceleration
The graphics processor is used for hardware acceleration by default. Disabling it, and effectively switching to CPU-based processing, can help solve the problem as well.
In Windows, open the Settings, and then select System -> Display. Then scroll down and select Graphics or Graphics settings.
Toggle the option Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling from On to Off.
It is possible that this option is overruled by your display control software. For Nvidia, you can check the PhysX settings in the NVIDIA Control Panel. Switch it to CPU to disable the use of the GPU.
Note: disabling hardware acceleration can have a significant impact on the graphics performance. Even if this is a solution, it is best to look for an updated, compatible driver to enable the hardware acceleration again.
Hopefully with all these steps you will be able to solve the thread stuck in device driver error and prevent further blue screen occurences.
The FT232R USB UART is a popular USB-to-serial interface used in USB serial cables, development boards, industrial equipment, electronics projects, and other devices that need to communicate with a Windows PC through a serial connection.
If you connect an FT232R-based device and Windows doesn’t recognize it correctly, you may see FT232R USB UART under Other devices in Device Manager, often with a yellow warning symbol. Your USB serial device may also fail to appear as a COM port.
In many cases, Windows 11 or Windows 10 can install the required driver automatically. When that doesn’t happen, you’ll need to install the correct FT232R driver manually.
This guide explains how to download, install, update, and troubleshoot the FT232R USB UART driver in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
What Is the FT232R USB UART?
It essentially acts as a bridge between USB and a serial interface. You’ll find FT232R chips in many types of hardware, including:
The FT232R is a USB-to-serial UART interface chip made by FTDI (Future Technology Devices International).
Embedded Systems & Microcontrollers – Many development boards, like Arduino Pro Mini, ESP8266, and ESP32, use FTDI chips to enable USB-to-serial communication for programming and debugging.
Industrial Equipment – Devices such as PLC controllers, CNC machines, and factory automation systems often require a USB-to-serial adapter to connect to a PC for configuration and monitoring.
Networking Hardware – Some routers, switches, and firewalls (especially those with serial console ports) use FTDI-based USB-to-serial adapters for initial setup and troubleshooting.
Scientific Instruments – Lab equipment like oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and data loggers may use FTDI chips to transfer data to a PC for analysis.
Ham Radio & Communications Equipment – Many amateur radio transceivers and digital mode interfaces use FTDI-based serial adapters to connect to a PC for programming and digital communication.
Medical Devices – Certain patient monitoring systems, infusion pumps, and diagnostic tools rely on USB-to-serial connections for data logging and software updates.
GPS Modules & Automotive Diagnostics – Many external GPS receivers and OBD-II diagnostic tools (for vehicle troubleshooting) use FTDI-based USB-to-serial converters to communicate with diagnostic software on a PC.
Legacy Serial Devices – Older devices like barcode scanners, cash registers, industrial scales, and POS systems often still use RS-232 interfaces, requiring an FTDI adapter for modern PC connectivity.
For a typical USB-to-serial adapter, Windows can also create a virtual COM port, allowing software to communicate with the USB device much like it would with a traditional serial port.
FT232R USB UART Driver Download for Windows 11
If you’re looking for an FT232R USB UART driver download for Windows 11, start by connecting the device while your PC is connected to the internet.
Windows Update can automatically install FTDI drivers for supported hardware.
If that doesn’t happen, you have several options.
1. Check the Device Manufacturer First
If the FT232R chip is built into a USB cable, adapter, development board, or other third-party product, check the manufacturer’s support website first.
This matters because some manufacturers customize the FTDI device or its driver configuration. In those cases, the generic FTDI driver may not be the driver intended for that particular product.
Look up the exact model of your device and check whether its manufacturer provides a Windows 11 driver.
2. Download the Driver From FTDI
If the device manufacturer doesn’t provide its own driver, you can obtain the current Windows driver directly from FTDI.
FTDI provides a Windows installer for Windows 10 and Windows 11 that includes both:
VCP (Virtual COM Port) drivers
D2XX Direct drivers
For most people using an FT232R USB-to-serial cable or adapter, the VCP driver is the one you’ll be interested in.
