Working with Windows 10 here. This is the method I used:
DRIVER INSTALLATION
0) do not plug it in yet
1) go to Asus USB-BT400 website to download latest drivers (updated 04/20/2016) -- do this because you cannot vouch for the date/version of those on the disc.
2) click on 'Support'
3) click on 'Driver & Tools'
4) choose your Operating System and download the zip by clicking on 'Global' (~18 MB)
5) unzip the file (now ~45 MB unzipped) and open the folder until you see 2 folders -- 'Drivers' and 'Installer'
6) open the 'Installer' folder and click on 'Setup' application (not the config file of same name)
7) after successful install, reboot
8) plug it in (protrudes 9mm as pictured).
9) At this point Windows gave me several discouraging messages (below) but hang in there:
-- "The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it." [popup window]
-- "USB device not recognized - The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it." [Action Center message]
It gave these messages presumably because it was trying to automatically install drivers despite my already supplying them.
10) I decided to unplug all non-essential USB's (all but keyboard and mouse), and move the Asus USB-BT400 to a new USB port (passthrough USB on Corsair Strafe keyboard), and then it just worked, presumably because Windows now considers it to be an old device, not new.
BLUETOOTH PAIRING
1) Go to Settings --> Devices --> Bluetooth and turn it on, if it isn't on already
2) Pair with your device. Instructions here are going to vary slightly based on the device you are using. I paired to a Microsoft Lumia 640 and Creative SoundBlaster Jam headphones without complication.
AUDIO
If you are successfully paired to headphones but still cannot hear anything, try these things:
1) Right click on the volume icon on your taskbar, select 'Playback Devices', and make sure your headphones are selected as the default device by right-clicking and selecting 'Set As Default Device'
2) If that is done and still no audio, try closing the program/game you are in and reopening it, or switching the in-game audio to something else and then back to headphones -- both have worked for me.
RANGE
Using Bluetooth headphones I was able to hear up to ~25 feet (15 paces) from the transmitter.
REBATE
At the time of this review there is a $5 rebate on the device (38% off) until the end of 01/2017.
Okay ... to start off it was NOT DETECTING my bluetooth devices at first when I clicked "Add a Device"
After some google search I found that the reason could be that the bluetooth service is stopped/disabled in my Windows services.
Turns out that was the reason. Enabled it and started. Working perfectly fine now.
Here are the steps:
Go to Windows Services (Start -> Run -> services.msc -> OK)
There were two services there "Bluetooth Service" and "Bluetooth Support Service"
Bluetooth Support Service was disabled. I enabled it and started it.
Voila ... my bluetooth devices started to get detected.
It's been miss or miss for me with Bluetooth adapter-dongles, where they pretty much fail to work at all - or at least for what I need them to do. For a long time I had no need for them, as all my machines and peripherals and doo-dads were Bluetooth capable on their own, which was a very convenient "fix" for the dongles not working so well. However, when my *new* work PC ended up having no onboard Bluetooth for my BT Bose headphones, I decided to test the waters again one last time.
I searched and searched to find one from a familiar name brand, which with little peripherals like this, is kind of a pain in the patootie. Google or Amazon search for "bluetooth dongle" "adapter" or the like and you will get a million and one rando-brand options for $5-15. After some deliberate searching I came across this one. I know ASUS. Not like every ASUS product has worked like a dream, or the brand is free of lemons (I've exchanged a couple GPUs over the years and had a bad MOBO) but I *knew* the name, unlike all the other random "brands" at the top of the search pile. So, essentially, I was a bit wary (due to BT adapter unluckiness) but optimistic (due to brand familiarity).
This guy arrived in the mail, I plugged it into the USB slot, dropped in the driver disc, and within a couple minutes (5 tops?) I was able to connect my Bose headphones to my computer. Yay!
Why do I like this adapter compared to the others?
1. It was a good deal-- not only because it was cheap, but because it worked!
2. It was pretty much plug and play.
3. Unlike a lot of other generic, import brand dongle things-- the directions were clear. There was no head-scratching, boggling, or Googling trying to find the driver for the whackadoo no-name brand online since the one supplied with the item didn't work.
4. THANK YOU, ASUS!
Bottom line: It worked for me where these buggers never have before. All the directions are clear. I imagine if there was a problem with it you might have an easier time troubleshooting and/or getting tech support because the product is an ASUS as opposed to some other random company. If you've been burned before, give this one a try.
If you have old PC, notebook, or netbook, and does not have Bluetooth capability, then next best thing is getting an USB Bluetooth adapter. And ASUS is a trusted brand that generally produces quality products. This USB Adapter with Bluetooth is no exception:
1. If you have upgraded your OS to Windows 10, then you DO NOT need to install separate driver for this. Windows 10 will automatically recognize the adapter and you will soon see Bluetooth symbol in your System Tray.
2. If you have older OS (Win 7, Win 8, 8.1) then you need to install a driver from CD (included) or from ASUS website. Follow the instruction, then you will be good to go.
3. My old netbook (eee PC 1000HA, 120gb SSD, 2gb RAM, and Win 10) quickly recognized the adapter, and I was able to connect: Bluetooth mouse, Bluetooth speaker, and Bluetooth headset). They work flawlessly.
If you need Bluetooth connection for your old computers, then consider using ASUS Bluetooth USB adapter. It is definitely worth the money. Highly recommended!!
I almost gave up on this product and returned it after so many attempts of installing and deinstalling. The bluetooth(s) that I had from Motorola gets configured with/ without sound, but always deconfigured itself on screen sleep or device on/off modes. I had to always remove the device and reinstall it , as it quits installing the second time when already defined once.
Knowing my nature , I don’t give up that easy once I believe in a product such as ASUS, I decided to read the reviews as last bullet to see what other people said. Sure enough I discovered that the driver packaged with the product was old. I displayed the CD files, they’re really old.
I trusted the software coming with a newly purchased product. But, It caused me a lot of pain and lots of wasted hours of troubleshooting and reading articles.
I finally downloaded the newer driver of 2016, as suggested by one of the reviewers named Koehler, from their web site. You’re excellent man with your step by step instructions.
I Installed it and followed his directions. It worked like a charm from the first time, as I originally expected. Glad I didn’t return it.
Lesson learned:
1- I had previously opened a trouble report case with ASUS: I got ZERO help from their first level team. The representative said we will call you back, but never did ! Unlike ASUS support which is usually great!
2- As for Amazon’s Quality control team, when comes to software/hardware/firmware, they should be much tougher than that on their vendors to make sure their packaging is up to date, or at least include readme note to make the user is aware of the newer driver, rather than having the customer go thru this tedious process of fighting a product that doesn’t work.
Feature Product
- Bluetooth 4.0 USB Adapter
- USB 2.0, Up to 3Mbps and Over 10 meters in free space
- Frequency Band: 2.4~2.4835GHz unlicensed ISM band
- OS Support: Windows 8 , 32bit/64bit / Windows 7 , 32bit/64bit / Windows XP , 32bit/64bit
Description
ASUS USB-BT400 USB adapter w/ Bluetooth dongle Receiver, laptop & PC support, Windows 10 Plug and play /8/7/XP, printers, phones, headsets, Speakers, keyboards, controllers
A Little skeptical at first but my machine is running Windows 10. Plugged in USB and disc. Installed drivers. Connected My Bose QC35 Headphones and Wala! Computer Has Bluetooth now. Even works with Apple AirPods which is cool and one less wire on my desk. Sound Quality is really good, I cant even tell a difference wired or Wireless. Audiophile Proof. Overall Great Product and Price
Edit: So i tried out both the Asus bluetooth Dongle and the Plugable one and the Asus one is a lot better by far. The Plugable one the signal goes in and out and the range is not as far as the Asus one. Asus Wins!
So, I have never opened up a package, use the product, and immediately log on to review a product, but I will for this one! So I have a PC running Win 10 and I wanted something to be able to connect my Bose QC 35 Headphones. This product does an amazing and fast job and it's so great being able to use these headphones with this PC.
Some tips for those with the same headphones, make sure that the drivers are updated and that you then go to your Bluetooth settings and search for your device. Works like a charm, and with great distance as I was watching a movie I didn't pause to get some snacks in the kitchen (15ft away) and it was loud and clear!
Just what I needed.
I purchased this adapter for use with my desktop pc.
I now can use bluetooth headphones and earbuds without worrying about entangled cables/wires.
I also purchased one to keep in my go bag - Never know when it will come in handy on the go!
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If when connecting a Bluetooth Device for the first time and get poor quality sound (Static or muffled sound), you may have to adjust the settings in properties. I had this issue with my LG Tone Pro wireless headphones.
Simply go to: Control Panel > All Control Panel Items > Devices and Printers
Right-click your Bluetooth Device, and choose properties.
Go to the "Services" tab and uncheck "Handsfree Telephony"
This fixed the quality issue for me and now my headphones work flawlessly.
When I first installed the ASUS blue tooth adapter in my single spare USB 2.0 slot it was obvious it did not like to be next to my Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse dongle. Chatter and static something fierce. I move the Logitech dongle to the front of my HP Z200 workstation which cured this issue but left me not being able to close the computer cabinet door as the workstation is much larger than a normal desktop computer. After the move the chatter stopped but I was only able to get about 15 feet away before the audio would breakup. I decided to return the ASUS device and get a PCIe network/Bluetooth card but that was a nightmare as they all require connection to a USB 2.0 header on the motherboard and all mine were used. As a last straw I had a 30 inch or so USB extender cable and installed the ASUS dongle on top of my desk. What a difference. Now I can go 30 feet away in another room and have a strong audio connection. My suggestion for all of the users who have mentioned the distance issue to get a simple USB extender cable and put the ASUS dongle out in the open instead of on the back of the computer. Worked for me and I canceled the return.
Windows 10 / Bose QC35 II
Did not have onboard Bluetooth so after spending some time in the magical kingdom of Amazon I landed on this thing. Got it from a courier pigeon, punched it out of the box, landed perfectly in a powered usb slot, nailed it. Thinking-box immediately recognized it, asked me if I wanted to connect my Bose, totally, boom....instant sound. Can hear all the YouTube ads perfectly now.
10 out of 10. Would buy three more for no reason.
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