Standard Serial over Bluetooth link (COM20) Driver

The Standard Serial over Bluetooth link (COM20) driver lets Windows expose a Bluetooth serial connection as a virtual COM port, allowing compatible software to communicate with paired devices. This Microsoft Windows component is useful when connecting equipment that uses the Bluetooth Serial Port Profile, such as certain scanners, GPS receivers, or serial adapters. COM20 is the port number assigned by Windows, not a separate hardware model.

Key Features

• Virtual serial communication: Provides a COM-port interface for applications that exchange data with compatible Bluetooth equipment.
• Microsoft Bluetooth integration: Works with the Windows Bluetooth stack to support serial connections when the adapter and paired device support the required profile.
• Application compatibility: Lets software configured for serial communication select COM20 without requiring a physical serial connector.
• Device Manager controls: Allows you to check driver status and review available port settings through Windows.

How to Install Standard Serial over Bluetooth link (COM20) Driver

1. Check your Windows version and Bluetooth adapter. The listed operating systems are Windows 10, 8.1, 7, Vista, and XP. If you are comparing Windows 10/11 instructions, note that Windows 11 compatibility is not established by this listing.
2. Look for the built-in driver first. Before choosing a Standard Serial over Bluetooth link (COM20) driver download for Windows, run Windows Update and check Device Manager. Windows commonly supplies this component automatically; a separate installer may not be necessary.
3. Pair your Bluetooth serial device. Turn on Bluetooth, make the device discoverable, and complete pairing. Follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions to enable its serial service if required.
4. Install or update through Device Manager. Locate the Bluetooth serial entry, usually under “Ports (COM & LPT),” right-click it, and select the option to update the driver. If the Bluetooth adapter itself is missing or reporting an error, obtain its compatible driver from the computer or adapter manufacturer.
5. Confirm the connection. Check that the port appears without a warning icon, then select COM20 in your application. Windows may assign a different port number after pairing again, so use the number currently shown.

Keep the driver updated through Windows Update or trusted manufacturer support channels. The latest version should match your operating system and Bluetooth hardware, rather than simply carry a newer label. If seeking a free download, use official sources and avoid packages that promise universal compatibility or require payment to unlock standard Windows drivers.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Install fails or rolls back: Remove any existing “Standard Serial over Bluetooth link” entries in Device Manager (enable View > Show hidden devices), reboot, and re-pair the device so Windows reinstalls the Microsoft driver. Confirm the Bluetooth Support Service is running.
• COM20 not detected or app can’t open it: Verify the device is paired and shows an incoming/outgoing COM port in Bluetooth settings. Close other apps using COM20, check Device Manager for errors, and re-pair if the port is stale.
• Version or COM-port conflicts: Update or roll back the Bluetooth driver if an OEM stack is installed, delete unused COM ports, and assign the link to a free port. Avoid forcing an incompatible driver.