3. Let DriverFinder Identify the Driver
If you don’t know exactly which USB-to-serial device you have—or you’re having difficulty locating the correct driver—you can use DriverFinderto scan the hardware installed on your PC.
DriverFinder identifies your devices and helps locate matching Windows drivers without requiring you to manually determine the exact hardware model.
VCP vs D2XX: Which FT232R Driver Do You Need?
FTDI provides two main types of Windows driver for its devices: VCP and D2XX.
VCP Driver
VCP stands for Virtual COM Port.
The VCP driver makes your FT232R USB device appear in Windows as an additional COM port.
For example, after installation you may see something similar to:
USB Serial Port (COM3)
under:
Device Manager → Ports (COM & LPT)
Software can then communicate with the device using that COM port just as it would with a traditional serial connection.
If you’re using an FT232R USB serial cable, adapter, microcontroller board, or similar device, VCP is usually what you need.
D2XX Driver
The D2XX driver works differently.
Instead of creating a normal Windows COM port, D2XX allows software to communicate directly with an FTDI USB device through FTDI’s DLL interface.
D2XX is therefore primarily useful when the application you’re using was specifically designed to communicate with FTDI hardware through that interface.
If your software expects you to select something such as COM3, COM4, or COM5, you’re almost certainly looking for the VCP functionality rather than direct D2XX access
How to Install the FT232R USB UART Driver
Before manually installing anything, connect your FT232R USB device to the computer.
Open Device Manager.
You can do this by right-clicking Start and selecting Device Manager, or by searching for Device Manager from the Windows taskbar.
Look under Other devices, Universal Serial Bus controllers, or Ports (COM & LPT).
If Windows hasn’t installed the appropriate driver, you may see:
FT232R USB UART
with a yellow warning icon.
Note: In the Device Manager, the dongle may show as an Unknown device, a FT232R USB UART device, or as a USB Serial Converter. If the device does not show, use the option Show hidden devices in the View menu, or add a setting to the System variables to show non-present devices.
Select:
Search automatically for drivers
Windows will check the drivers already available to the system.
On current versions of Windows, if Device Manager doesn’t find a suitable local driver, you may also be given the option to search for updated drivers through Windows Update.
If Windows still doesn’t install the device correctly, use the driver supplied by the device manufacturer or the current FTDI Windows driver package.
How to Manually Install the FT232R Driver
To manually install a Windows driver for this type of device, you will first need to download the driver. In some cases, the dongle manufacturer will offer a driver download. Just visit the support site for the manufacturer and download the driver for your specific Windows version.
Right-click FT232R USB UART in Device Manager and choose:
Update driver
Then select:
Browse my computer for drivers
Select the folder containing the downloaded and extracted driver files.
Make sure:
Include subfolders
is selected, then continue with the installation.
Windows will search that folder for a compatible driver.
Once installation is complete, disconnect and reconnect the USB device if necessary.
How to Check Whether the FT232R Driver Installed Correctly
After installing the driver, return to Device Manager.
Depending on the device and driver configuration, you may see an entry such as:
USB Serial Converter
under:
Universal Serial Bus controllers
If you’re using the VCP driver, you should also normally see a serial port under:
Ports (COM & LPT)
For example:
USB Serial Port (COM9)
The COM number may be different on your computer.
Your serial software should use the COM port assigned by Windows.
FT232R USB UART Driver for Windows 10
FT232R devices are also supported under Windows 10.
The current FTDI Windows driver package supports both Windows 10 and Windows 11, so the basic installation process is the same.
Connect the device first and allow Windows Update an opportunity to install the driver automatically.
If that doesn’t work:
Check the device manufacturer’s support website.
Download the appropriate driver for your product.
If necessary, use the current FTDI VCP/D2XX Windows package.
Install or update the driver through Device Manager.
FTDI currently provides Windows 10 support for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
FT232RL Driver for Windows 11
You may also see searches or product descriptions referring to the FT232RL.
