Why can't I use my Bluetooth Headset with my laptop?

The MS-supplied Bluetooth drivers don't support HSP/A2DP as a soundcard. Use the drivers that came with your dongle/device.

If your laptop manufacturer doesn't list any drivers, do this:

  1. Open device manager
  2. Open the properties for "generic bluetooth radio"
  3. Copy the "Hardware ID" into Google and do a search (but don't download anything yet!)
  4. This should tell you what the device is called, e.g. "Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth Module"
  5. Unless you're already on a reputable site, do a second Google search for the device's name, e.g. "Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth Module driver download"
  6. Download and install the driver from a reputable site (e.g. Dell)
  7. After it's installed, go open the device you already paired and you should see better options

I had a similar problem with a pair of MPOW T5 wireless earbuds. After the drivers installed for mine I still had a "Bluetooth Peripheral Device" as an unknown device with missing driver. I followed the steps on this answer to resolve that.

After that, Windows showed my Bluetooth headset listed on the playback devices and recording devices tabs, but it still wouldn't connect to them. Starting from the System Tray, I had to open Bluetooth devices, open Services and enable the device for use as headphones and mic (see screenshot)

enable Bluetooth device services in Windows 7