Surface Go 2 Bluetooth Not Connecting: Proven Fixes

Summary: Surface Go 2 Bluetooth not connecting? Don’t worry! Often, a simple restart, driver update, or troubleshooting can get your devices talking again. Follow these proven, step-by-step fixes to restore your Surface Go 2’s Bluetooth connectivity quickly.

Surface Go 2 Bluetooth Not Connecting: Proven Fixes

It can be incredibly frustrating when your Surface Go 2’s Bluetooth suddenly decides to stop working. You’re all set to connect your favorite wireless mouse, keyboard, or headphones, and… nothing. It’s a common issue, and one that can really disrupt your workflow or relaxation time. But don’t throw your hands up in despair! Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable without needing a tech wizard.

At Tabletzoo, we understand how vital seamless connectivity is, especially with a versatile device like the Surface Go 2. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll walk you through simple, effective solutions, from the quickest fixes to more in-depth troubleshooting, all explained in a way that’s easy to follow. Let’s get your Bluetooth back up and running!

We’ll start with the easiest steps and move our way up to more comprehensive solutions. So, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into how you can fix your Surface Go 2 Bluetooth connection.

Why Isn’t My Surface Go 2 Bluetooth Connecting?

There can be a few reasons why your Surface Go 2’s Bluetooth might be acting up. Sometimes, it’s a simple software glitch. Other times, it could be a driver issue, a setting that’s accidentally been toggled off, or even a problem with the Bluetooth device itself. It’s rarely a sign of a major hardware failure, which is good news!

Think of it like this: your Surface Go 2 and your Bluetooth accessory are trying to have a conversation, but their communication line is temporarily crossed. Our goal is to untangle that line.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Before we dive into more involved steps, let’s try the simplest solutions. These often resolve the issue faster than you might expect!

1. Restart Your Surface Go 2 and Bluetooth Device

This is the classic IT solution for a reason: it works! A simple restart can clear out temporary glitches in both your tablet and the Bluetooth accessory.

  • Turn off your Surface Go 2 completely. Don’t just put it to sleep.
  • Turn off your Bluetooth device (mouse, keyboard, headphones, etc.).
  • Wait about 30 seconds.
  • Turn your Bluetooth device back on.
  • Turn your Surface Go 2 back on.
  • Once your Surface Go 2 has booted up, try to connect your Bluetooth device again.

2. Toggle Bluetooth Off and On

This is like giving the Bluetooth radio a quick reset. Sometimes, just switching it off and then back on can re-establish the connection.

  • On your Surface Go 2, go to Settings.
  • Click on Devices.
  • Select Bluetooth & other devices from the left-hand menu.
  • Find the Bluetooth toggle switch and flip it to Off.
  • Wait a few seconds.
  • Flip the toggle switch back to On.
  • See if your device now appears and can connect.

3. Ensure Device is Discoverable and Paired

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your Surface Go 2, but with the Bluetooth accessory itself. Make sure it’s in pairing mode and hasn’t already been paired with another device.

  • Check your Bluetooth accessory’s manual to see how to put it into pairing mode. This often involves holding down a specific button.
  • Make sure it’s not too far away from your Surface Go 2 (generally, within 30 feet or 10 meters is best).
  • If the device was previously paired with your Surface Go 2, you might need to “forget” it and re-pair it. Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, click on your device, and select Remove device. Then, try pairing again.

Troubleshooting Bluetooth Drivers

Bluetooth drivers are essential software that allows your Surface Go 2 to communicate with Bluetooth hardware. Outdated or corrupted drivers are a very common cause of connectivity problems.

1. Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common problems, including Bluetooth issues.

  • Go to Settings on your Surface Go 2.
  • Click on Update & Security.
  • Select Troubleshoot from the left-hand menu.
  • Click on Additional troubleshooters.
  • Find Bluetooth in the list and click on it.
  • Click Run the troubleshooter.
  • Follow any on-screen prompts. The troubleshooter will scan for problems and offer solutions.

2. Update Your Bluetooth Driver

This is a crucial step. Keeping your drivers up-to-date ensures compatibility and fixes known bugs. You can do this through Device Manager.