FT232R refers to the FTDI USB-to-UART chip family/device, while FT232RL identifies a particular FT232R package variant.
So if your USB serial adapter contains an FT232RL chip and you’re looking for an FT232RL driver for Windows 11, you’ll generally be dealing with the same FTDI driver family discussed in this guide.
As always, if the chip is incorporated into a third-party product, check that product manufacturer’s driver recommendations first.
FT232R USB UART Driver Not Working
If you’ve installed the FT232R driver but your device still doesn’t work, try the following checks.
Disconnect and Reconnect the Device
Unplug the FT232R device, wait a few seconds, and connect it again.
If possible, try another USB port.
Avoid using a USB hub temporarily so you can rule out a problem with the hub.
Check Device Manager
Open Device Manager and look for:
FT232R USB UART
USB Serial Converter
USB Serial Port
Unknown Device
A yellow warning icon indicates that Windows has detected a problem.
Right-click the device and select Properties to view the device status and any Device Manager error code.
Reinstall the Driver
If the driver installation may be damaged, right-click the affected device and select:
Uninstall device
Disconnect the device and restart Windows.
Reconnect it after Windows has restarted and allow Windows to detect the hardware again.
You can then reinstall the correct driver if necessary.
Install the Current Driver
If you’re using an old driver package, replace it with the current driver supplied by your device manufacturer or FTDI.
Don’t disable Windows driver-signature enforcement simply to install an old or unsigned FT232R driver. Current official FTDI Windows drivers are digitally signed and WHQL certified.
Check the USB Cable or Adapter
A driver isn’t always the cause.
If Windows doesn’t detect the device at all, test another USB port and, where possible, another cable or computer.
A faulty USB cable, damaged adapter, loose connection, or failed device can produce symptoms that look like a driver problem.
FT232R COM Port Not Showing
Sometimes Windows recognizes the FT232R device, but the expected COM port doesn’t appear.
First, open Device Manager and expand:
Ports (COM & LPT)
Look for an entry such as:
USB Serial Port (COMx)
If Ports (COM & LPT) doesn’t appear at all, check whether the FT232R device is instead listed under Other devices or Universal Serial Bus controllers.
If you see FT232R USB UART with a warning symbol, the VCP driver may not have installed correctly.
Reinstall the appropriate FTDI VCP driver and reconnect the device.
If USB Serial Converter appears but no USB Serial Port is created, check that you’re using the VCP driver/configuration required by your device.
You can also select:
View → Show hidden devices
in Device Manager to check for previously installed COM ports.
Changing the FT232R COM Port Number
Some older applications only work with particular COM port numbers.
If your FT232R device is working but Windows has assigned an unsuitable port number, you may be able to change it.
In Device Manager:
Expand Ports (COM & LPT).
Right-click USB Serial Port (COMx).
Select Properties.
Open Port Settings.
Select Advanced.
Choose another available COM Port Number.
Click OK.
Only change the assigned COM port if your software requires it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I download the FT232R USB UART driver for Windows 11?
First check the manufacturer of the USB cable, adapter, board, or device containing the FT232R chip. If it doesn’t provide a driver, FTDI provides official Windows drivers supporting Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Windows Update may also install the appropriate FTDI driver automatically.
Which FT232R driver do I need: VCP or D2XX?
For most ordinary USB-to-serial applications, you want the VCP driver because it allows the FT232R device to appear as a Windows COM port.
D2XX is intended for applications that communicate directly with FTDI devices through FTDI’s DLL interface.
Does the FT232R work with Windows 11?
Yes. Current FTDI drivers support Windows 11. If you’re using an FT232R chip incorporated into a third-party product, however, check the device manufacturer’s support information because it may use a customized configuration.
Why does FT232R USB UART appear under Other devices?
This usually means Windows has detected the hardware but hasn’t associated it with the appropriate driver.
Install the correct driver and check Device Manager again.
Why doesn’t my FT232R device have a COM port?
A COM port normally appears when the FTDI VCP driver is installed and enabled for the device. Check Device Manager for FT232R USB UART, USB Serial Converter, or a device showing a warning icon.
