Bluetooth technology enables wireless connectivity between devices in short range, such as a keyboard, mouse, smartphone, speakers, headphones or audio earphones. However, sometimes you may experience Bluetooth functionality stops working suddenly, Bluetooth icon missing, or Bluetooth disappeared after Windows 11 update. This issue can be frustrating as you are unable to pair a new device or unable to connect Bluetooth headset to Laptop.
A few users report, Bluetooth disappeared from Device Manager and the Bluetooth device stopped working on their computer. This article explores the possible reasons why Bluetooth disappeared Windows 11 and solutions to restore the Bluetooth functionality on your PC/Laptop.
Windows 11 Bluetooth disappeared Why?
This problem is usually software related, But also be caused by a hardware malfunction. Here are a few common reasons why your Bluetooth is not working on Windows 11.
Missing or corrupt drivers are sometimes the reason for Windows 11 Bluetooth problems.
- The Bluetooth driver is outdated or corrupted that needs to be updated with the latest version.
- Bluetooth is not activated on your PC, or Airplane mode is enabled on your computer
- The service related to the Bluetooth functionality is not running on the PC
- After the Windows 11 update, certain settings or drivers may become incompatible, result Bluetooth disappeared from Device manager
- Conflicts with other software or programs installed on your Windows 11 device can also cause the Bluetooth option disappeared Windows 11.
- Again In some cases, hardware-related problems can cause Bluetooth to disappear.
And most of the time reinstall the Bluetooth driver and running the built-in troubleshooter help you automatically detect complications and restore the Bluetooth functionality on Windows 11.
Let’s first check and ensure the Airplane mode is turned off as it may effectively prevent the system from communicating with any networks or devices.
- Press the Windows key + A to access the Quick Settings
- click the airplane icon to disable Airplane mode.
Restart Windows 11 PC
Before diving into more advanced troubleshooting steps, Let’s start by restarting your Windows 11 device. Restart your PC wipe up system memory, refresh its system processes and can help fix various temporary glitches that may be affecting Bluetooth functionality.
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches and restore Bluetooth functionality.
Click on the Start menu click the power icon located at the bottom left then select the restart option.
Enable Bluetooth on Windows 11
If the Bluetooth icon is missing or the Bluetooth feature is not working in Windows 11, first make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your device.
Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled and discoverable on your Windows 11 device.
- Press the Windows key + I to open the settings
- Click on “Bluetooth & devices” from the left pane and on the right side check and ensure the Bluetooth toggle switch is turned on.
Click on “More Bluetooth options” to access additional settings. In the “Options” tab, make sure the “Allow Bluetooth devices to find this PC” option is checked.
Also, you can check and Enable Bluetooth from Quick Actions
- Press the Windows key + A to open Quick Settings, and click the Bluetooth button to turn it on.
- Bluetooth is active when the button is colored or highlighted.
Note – If the Bluetooth icon is missing from Windows 11 Quick Settings.
- Press the Windows key + A, and click on ” Edit Quick Settings.
- Then click on “ Add ” then Select ” Bluetooth ” from the list of available options,
- Finally, click ” Done ” to restore the missing Bluetooth icon in Windows 11 Quick Settings.
Restart Bluetooth Support Service
The Bluetooth Support Service is responsible for managing the Bluetooth functionality on your computer. If dut to any reason this service not running or stop responding you may experience problem with Bluetooth functionality on Windows 11.
Let’s check and restart the Bluetooth support service probably help resolve Windows 11 bluetooth disappeared issues.
This service is essential for the proper functioning of the Bluetooth on windows 11.
- Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc and click ok
- Scroll down and locate the “Bluetooth Support Service”, right-click on it and select “Restart” from the context menu.
- Wait for the service to restart, if the service not started double click on it to open its properties,
- Change the startup type automatic and start the service next to service status.
- Click apply and ok to save changes and Check if Bluetooth functionality has been restored.
Run Bluetooth troubleshooter
Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically identify and fix common issues automatically. Let’s run the Bluetooth troubleshooter that helps you analyze and fix windows 11 bluetooth disappeared issue.
- Press the “Windows” key + “I” to open the Settings app.
- Go to “System” then “Troubleshoot” and click on Other troubleshooters,
- Click Run next to Bluetooth and Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the troubleshooter to diagnose and fix Bluetooth issues.
The troubleshooter scans for problems, identifies potential errors, and provides recommendations for fixing them
Once it is completed, Close the troubleshooter and restart your PC. Now check if Bluetooth functionality has been restored.
Update or Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers
An outdated or missing Bluetooth driver can prevent the Bluetooth device from being recognized and displayed in the Device Manager. Usually, you may experience this issue after Windows 11 22H2 upgrade as the current Bluetooth driver is incompatible with the current Windows 11 version that needs to be updated or reinstalled with the latest version.
Outdated or incompatible Bluetooth drivers can cause connectivity issues or bluetooth disappeared from device manager.
Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager, look for the “Bluetooth” category. If it is missing or if you don’t see any Bluetooth devices listed, it indicates that the Bluetooth driver is not installed or is outdated.
Click on Action and select “Scan for hardware changes.” This action prompts Windows to search for any new or missing devices, including Bluetooth.
If Windows detects the Bluetooth device, it will attempt to install the appropriate driver automatically.
To update the Bluetooth Driver:
- Open Device Manager, expand the Bluetooth option
- Right click bluetooth driver and select update driver
Select “Search automatically for drivers“ and let Windows 11 look for the latest driver and install it the right way.
Reinstall Bluetooth drivers
If updating to the latest driver didn’t fix the problem uninstall the current driver from the device manager. Download the latest driver from manufacturer site and install it. Now check still Bluetooth disappeared windows 11?
Suppose Windows is unable to find the driver automatically or still Bluetooth disappeared from device manager. In that case, you may need to manually download and install the latest Bluetooth driver from your computer manufacturer’s website or the website of the Bluetooth adapter’s manufacturer.
Install Windows 11 updates
Microsoft regularly releases Windows updates with the latest bug fixes, security patches, and driver updates. Ensure the latest Windows 11 updates are installed on your device that resolve issues and improves the overall stability and performance of your Windows 11 device, including Bluetooth functionality.
- Press Windows key + I to open the settings app
- Go to windows update then hit Check for Updates button
- If pending updates there, allow them to download and install on your PC
- In addition, click on advanced options then optional updates and install if any driver updates are available there.
- Once done, reboot your PC to apply them and check if this help restores Bluetooth functionality.
Also Ensure that your device has Bluetooth capabilities and that it is enabled. Look for a physical switch or button on your device that enables or disables Bluetooth. If you’re using a desktop computer, check if you have a Bluetooth adapter connected to a USB port or built into your motherboard.
Also read:
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- 5 ways to Fix Windows 11 Stuck On Repairing Disk Errors
