Bluetooth not showing up on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially if you rely on it for wireless connections. If Bluetooth is missing from Device Manager or the Settings menu, this guide will walk you through the best troubleshooting steps to restore it.
1. Check If Your PC Supports Bluetooth
Before troubleshooting, ensure that your PC has built-in Bluetooth or an external Bluetooth adapter.
- Open Device Manager (Press
Win + Xand select Device Manager) - Look for Bluetooth under the list of devices
- If missing, expand Network Adapters or Other Devices to check for unknown Bluetooth devices
If Bluetooth is entirely missing, proceed to the next steps.
2. Enable Bluetooth in BIOS/UEFI
Sometimes, Bluetooth can be disabled in the BIOS settings.
- Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing
F2,F10, orDELduring boot) - Locate Wireless Settings or Advanced Settings
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled
- Save and exit
3. Check Bluetooth Services
If Bluetooth services are disabled, Windows won’t detect the adapter.
- Press
Win + R, typeservices.msc, and press Enter - Locate Bluetooth Support Service
- Right-click and select Start (or Restart if it’s running)
- Set its Startup type to Automatic in Properties
4. Show Hidden Devices in Device Manager
Sometimes, Bluetooth might be hidden in Device Manager.
- Open Device Manager (
Win + X> Device Manager) - Click View > Show hidden devices
- Expand Bluetooth or Unknown Devices to see if the adapter appears
- If found, right-click and choose Enable device
5. Update or Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers
If Bluetooth is missing due to a driver issue, updating or reinstalling the driver can help.
- Update Driver:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Bluetooth (if available)
- Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver
- Choose Search automatically for drivers
- Reinstall Driver:
- In Device Manager, right-click the Bluetooth adapter and choose Uninstall device
- Restart your PC, and Windows should automatically reinstall the driver
6. Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter
Windows 11 includes a troubleshooter to fix Bluetooth issues.
- Open Settings (
Win + I) - Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
- Click Run next to Bluetooth
- Follow the on-screen instructions
7. Check for Windows Updates
A missing Bluetooth device might be due to outdated system files.
- Open Settings
- Navigate to Windows Update
- Click Check for updates and install any pending updates
8. Install Bluetooth Driver from Manufacturer’s Website
If Windows can’t find a suitable driver, manually download it from the manufacturer’s website.
- Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website
- Search for your model and download the latest Bluetooth driver
- Install and restart your PC
9. Perform a Network Reset
A network reset can resolve Bluetooth-related conflicts.
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings
- Click Network reset and select Reset now
- Restart your PC after the process completes
10. Use an External Bluetooth Adapter
If your built-in Bluetooth is permanently missing or damaged, consider using a USB Bluetooth adapter as an alternative.
You can also check below story of jake, how he came to know that his bluetooth is disabled.
One evening, Jake sat at his desk, frustrated that his wireless headphones would not connect to his laptop. He searched through settings but found nothing. Then, he noticed a small Bluetooth symbol on his keyboard. Curious, he recalled a tip he once read—press the Function (Fn) key along with the Bluetooth button. He gave it a try, and within seconds, his headphones connected. A smile spread across his face as his favorite song played. Sometimes, the smallest details hold the biggest solutions.
Conclusion
If Bluetooth is missing on Windows 11, following these troubleshooting steps should help restore it. If the issue persists, consider checking for hardware faults or contacting Microsoft Support for further assistance.
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