Is FT232RL the same as FT232R?
FT232RL is a package variant of the FT232R USB-to-UART device. Searches for an FT232RL Windows driver therefore generally lead to the same FTDI driver family, although you should still follow the driver recommendations provided by the manufacturer of your particular product.
Does FT232R work with Windows 10?
Yes. FTDI’s current Windows driver package supports Windows 10 as well as Windows 11.
For more on USB to serial converters and their drivers, also check the article on the Prolific PL2303 driver for Windows.
Wireless communication is so common nowadays that we don’t think about it anymore. Whether it is outside on our mobile phones, using it at home on our laptops and tablets, or using portable devices on Bluetooth, wireless communication is just always there. We expect it to be available and fast. To make that possible, development never stops. The newest development now? Wi-Fi 7.
What is Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 7 is like you would expect, the successor of the previous Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 6 (and Wi-Fi 6E). Wi-Fi 7 will be known as the 802.11be standard. It will use the 2.5, 5, and 6 GHz frequency bands, which is the same for the 6 and 6E versions. Nothing new there.
What is new in the Wi-Fi 7 standard is the use of a 320 MHz channel in the 6 GHZ band. So, more bandwidth for data, which will benefit high-demand data streams. At the same time, Wi-Fi 7 will be downwards compatible, so it can be used with all devices that only support older Wi-Fi standards.
The biggest improvement I believe is the changes in the Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) support. The number of channels is increased from 8 to 16. This together with the addition of Multi-Link Operation (MLO) improves the data transfer and reduces the latency. MLO allows the switching (or even parallel) use of the band used for data transfer rather than a single one.
What are the benefits?
With the wider frequency channels on the supported bands, together with the multi-link options, the main advantages of Wi-Fi 7 over the previous Wi-Fi versions are improved speed and reduced latency.
In theory Wi-Fi 7 will enable transfer speeds up to 46 Gbps. Compared to the 9.6 Gbps of the Wi-Fi 6E standard, that is a significant increase. Intel expects a typical laptop to have a data transfer rate of up to 5.8 Gbps). Although the support of a 320 MHz channel contributes to this, the Multi-Link Operation (MLO) is the main reason for these improvements.
A secondary benefit of the new Wi-Fi 7 standard is the new feature called Restricted Wake Time, which will help your devices save battery. Devices will be in power save mode as much as possible since the awake time allows access points and routers to manage the network activity (Also see Target Wake Time – TWT).
The last new benefit of Wi-Fi 7 is that it will support more simultaneous connections. So I you plan to connect all devices in your home (or have a lot of parties with guests that use your Wi-Fi connection), the new standard will help ensure speed and latency are optimal.
When will Wi-Fi 7 be available?
Routers that will support Wi-Fi 7 will become available are expected later in 2023, with all major manufacturers planning releases.
Qualcomm will have Wi-Fi 7 chipset available that enables speeds up to 33 Gbps. Linksys is planning to use this chipset in their new routers, even though they have not announced any releases. TP-Link (Archer BE900), Netgear (Nighthawk RS-700), Asus (ROG Rapture GT-BE98), and MSI (RadiX BE22000 Turbo) did already announce new products with Wi-Fi 7 support.
Do I need Wi-Fi 7?
Currently? Maybe not. In the future, more likely, yes. As is clear from the above, the benefits are speed, multi-device support, reduced latency, and more bandwidth. If you are an avid gamer, low latency is important. Other things that might be considered for upgrading are video streaming (with 8K becoming more common), or the internet of things (IoT) where we connect all our devices to the Internet (your fridge ordering your groceries for example).
As always with device upgrades, the need to upgrade will also depend on the current situation. If you plan to upgrade or replace an older router, waiting for the new Wi-Fi 7-enabled routers would be a good idea. If you don’t think you will need the advantages the Wi-Fi 7 standard offers, your ISP speed is low anyway, or the cost of a router is a consideration, getting a Wi-Fi 7-enabled router would not be recommended.