  • Right-click the Start button (the Windows icon in the corner of your screen).
  • Select Device Manager from the menu.
  • In the Device Manager window, expand the Bluetooth section. You’ll see your Bluetooth adapter listed here (it might be something like “Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth(R)”).
  • Right-click on your Bluetooth adapter.
  • Select Update driver.
  • Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will search your computer and the internet for the latest available driver.
  • If a new driver is found, follow the instructions to install it.
  • If Windows says the best drivers are already installed, don’t worry. You might need to try updating manually or downloading from Microsoft.

3. Reinstall Your Bluetooth Driver

If updating doesn’t work, sometimes uninstalling and then reinstalling the driver can help. This forces Windows to install a fresh copy of the driver.

  • Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  • Expand the Bluetooth section.
  • Right-click on your Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device.
  • If prompted, check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device.” This is important for a clean reinstall.
  • Click Uninstall.
  • Once uninstalled, restart your Surface Go 2. Windows will automatically attempt to reinstall the driver upon startup.
  • If it doesn’t reinstall automatically, go back to Device Manager, click on the Action menu, and select Scan for hardware changes.
  • After the driver is reinstalled, try pairing your Bluetooth device again.

4. Download Drivers from Microsoft’s Website

For Surface devices, Microsoft often provides specific driver and firmware updates that might not be pushed through Windows Update immediately. This is a highly recommended step if the general Windows driver updates aren’t solving the problem.

  • Open a web browser and go to the official Microsoft Surface support page. You can search for “Microsoft Surface drivers” or go directly to a site like this helpful Microsoft page.
  • On the support page, you’ll need to identify your Surface model (Surface Go 2) and its serial number or use the System Image tool to download the latest package. Follow the instructions carefully.
  • Download the appropriate driver package for your Surface Go 2. Ensure you select the correct operating system version (e.g., Windows 10 or Windows 11).
  • Run the downloaded file and follow the installation prompts.
  • Restart your Surface Go 2 after the installation is complete.
  • Test your Bluetooth connection.

Checking Power Management Settings

Sometimes, Windows tries to save power by turning off components like Bluetooth when not in use. This can sometimes lead to connectivity issues if it’s too aggressive.

Preventing the computer from turning off the device:

  • Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  • Expand the Bluetooth section.
  • Right-click on your Bluetooth adapter (e.g., “Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth(R)”) and select Properties.
  • Go to the Power Management tab.
  • Uncheck the box that says “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
  • Click OK.
  • Restart your Surface Go 2 and try connecting your Bluetooth device.

Checking Other Settings and Potential Conflicts

A few other settings and situations can interfere with Bluetooth.

1. Airplane Mode

It might sound obvious, but it’s easy to accidentally enable Airplane Mode, which disables all wireless communications, including Bluetooth.

  • Click on the Network/Wi-Fi icon in the system tray (near the clock on your taskbar).
  • Look for an Airplane mode button. Make sure it’s turned off. If it’s blue or highlighted, it’s on. Click it to turn it off.
  • You can also check this in Settings > Network & internet > Airplane mode.

2. Interference from Other Devices

Bluetooth operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is also used by Wi-Fi, microwaves, and other wireless devices. Too many devices operating on the same frequency can cause interference.

  • Try moving your Surface Go 2 and Bluetooth device closer to each other, away from potential sources of
    interference like microwaves, cordless phones, or other wireless routers.
  • If you’re using a crowded Wi-Fi environment, it might be contributing to the problem.

3. Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft regularly releases updates for Windows that can include fixes for connectivity issues. It’s always a good idea to ensure your system is up-to-date.

  • Go to Settings.
  • Click on Update & Security (or Windows Update on Windows 11).
  • Click Check for updates.
  • If updates are available, download and install them. You may need to restart your Surface Go 2 afterward.

4. Bluetooth Services Running?

Bluetooth relies on specific Windows services to function correctly. Let’s make sure they are running.

  • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type services.msc and press Enter, or click OK.
  • In the Services window, scroll down and find the following services:
    • Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service
    • Bluetooth Support Service
    • Phone Service (if you use Bluetooth for phone connectivity)
    • Bluetooth User Support Service
  • For each of these services:
    • Double-click on the service.
    • Under “Startup type,” make sure it’s set to Automatic.
    • If the “Service status” is “Stopped,” click the Start button.
    • Click Apply and then OK.
  • Restart your Surface Go 2 after making these changes.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If you’ve tried everything else and your Bluetooth still isn’t working, consider these more advanced steps.

1. Reset Your Surface Go 2

This is a more drastic step, but it can resolve deep-seated software issues. You have the option to keep your files or remove everything.

  • Go to Settings.
  • Click on Update & Security (or System > Recovery on Windows 11).
  • Select Recovery.
  • Under “Reset this PC,” click Get started.
  • You’ll be given two options:
    • Keep my files: Reinstalls Windows and removes apps and settings, but keeps your personal files.
    • Remove everything: Reinstalls Windows and removes all personal files, apps, and settings. This is like a factory reset.
  • Choose the option that best suits your needs. Back up any important data before proceeding, especially if you choose “Remove everything.”
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset. After the reset, you’ll need to set up your Surface Go 2 again and reinstall your apps. Try connecting your Bluetooth device afterward.

2. Check for Hardware Issues

While less common, it’s possible your Surface Go 2’s Bluetooth hardware has a problem. This is harder for an average user to diagnose.

  • Ensure no physical damage has occurred to the tablet that might affect internal components.
  • If you’ve tried all the software solutions and your Bluetooth is still non-functional, and especially if other wireless functions (like Wi-Fi) are also affected, it might indicate a hardware issue. At this point, contacting Microsoft Support would be the next best step.

Table: Common Bluetooth Issues & Solutions Summary

Here’s a quick reference table for some of the most common Bluetooth connection problems and their fixes:

Problem Quickest Fix More In-depth Solution
Device not found/pairing fails Restart device and Surface Go 2; Ensure device is in pairing mode. Update/reinstall driver; Run troubleshooter.
Connected but not working (e.g., no sound) Toggle Bluetooth off/on; Restart devices. Check default audio output; Update drivers.
Intermittent connection/drops Move devices closer; Reduce interference. Update drivers; Check power management.
Bluetooth adapter not visible in Device Manager Restart Surface Go 2. Run troubleshooter; Download drivers from Microsoft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know if my Surface Go 2’s Bluetooth is actually turned on?

You can easily check this in your Surface Go 2’s settings. Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. You’ll see a toggle switch at the top. If it’s set to ‘On,’ Bluetooth is enabled. If it’s ‘Off,’ click it to turn it on.

Can a faulty Bluetooth device cause my Surface Go 2 to not connect?

Absolutely. If your Surface Go 2 can connect to other Bluetooth devices without an issue, but struggles with one specific device, the problem likely lies with that accessory. Try testing it with another tablet or computer to confirm. Make sure the accessory is fully charged and in pairing mode.

What if my Bluetooth adapter doesn’t show up in Device Manager?

If your Bluetooth adapter is missing from Device Manager, it could be a driver issue or, less commonly, a hardware problem. Try restarting your Surface Go 2 first. If that doesn’t help, try downloading and installing the latest drivers and firmware directly from the Microsoft Surface Support website. If it still doesn’t appear and other wireless functions are fine, it might be time to contact Microsoft support.

Is it safe to delete the Bluetooth driver software?

Yes, it is generally safe to delete the Bluetooth driver software when prompted during the uninstall process. Windows will then attempt to reinstall a default driver when you restart your Surface Go 2. This is a common troubleshooting step to clear out corrupted driver files.

How do Bluetooth drivers get updated automatically?

Windows Update often includes driver updates for various hardware components, including Bluetooth adapters. You can also configure Windows to automatically search for and install driver updates. However, for Surface devices, manually downloading driver packs from Microsoft’s support site is often the most reliable way to get the latest versions.

My Bluetooth headphones connect but have no sound. What should I do?

This is often an audio output issue. First, toggle Bluetooth off and on again. Then, check that your Bluetooth headphones are selected as the default audio output device in Windows. Click the

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