Question:

What are the possible causes and solutions for the latency issue of Bluetooth peripherals on a Windows 10 laptop with a Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4 adapter?

I have a Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB laptop running Windows 10 Home 22H2 build 19045.3930. I use a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, but they experience a noticeable lag when I resume using them after a short period of inactivity. I suspect that the Bluetooth adapter is going into a power-saving mode, but I cannot find the option to disable it in the Device Manager. I have also tried changing the power plan to “High Performance” and disabling the power-saving feature for other devices, but the problem persists. How can I diagnose and fix this issue?

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Answer:

How to fix Bluetooth latency on Windows 10 laptops

If you use Bluetooth devices such as a mouse or a keyboard with your Windows 10 laptop, you may have encountered a frustrating issue: the devices become unresponsive or laggy after a few seconds of inactivity. This can affect your productivity and user experience, especially if you rely on these devices for your work or entertainment.

The most likely cause of this problem is that your Bluetooth adapter is entering a power-saving mode when it detects no activity from the connected devices. This is a common feature of many Bluetooth adapters, designed to conserve battery life and reduce interference. However, it also means that the adapter has to wake up and reconnect every time you want to use your devices, resulting in a noticeable delay.

Unfortunately, some Bluetooth adapters do not have an option to disable this feature in the Device Manager, as you may have noticed. This is the case for the Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4 adapter, which is used by many Lenovo laptops, including the Yoga 920-13IKB model. This adapter does not have a “Power Management” tab in its properties, where you would normally find the option to “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”.

So, how can you fix this issue and enjoy a smooth and seamless Bluetooth experience? There are a few possible solutions that you can try, depending on your preferences and technical skills. Here are some of them:

One way to disable the power-saving mode of your Bluetooth adapter is to edit the registry settings of your system. This is a more advanced method that requires caution and backup, as making a mistake in the registry can cause serious problems for your computer. If you are not comfortable with this method, you can skip to the next solution.

To change the Bluetooth power settings in the registry, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “regedit” and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.

2. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB\VID_0CF3&PID_E300&MI_01\7&1a9e5b9a&0&0001\Device Parameters

3. In the right pane, double-click on the value named “DeviceSelectiveSuspended”. Change its data from 1 to 0 and click OK.

4. Repeat the same step for the value named “SelectiveSuspendEnabled”.

5. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

This should disable the power-saving mode of your Bluetooth adapter and prevent it from going to sleep when idle. You should notice an improvement in the responsiveness of your Bluetooth devices.

Solution 2: Update the Bluetooth driver

Another possible solution is to update the Bluetooth driver of your adapter. Sometimes, the driver may be outdated or incompatible with the latest version of Windows 10, causing performance issues and glitches. Updating the driver can fix these problems and improve the stability and functionality of your Bluetooth adapter.

To update the Bluetooth driver, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the menu.

2. Expand the Bluetooth category and right-click on your Bluetooth adapter. Select Update driver from the menu.

3. Choose the option to “Search automatically for updated driver software” and wait for the process to complete.

4. If a newer driver is found and installed, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

If no newer driver is found or the issue persists, you can try to manually download and install the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website. For the Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4 adapter, you can find the driver here: https://www.ath-drivers.eu/download-driver-nr-362-for-atheros-chipset-QCA61x4-and-Windows10.html

Solution 3: Replace the Bluetooth adapter

If none of the above solutions work for you, or you are looking for a more permanent and reliable solution, you may want to consider replacing your Bluetooth adapter with a different one. This may require some technical skills and tools, as you will have to open your laptop and remove the old adapter. You will also have to make sure that the new adapter is compatible with your laptop model and operating system.

One possible replacement option is the Intel Wireless-AC 9260 adapter, which is known to have better Bluetooth performance and compatibility than the Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4 adapter. You can find the adapter here: https://www.amazon.com/Intel-Wireless-AC-9260-2230-Gigabit/dp/B079QH5KW1

To replace the Bluetooth adapter, follow these steps:

1. Turn off your laptop and disconnect it from the power source. Remove any external devices and peripherals connected to your laptop.

2. Flip your laptop over and remove the screws that secure the bottom cover. Carefully lift the cover and set it aside.

3. Locate the Bluetooth adapter on the motherboard. It should be a small card with two wires attached to it. Disconnect the wires and remove the screw that holds the card in place. Pull out the card and set it aside.

4. Insert the new Bluetooth adapter in the same slot and secure it with the screw. Reconnect the wires to the card.

5. Replace the bottom cover and the screws. Turn on your laptop and install the driver for the new Bluetooth adapter from the manufacturer’s website or the CD that came with it.

6. Pair your Bluetooth devices with your laptop and enjoy a lag-free Bluetooth experience.

Conclusion

Bluetooth latency is a common and annoying issue that can affect your user experience and productivity. However, there are several possible solutions that you can try to fix this issue and improve the performance of your Bluetooth adapter and devices. Depending on your preferences and skills, you can choose to edit the registry settings, update the driver, or replace the adapter with a better one. We hope that this article has helped you find the best solution for your Bluetooth latency issue. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below.

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