# VirtualBT

> A Windows-host Bluetooth server that simulates input devices.

Canonical page: https://pyrosoft.pro/software/virtualbt

Status: active
Platforms: Windows

VirtualBT is an early project that turns a Windows PC into a Bluetooth input device. It runs a Bluetooth Low Energy server on the PC so that phones, game consoles and other devices that accept Bluetooth peripherals can pair with it as if it were a keyboard. Today it scans for nearby devices, pairs using a security PIN, connects as a standard input peripheral and forwards keystrokes from your physical keyboard to paired devices while the app is in focus. Mouse and gamepad emulation are planned, and work had started on NXBT integration for Nintendo Switch support and Linux. It is written in C# on Microsoft's BluetoothLEExplorer and GattServicesLibrary samples and licensed under GPL-3.0. The Virtual Drivers team describes it as still very early and not fully functional, and the last code change was in October 2024.

Price: Free.

## Requirements

Bluetooth Low Energy capable hardware

## Features

- Makes a Windows PC appear as a Bluetooth LE keyboard to other devices
- Scans for nearby Bluetooth devices and pairs using a security PIN
- Forwards your keystrokes to paired devices while the app is in focus
- Discoverable switch and a list of subscribed clients
- Built on Microsoft's BluetoothLEExplorer and GattServicesLibrary
- Planned: mouse and gamepad emulation, NXBT for Nintendo Switch and Linux

## How to get it

- [Source code](<https://github.com/VirtualDrivers/VirtualBT>)

## Recorded details

- License: GPL-3.0
- Updated: 2024-10-13
- First release: Sep 19, 2024 (repository created)
- Tech: C#, Windows Bluetooth LE APIs

## Screenshots

![VirtualBT Virtual Keyboard page with a Discoverable switch and a clients list](https://pyrosoft.pro/store-assets/media/a13e603dbb-960.webp)

## Questions

### Can it act as a mouse or a game controller yet?

Not yet. Keyboard input is supported today; the README lists mouse and gamepad emulation as future enhancements and NXBT (Nintendo Switch) integration as work in progress.

### Which devices can it connect to?

The goal is any device that supports Bluetooth input peripherals, such as smartphones and game consoles. The README notes some Android devices may need a Bluetooth radio toggle after the Discoverable switch is changed.