Do keep in mind that all your other wireless devices will also need support for Wi-Fi 7. The latest mobile phones and laptops might have it, but a lot of other wireless devices will currently not include support.
One of the new protection features in Windows 11 is called Core isolation. This feature helps protect against vulnerabilities that may harm the system. It is also referred to as virtualization-based security (or VBS). An important aspect of this protection is the setting memory integrity. Enabling this setting will allow Windows to shield the memory from bad code or invalid access.
A limitation of memory integrity protection is the fact that it can be impossible to enable it due to incompatible drivers. Device drivers are an important piece of any operating system, including Windows 11. Since device drivers enable communication with hardware devices, they are operating at a high-security level in Windows with access to critical system resources.
Even with systems that had no problems in the past, Windows updates can result in the core isolation option being disabled with no obvious cause.
In this article, we show how to enable memory integrity and how to deal with incompatible drivers that may block the enabling of the core isolation protection.
How to enable memory integrity
Open the Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys, or use the Start menu.
In the Settings window, click Privacy & security (1) in the left-hand pane.
Next, click Windows Security (2) in the right-hand pane.
Then, click Device security in the right-hand pane. This will open a new window called Windows Security.
Under Core isolation, click the Core isolation details link.
Now toggle the switch for Memory integrity from Off to On. Windows will start checking for driver compatibility before enabling the memory integrity option.
Close the Windows Security window and the Settings windows.
After this, the core isolation in Windows 11 is enabled, helping protect the memory from invalid access. This will add an extra layer of protection against malware on your PC.
Incompatible drivers
So what happens with incompatible drivers are installed in the system? In that case, enabling the Memory integrity feature will fail and the Core isolation will not be working.
To find out which drivers are incompatible, click the Review incompatible drivers link.
You will now see one or more entries of drivers (.sys file names) that are incompatible with the Windows 11 driver system. That means, the device for which the driver is intended may work fine, but the driver is not fully compatible with the Windows 11 security system. This may happen if older drivers are installed (e.g. Windows 7 or Windows 10 drivers).
Clicking the downward pointing arrow to the right of the driver’s name will reveal details about the driver. This information, date, version, and INF name can be used in the process to solve the driver incompatibility.
It is also possible that no imcompatibvle drivers are shown. In that case, try the manual enabling option.
Solve driver incompatibility issues
The simplest choice is to simply leave the Core isolation feature in Windows 11 disabled. That way, the incompatible driver can still be used and the device will function. Considering the possible vulnerability to the system this is not the preferred option. Only when no compatible driver for the device can be found and the device is really needed would you use this option.
The better solution to enabling the memory integrity option in Windows 11 is to replace any incompatible drivers with a newer, compatible version of the device driver.
Our example shows the stm_tpm.sys driver, which is an STMicroelectronics Trusted Platform Module. Other frequently occurring examples are the ene.sys driver and the wdcsam.sys (or wdcsam64_prewin8.sys), which are MSI and Western Digital drivers respectively.
#1 Update the driver from the Device Manager
Replacing an incompatible driver with a newer version is the best way to guarantee the driver will be compatible with Windows 11. Use the Device Manager to check for updates for the device.
In this process, Windows 11 will check the Microsoft Update Catalog for a newer version of the driver for the specific device. Take note that the device does not show any error in this example. The device and driver are functioning without device errors in Windows 11.
Note: If you do not see the problematic driver, use the option Show hidden devices in the View menu to show additional devices with their drivers.
In case any device is listed with an exclamation mark, it indicates a problem. Updating the driver for the device may fix the problem, otherwise check the error code for the device to solve the issue.
#2 Uninstall the driver to enable memory integrity
If the incompatible driver is not loaded and used by Windows, the memory integrity option can be turned on. Use the device manager to Uninstall the device, and then use the command prompt (or PowerShell) to delete the driver using the pnputil /delete-driver command.
Note: It is important to uninstall the device first, otherwise the command above will fail because the driver package is still in use.
