Question:

“What strategies can be employed to ensure that Bluetooth peripherals, such as a mouse and keyboard, remain responsive and do not enter a low-power state when not actively in use? Specifically, this pertains to a system running Windows 10 Home 22H2 on a Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB laptop with a Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4 Bluetooth adapter. Despite attempts to modify power settings in the Device Manager and switching to a ‘High Performance’ power plan, a noticeable lag persists after a brief period of inactivity. What additional measures could be taken to address this latency issue?”

Answer:

Bluetooth peripherals are essential for a seamless and wireless work environment. However, users may experience a delay when devices like mice and keyboards wake from an idle state. This latency can disrupt workflow and productivity. The issue becomes more pronounced when standard troubleshooting steps, such as adjusting power settings, fail to resolve the problem.

Bluetooth devices are designed to conserve energy, and one way they do this is by entering a low-power state when inactive. While this feature extends battery life, it can also cause a delay when the device is reactivated. In the case of the Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB running Windows 10 Home 22H2, the Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4 Bluetooth adapter should ideally maintain a connection without noticeable lag.

Potential Solutions

Here are some strategies that might help mitigate the latency issue:

1.

Update Device Drivers:

Ensure that the Bluetooth adapter has the latest drivers installed. Manufacturers often release updates that improve performance and fix known issues.

2.

Adjust Bluetooth Settings:

Dive into the advanced settings of the Bluetooth adapter through the Control Panel. Look for options related to power saving or latency and adjust accordingly.

3.

Registry Tweaks:

Some users have found success by modifying specific registry entries that control Bluetooth power management. Caution is advised, as incorrect changes can affect system stability.

4.

Disable USB Selective Suspend:

This setting can sometimes cause delays in peripheral responsiveness. Disabling it via the Power Options may help maintain a constant connection.

5.

Check for Interference:

Other wireless devices can interfere with Bluetooth signals. Ensure that the laptop is away from strong Wi-Fi signals, microwaves, or other Bluetooth devices.

6.

Consider Hardware Limitations:

If the issue persists, it may be a limitation of the hardware. In such cases, an external USB Bluetooth dongle with better performance characteristics could be a solution.

Conclusion

While the ‘High Performance’ power plan and Device Manager adjustments are a good start, they may not always address the underlying issue. By exploring the above strategies, users can potentially reduce or eliminate the latency experienced with Bluetooth peripherals. Remember, any system-level changes should be approached with caution and, if possible, under the guidance of an IT professional.