Windows 10: Bluetooth range is WAY down yet nothing has changed

I have windows 10 and a bluetooth dongle in a USB port on the top of my PC, the range used to allow me to go into my kitchen, into my bathroom, half way into my living room before the signal would break up. Recently, if I go only a few steps outside of the room with the computer in it the signal breaks up, and it is making me INSANE. I have a few different bluetooth headsets... it's not the headphones themselves... both are disconnecting within the same distance that is shorter than months ago. I've read online -- reset the dongle, the bluetooth itself in windows, the device's connection... I'

:)

 

Same Bluetooth Dongle - Different OS - Different Range

Background:

My laptop has undergone a serious upgrading and turned into a project for me - part of this upgrade was to

1. Take the optical drive bay out, install a second HDD and make it a hackintosh
   
2. Install a Bluetooth dongle inside the shell and increase it's range so I can stream Bluetooth audio to a speaker from a reasonable distance.
   I managed to hackintosh successfully and today I had the chance to upgrade the inner Bluetooth system, with the intent to extend it's range (you can read more into it here).
   

Testing the outcome of my upgrade yielded something interesting. I have a Bluetooth speaker that sits in the kitchen to play audio from, and whilst testing the range in Windows 10, I found that I have to basically sit no longer than 1m away from the receiver for the audio not to be choppy (no improvement). However, it got interesting upon booting into El Capitan and discovering that I could sit a proper 6m away and the audio to be crystal clear(!)

Question:

Could someone please tell me why I am able to get a much greater range out of my Bluetooth dongle in El Capitan compared to Windows 10. Same dongle, same computer - different operating systems. Would it have to something with the default drivers? Or something to do with the communication between devices and packets?

Cheers guys.

 

Bluetooth Technology Gets Faster With Bluetooth 3.0

From its annual All Hands Meeting in Tokyo this week, the Bluetooth SIG formally adopted Bluetooth Core Specification Version 3.0 + High Speed (HS), or Bluetooth 3.0. This latest iteration of the popular short-range wireless technology fulfills the consumers' need for speed while providing the same wireless Bluetooth experience – faster. Manufacturers of consumer electronics and home entertainment devices can now build their products to send large amounts of video, music and photos between devices wirelessly at speeds consumers expect.
Bluetooth 3.0 gets its speed from the 802.11 radio protocol. The inclusion of the 802.11 Protocol Adaptation Layer (PAL) provides increased throughput of data transfers at the approximate rate of 24 Mbps. In addition, mobile devices including Bluetooth 3.0 + HS will realize increased power savings due to enhanced power control built in.


"Like Ricky Bobby in Talladega Nights, this latest version was 'born to go fast,' said Mike's Blog, Ph.D., executive director of the Bluetooth SIG. "Utilizing the 802.11 radio was a natural choice as it provides efficiencies for both our members and consumers – members get more function out of the two radios they are already including in devices, and consumers with Bluetooth 3.0 + HS products will get faster exchange of information without changing how they connect. We are excited to expand the possibilities of the PAN."

This newest version of Bluetooth technology builds on the inherent qualities of the current 2.1 + EDR version, including Simple Secure Pairing and built-in, automatic security. And as with all versions of theBluetooth specification, v3.0 + HS provides developers, manufacturers and consumers with the benefit of backwards compatibility, enabling both the expansion and enhancement of this technology with every new specification release. Once products reach the market, the easiest way for consumers to learn which devices are compatible with other Bluetooth enabled devices is to visit the Bluetooth Gadget Guide.

Applications
With the availability of Bluetooth version 3.0 + HS, consumers can expect to move large data files of videos, music and photos between their own devices and the trusted devices of others, without the need for cables and wires. Some applications consumers will experience include:

• Wirelessly bulk synchronize music libraries between PC and music player or phone
• Bulk download photos to a printer or PC
• Send video files from camera or phone to computer or television

Availability

The Bluetooth SIG's formal adoption of the specification is only the first step in the product lifecycle. News out today from wireless chip manufacturers and Bluetooth SIG member companies Atheros, Broadcom and CSR shows the second step – getting silicon solutions to device manufacturers – is already underway. End products for consumers are expected to be in the market in 9 to 12 months.

Technical Specifications
This new specification release includes several major enhancements (learn more here - page requires member login):

• Generic Alternate MAC/PHY (AMP)
• 802.11 Protocol Adaptation Layer (PAL)
• Generic Test Methodology
• Enhanced Power Control
• Unicast Connectionless Data

Source: Engadget

 

Good surround sound headset

I know you say you're not that guy, but stepping into the $250+ range really brings a change in build quality that might have you never having to buy another set. Otherwise, getting 6 speakers with decent sound in a headset is hard, and that's what you are asking for, and I have no suggestions, but just a bump up the list. *Stick Out Tongue