The INF file name used in the command can be found in the details of the incompatible drivers in the Windows Security window. See the Published name detail. The /uninstall parameter ensures the driver package is removed from any devices that use the driver. The /force parameter allows the driver to be deleted even when it is in use.
Once the device is uninstalled and the driver is deleted, enable the memory integrity option as described earlier. If it still fails, try the other solutions listed here.
#3 Manually replace the incompatible driver
If the device is needed, option #2 is not possible, since the device will not work without a driver. But if the automatic update of the incompatible driver also does not work, a manual solution is required.
Use the Device Manager to uninstall the device. If Windows shows the option to Attempt to remove the driver for this device during the device uninstall, select that option. This option will not show for all devices and will only work if the driver is not in use by another device.
After this, find a new driver for the device on the manufacturer’s website. In the case of the wdcsam.sys error, the latest Western Digital drivers will solve the issue. Our ene.sys article has the details for a solution with that driver. For other manufacturers, their support site should provide the latest drivers if available.
Enable Memory Integrity using the Windows Registry
If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it is possible to force the activation of the memory integrity in Windows 10 and Windows 11 using the Windows Registry. Although it is possible to use the Registry Editor for this to manually add the required keys and entries, it is easier to execute the commands to insert the registry keys from the console. Below are the steps.
Open a command prompt window with administrator privileges.
Each command should show that the operation completed successfully.
After that, close the command prompt window (type “exit” followed by pressing the Enter key), and restart Windows.
Now check that the memory integrity option in Windows Security is enabled.
Note: The commands above are for Windows 10 version 1607 and later (including Windows 11). For earlier Windows 10 versions (1511 and below), use these commands.
Note: Using the registry edit option can result in Windows showing the Memory Integrity option as “This setting is managed by your administrator“. If that is the case, revert the registry settings to undo the change.
Bluetooth problems in Windows computers are often related to incorrect or missing drivers for a Bluetooth device. In the case of the Broadcom BCM20702A0 device, the right BCM20702A0 driver is required for the device to function in Windows. Otherwise, the device will not work and show an error. Any other Bluetooth devices depending on the BCM20702A0 device will most likely also not work or not be recognized.
What is BCM20702A0?
BCM20702A0 refers to a Broadcom Bluetooth 4.0 chip. It is often used in USB Bluetooth dongles, but can also be embedded directly in a computer (laptop, desktop, or all-in-one PC). The chip implements Bluetooth communication which allows a Windows-based PC with this device to connect to external, wireless devices that support Bluetooth. Examples are headsets, game controllers, printers, mice, mobile phones, and similar.
Since the BCM20702A0 chip is used on hardware solutions from different manufacturers, a driver specific to the manufacturer may be required to ensure the BCM20702A0 device is recognized by Windows. Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and others all have drivers available for hardware using the Broadcom BCM20702A0 chip.
BCM20702A0 Related Problems
If the BCM20702A0 driver is not installed, or not compatible with the installed device or Windows version, there will be an error. In the Windows Device Manager, the device will be listed under the Other devices category. An exclamation mark on the device icon indicates it is not working properly.
The possible error message for not working Bluetooth devices in Windows:
This device cannot start. (Code 10)
The drivers for this device are not installed. (Code 28) In Windows 10 and Windows 11, the message will say “There are no compatible drivers for this device”. Instead of “There is no driver selected for the device information set or element”.
This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device. (Code 31)
In normal circumstances, all working Bluetooth devices will show in the Bluetooth category in the Device Manager. But if the right driver is not installed, this category might not show at all.
The result of a non-working Bluetooth module is that Windows will not be able to connect to any Bluetooth devices. Pairing with Bluetooth devices will be impossible.
Steps to solve BCM20702A0 problems in Windows
The most common cause of the problems related to the BCM20702A0 device is a driver problem. So, in solving the error, the first steps are focused on getting the right driver installed. If after that, the device still does not work, try the other methods to fix the issue.
Before starting with the steps, make sure that the Bluetooth USB dongle is plugged (in case an external Bluetooth solution is used). Trying to solve the Bluetooth problem without the device physically present in the computer will not work. This sounds silly but it is better to check than wasting time trying to fix a non-issue. Also, make sure you reboot your computer. Pending restarts after updates can be the source of problems.
