Bluetooth technology is constantly evolving, with newer versions offering significantly better range, faster data transfer speeds, and lower power consumption. If you are planning to purchase a new pair of high-end wireless headphones or a smart home device that requires a specific Bluetooth standard (such as Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.2), you need to know what version your Windows 11 PC actually supports.
Unlike processor speed or RAM, Windows 11 does not prominently display your Bluetooth version in the main Settings app. Instead, you have to dig into the Device Manager and decipher a specific hardware code known as the LMP (Link Manager Protocol) version.
How to Find Your Bluetooth LMP Version
To determine your Bluetooth version, you first need to locate the LMP number associated with your computer’s Bluetooth adapter.
- Right-click the Start button on your Windows 11 taskbar and select Device Manager from the power user menu.
- In the Device Manager window, locate the Bluetooth category and click the small arrow next to it to expand the list.
- Look for your primary Bluetooth adapter. It is usually named something like “Intel Wireless Bluetooth,” “Realtek Bluetooth Adapter,” or “Generic Bluetooth Adapter.” Do not select individual devices like your mouse or headphones.
- Right-click the Bluetooth adapter and select Properties.
- Click on the Advanced tab at the top of the Properties window.
- Look for the Firmware Version line. You will see a number that starts with LMP, followed by a number (for example, LMP 11.xxxx).
How to Translate the LMP Number to a Bluetooth Version
The LMP number directly corresponds to the official Bluetooth specification supported by your hardware. Use the following conversion list to determine your exact Bluetooth version based on the first number after “LMP”:
- LMP 12: Bluetooth 5.3
- LMP 11: Bluetooth 5.2
- LMP 10: Bluetooth 5.1
- LMP 9: Bluetooth 5.0
- LMP 8: Bluetooth 4.2
- LMP 7: Bluetooth 4.1
- LMP 6: Bluetooth 4.0
- LMP 5: Bluetooth 3.0 + HS
For example, if your Device Manager shows LMP 11, your Windows 11 PC supports Bluetooth 5.2. This means you can comfortably purchase and utilize devices that require Bluetooth 5.2 or lower. Remember that Bluetooth is fully backwards compatible, so a Bluetooth 5.2 PC will work perfectly with a Bluetooth 4.0 mouse, though it will operate at the older standard’s limitations.