Unable to add bluetooth device to Lenovo T440 laptop running Windows 8.1

Question

I recently got a new laptop at work that I want to pair with my Galaxy S5 via bluetooth. The laptop has bluetooth turned on (PC Settings -> PC and devices -> Bluetooth: On). The laptop is also set to 'discoverable'. The phone is also set to 'discoverable' and sees the laptop. When I submit a pairing request from the phone, the phone displays the key but the laptop doesn't detect any incoming request.

When I go on PC Settings -> PC and devices -> Devices, the laptop does not show the phone as device. The button "Add a device" doesn't do anything as in "the laptop doesn't scan or open a window or provide any sort of results".

Lastly, when I navigate to Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Devices and Printers and click on "Add a device" a blank window briefly opens and immediately closes. I would expect that window to contain the set-up wizard. The window has neither title text nor any other contents. There is no error message.

Anyone have any idea how to get this fixed? I'm out of ideas :( It's not the phone as my girlfriend's phone results in the same situation.

Any help is MUCH appreciated! I've spent days trying to figure this out...

Solution

Turns out the answer is very simple (according to our IT guy). Start -> Services -> Device Association Service -> Enable (automatic)

Magic is done.

Comments

[davidbaumann]

Try to reinstall your bluetooth drivers. Get the latest drivers from the vendor (this is NOT lenovo).

[Jan K.]

Thank you for your response. The vendor is Intel. I had tried that twice already, I missed putting that in the text. :(