Standard Serial over Bluetooth link (COM28) Driver

The Standard Serial over Bluetooth link (COM28) driver lets Windows applications communicate with a paired Bluetooth device through a virtual serial port. Provided by Microsoft as part of Windows’ Bluetooth support, this component is useful for compatible serial accessories, such as scanners, diagnostic tools, and instruments that use the Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP). COM28 is the assigned port number, not a separate hardware model.

Key Features

• Virtual serial communication: Allows software designed for COM ports to exchange data with compatible Bluetooth devices without a physical serial cable.
• Windows integration: Works with the Windows Bluetooth stack and Device Manager to expose and manage the serial connection.
• Application compatibility: Makes the assigned COM28 port available to applications that support serial communication, subject to the accessory’s requirements.
• Connection configuration: Supports a virtual COM-port setup that applications can select when connecting to the paired accessory.

How to Install Standard Serial over Bluetooth link (COM28) Driver

1. Check your Windows version and Bluetooth adapter. The listed supported systems are Windows 10, 8.1, 7, Vista, and XP. For Windows 10/11 searches, note that Windows 11 compatibility is not confirmed by this listing.
2. Check the download details. Before choosing a Standard Serial over Bluetooth link (COM28) driver download for Windows, verify its source and operating-system compatibility. This Microsoft component is typically supplied through Windows rather than a standalone installer; a free download should not require purchasing a driver-updater utility.
3. Pair the Bluetooth accessory. Turn on Bluetooth, put the accessory into pairing mode, and add it through Windows’ Bluetooth settings. Confirm that it supports SPP; not every Bluetooth device creates a serial port.
4. Install or update through Windows. Open Device Manager and check Ports (COM & LPT) and the Bluetooth category. If the serial entry needs attention, use Update driver and allow Windows to search. If the Bluetooth adapter itself is missing or faulty, obtain its driver from the PC or adapter manufacturer.
5. Select the correct port in your application. Confirm the assigned port in Device Manager, then choose COM28 if that is the port Windows created. Pairing again may assign a different number. Test communication using the accessory’s recommended settings.

Keep the driver updated through Windows Update where available, and use trusted manufacturer sources for Bluetooth adapter updates. The latest version should match your Windows release and hardware; a newer package is not automatically compatible with older systems. If the connection works reliably, avoid replacing drivers solely because a download advertises an update.

Common Issues and Fixes

• COM28 not detected: Confirm Bluetooth is on and the serial device is paired. In Device Manager, enable View > Show hidden devices and check Ports (COM & LPT). If missing, remove the pairing, re-pair, then scan for hardware changes.
• Install or Code 10/28 error: This is a Microsoft inbox Bluetooth serial driver; avoid third-party “driver updater” packages. Uninstall the device in Device Manager, restart, and let Windows reinstall it. Run Windows Update if the Bluetooth stack is outdated.
• COM port conflict/version mismatch: If another app or paired device holds COM28, close it. In Device Manager > Ports > Standard Serial over Bluetooth link (COM28) > Properties > Port Settings > Advanced, assign an unused COM number. Remove stale Bluetooth serial pairings.