Update the BCM20702A0 driver from the Device Manager
The Device Manager is the most common method to install and update drivers for devices in all Windows versions. So, try these steps to update the driver.
Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Type devmgmt.msc in the Run box and press Enter or click OK. This will open the Device Manager.
In the Device Manager window, locate the problematic Bluetooth device in either the Other devices category or the Bluetooth category.
Right-click the BCM20702A0 device and in the popup menu, select Update Driver Software (Update driver in Windows 10 and Windows 11).
Use the Search automatically for drivers option to let Windows find the correct driver for the device. Click Close when the driver has been installed.
In case Windows does find a driver for the device, a driver will need to be manually downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
Manually download the BCM20702A0 driver
If Microsoft has not included a driver for the BCM20702A0 device in the version of Windows that you are running, a driver will need to be added manually. This means a Bluetooth interface driver needs to be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. Check your computer brand and model and locate the manufacturer’s support website to search for the driver.
Note: Broadcom used to support their own version of the Bluetooth software, including drivers. This generic WIDCOMM Bluetooth Software is no longer maintained and supported.
Once downloaded, run the setup or install program for the driver package to install the driver in Windows. Note that a user account with administrator privileges is required to install drivers.
If a driver is not available for your Windows version, you can try running an driver for an older Windows version in compatibility mode. For example, say we are running Windows 10, but the Dell installer for the Bluetooth module is suited only for Windows 7. If there is no Windows 10 driver available, we run the Windows 7 installer as follows:
Right-click the downloaded installer file.
In the popup menu, select Properties.
In the file properties dialog box, select the Compatibility tab.
Under Compatibility mode, select the checkbox for Run this program in compatibility mode for (1), and select Windows 7 in the dropdown box (2).
Click OK to confirm and close the properties dialog box.
Now execute the driver installer again.
Important: The driver needs to match the Windows architecture in order to work. Installing a 32-bit driver on a 64-bit system will not work, even in compatibility mode.
If the downloaded driver package does not have a setup or install program, you need to manually install the driver using the Device Manager.
Update drivers using Microsoft Update
Microsoft has included support for many devices in every updated version of Windows. Although that means that many devices are detected and supported directly, some devices require optional updates. In Windows 10 and Windows 11, optional updates often include updated drivers for devices. To check if the Broadcom BCM20702A0 driver is available, follow these steps.
Open the Settings windows from the Start menu.
In the Settings window, select Windows Update.
In Windows 11, click Advanced options (skip this step in Windows 10).
Next, click View optional updates.
Under Optional updates, click the Driver updates entry to expand the list and see the available driver updates.
If there is an entry for the BCM20702A0 driver, select it and click the Download and install button.
If no driver update is available for the Bluetooth device, the BCM20702A0 device is not supported in Windows. At least not by Microsoft directly. You will need to use the steps to manually download the driver to get it to work.
Restart the Bluetooth Services
This is the first of the steps that do not directly relate to the BCM20702A0 driver. Even if the driver is installed, the device can still give an error. The error might be solved by one of the following solutions.
Windows uses several services (background tasks) for making sure the Bluetooth devices and functions can work. In some cases, a service may have a problem, and manually starting or restarting the service can fix the problem.
Here are the steps to restart the Bluetooth services in Windows.
Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Type services.msc in the Run box and press Enter or click OK. This will open the Services window.
In the Services window, locate the Bluetooth Support Service and right-click it.
In the popup menu, click Restart.
Close the Services window when done.
You can repeat these steps for other Bluetooth services, like the Bluetooth Driver Management Service. If the services are not in a Running state, simply try starting them instead of restarting them. Not all Bluetooth services need to be running for the BCM20702A0 device to be detected and installed. Some are for support tasks, like audio over Bluetooth. But starting or restarting them manually ensures that they are not the reason the device is not working.
Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter
In Windows 10 and Windows 11, there is the possibility to run a Windows troubleshooter for a number of problems. Microsoft has included a troubleshooter function for common problems that can be automatically solved. One such troubleshooter is the Bluetooth troubleshooter.
To execute the Bluetooth troubleshooter in Windows 10, follow these steps.
Open the Settings window from the Start menu.
In the Settings window, select Update & security.
Next, click Troubleshoot in the left-hand pane.
In the right-hand pane, click the Additional troubleshooters link.
Next, under Find and fix other problems, click the Bluetooth option.
This will show the button Run the troubleshooter. Click it to start the troubleshooter.
A new window will come up showing Windows is Detecting problems with Bluetooth. Wait for the process to finish analyzing and fixing any Bluetooth-related issues.
Click Close when done.
In Windows 11, the steps are a little different.
Open the Settings window from the Start menu (or press the Windows + I keys).
In the Settings window, click System.
Next, click Troubleshoot in the right-hand pane.
Click the Other troubleshooters link.
Click the Run button next to Bluetooth under Other.
Wait for the troubleshooter to finish analyzing and fixing any Bluetooth-related problems.
Note: The Bluetooth troubleshooter can take considerable time to complete.
Check the Airplane mode setting
This is mentioned as one of the last solutions since the option would normally only be used on portable devices for a specific reason. But if you have been traveling with your laptop, it is a step that is worth taking.
Personally, I simply disable the Bluetooth option in Windows and only enable it when needed. Active communication on any device is a security risk these days. But if you have Bluetooth turned in normal circumstances, you can opt to use the Airplane mode in Windows to disable all communication when traveling.
In both Windows 10 and Windows 11, the Airplane mode can be enabled or disabled by clicking the network icon in the taskbar and selecting the Airplane mode in the quick access popup window.
Note that the Airplane mode will show active when enabled (blue in this example but that will depend on the active Windows theme). Airplane mode should be disabled for Bluetooth to work.
If you prefer to use the Windows Settings, follow these steps.
Open the Settings window from the Start menu.
In the Settings window, click the Network & internet option.
Next, click the Airplane mode option.
Now make sure both switches are in the Off position. In Windows 11, you have the option to disable the Airplane mode directly, or like in Windows 10, select the Airplane mode option to control the individual settings. Windows 11 remembers which communication was on when you enable and disable Airplane mode. So, if only Wi-Fi was on and Bluetooth was off when airplane mode was activated, Bluetooth would remain off when airplane mode is disabled again. This is why it is a good idea to check this setting.
Close the Settings window when done.
After this, the network and Bluetooth devices should be working. There is no need to restart the computer, the changes take effect immediately.
Reset the hardware devices
Windows keeps configuration information for all devices in the computer. In rare cases, the configuration of a device can be a problem. Installing similar devices with similar drivers, or installing additional USB devices on the same controller can result in a BCM20702A0-based device to stop working.
To fix the issue, it is possible to reset the device by removing it and letting Windows reinstall the device with the proper configuration settings. These steps need to be executed from within the Device Manager.
Follow the steps to update the BCM20702A0 driver from the Device Manager, but instead of picking the Update driver option, select the Uninstall option. In the Uninstall Device confirmation window, click the Uninstall button (1). This will remove the device from Windows. After this reboot to let Windows automatically detect and reinstall the device.
First, try the uninstall option and keep the drivers installed. If that does not fix the issue, use the option Delete the driver software for this device when uninstalling it (2). That will force Windows to reload the driver for the Bluetooth device.
If the BCM20702A0 device is a USB dongle, it can also help to uninstall the USB Host Controllers in the Universal Serial Bus controller category. These controllers ensure that all connected USB devices are detected are installed. Resetting them can solve problems caused by the USB interface itself.
If things are still not working after this, then you might still be able to get things working again. That partly depends on whether the BCM20702A0 device was working on your system previously. If it was, a system restore or system recovery can bring back the working BCM20702A0 driver.
For help in finding the right drivers for your Windows devices, including the BCM20702A0 device, you can use the DriverFinder program. By scanning the hardware present, it will locate and offer the required device drivers.
