Windows 10: [Solved] Hundreds of duplicate entries under "Bluetooth & other devices"

This relates to the issue of seeing potentially hundreds of entries for the same device under the "Bluetooth & other devices" settings page as reported in other threads:https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/bluetooth-device-seems-to-be-duplicating-itself/2fcdbccc-876e-4396-be06-68079f7d929ahttps://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-do-i-stop-a-bluetooth-device-from-duplicating/f200c9e7-1b00-44c0-92aa-d30085fc9963There was also another, related question asking about mass deleting devices from Device Manager:https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all

:)

 

How do I stop a Bluetooth device from duplicating itself

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

If you're experiencing an issue with a Bluetooth device duplicating itself multiple times in the Bluetooth settings and causing performance problems, here are some additional troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Remove and Re-pair the Bluetooth Device: Go to the Bluetooth settings, locate each of the duplicate entries for the smart TV, and remove them one by one. Then, re-pair the Bluetooth device as if it were a new connection. This might help refresh the connection and resolve any underlying issues.
   
2. Update Bluetooth Drivers: Outdated or corrupted Bluetooth drivers can cause various issues. Visit the manufacturer's website or use Windows Update to check for the latest Bluetooth driver updates. Install any available updates and see if it resolves the duplication problem.
   
3. Clear Bluetooth Cache: Sometimes, clearing the Bluetooth cache can help resolve issues. To do this, follow these steps:
   
   • Press "Win + R," type "services.msc" and press Enter.
     
   • In the Services window, locate "Bluetooth Support Service."
     
   • Right-click on it, select "Stop," and then right-click again and choose "Start."
     
   • Close the Services window.
     
4. Check for Firmware Updates: Some Bluetooth devices may have firmware updates available from the manufacturer. Check the manufacturer's website or product documentation to see if any updates are available for your specific device.
   
5. Remove Unused COM Ports: Sometimes, duplicate Bluetooth entries can be caused by unused virtual COM ports. To remove them, follow these steps:
   
   • Right-click on the Start button and select "Device Manager."
     
   • In Device Manager, click on "View" in the menu and choose "Show hidden devices."
     
   • Expand the "Ports (COM & LPT)" section.
     
   • Right-click and uninstall any grayed-out or unused COM ports associated with the Bluetooth device.
     
   • Restart your computer.
     

Please feel free to let me know if you have any further updates, thanks.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Hi, I have some duplicate entries for bluetooth devices in Settings, can't remove the redundant ones.

hi John,

Thanks for your assistance. No change after trying your suggestion, however after stepping down the fixes on the link you provided '...geekpages..' I was able to successfully use Fix 3 on one of the entries, then return to Bluetooth & other Devices, to delete the other errant entry for the Arc Bluetooth Mouse.

Thanks heaps for your time and effort to respond. Funny how the culprit was a uSoft device.

Bruce

 

Duplicate entries in registry

I have found hundreds of duplicate entries in Windows 10 registry, is there a way to remove them simply?
Just a few: