Standard Serial over Bluetooth link (COM46) Driver

The Standard Serial over Bluetooth link (COM46) driver lets Windows applications communicate with a paired Bluetooth device through a virtual serial port. This Microsoft Windows component is useful for Bluetooth equipment that uses the Serial Port Profile (SPP), such as certain scanners, GPS receivers, and serial adapters. COM46 is the port number assigned by Windows, not a separate hardware model.

Key Features

• Virtual serial communication: Provides a COM-port interface so compatible software can exchange data with Bluetooth serial devices.
• Windows integration: Works with the Windows Bluetooth stack and a properly installed Bluetooth adapter to support serial connections.
• Application compatibility: Lets programs that require a serial port use a Bluetooth connection when the remote device supports SPP.
• Port management: Makes the assigned serial port available in Device Manager, where you can check its status and confirm the COM number.

How to Install Standard Serial over Bluetooth link (COM46) Driver

1. Check your Windows version and Bluetooth adapter. The listed operating systems are Windows 10, 8.1, 7, Vista, and XP. Compatibility also depends on your adapter and Bluetooth device. For Windows 10/11 troubleshooting, use instructions specific to your version; Windows 11 is not included in this page’s supported OS list.
2. Use a trusted driver source. Before choosing a Standard Serial over Bluetooth link (COM46) driver download for Windows, check Windows Update. This virtual-port driver is typically supplied with Windows rather than as a separate COM46 package. If your adapter needs additional software, use its manufacturer’s official free download.
3. Install any required Bluetooth adapter software. Follow the installer instructions and restart if prompted. Then enable Bluetooth and pair your serial device according to its documentation.
4. Check the virtual port. Open Device Manager and expand “Ports (COM & LPT).” Look for “Standard Serial over Bluetooth link (COM46).” If it is missing, check whether the paired device offers a serial service and configure a Bluetooth COM port where available.
5. Select the port in your application. Choose COM46 in the program that communicates with your device, match any required serial settings, and test the connection. Windows may assign a different number after re-pairing.

Keep your Bluetooth adapter software and Windows components updated to address connection problems and compatibility issues. Use Windows Update or the adapter manufacturer to find the latest version appropriate for your system, and only install an update that matches your hardware and Windows release. Older Windows versions may no longer receive driver updates.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Install fails or COM port won’t appear: Remove stale “Standard Serial over Bluetooth link” entries in Device Manager (enable View > Show hidden devices), reboot, then re-pair the Bluetooth device. Confirm the Bluetooth Serial Port (SPP) service is enabled for that device.
• Device not detected: Ensure Bluetooth is on, the device is paired, and the Serial Port/SPP option is enabled in Bluetooth settings. Run “Scan for hardware changes” in Device Manager; if needed, add the COM port manually under Ports (COM & LPT) and restart.
• Version/COM conflicts: Windows may create duplicate serial links or reassign COM46. Delete duplicate links, uninstall the Microsoft Bluetooth driver, restart, and let Windows reinstall it. In Port Settings, set the desired COM number only if it is not already in use.