Fix Bluetooth disappeared in Windows

Summary

If the Bluetooth icon or toggle is missing or grayed out in Settings or Quick settings, your PC’s Bluetooth hardware may have encountered an error. If this happens, you won’t be able to turn Bluetooth on or off, and Bluetooth devices such as keyboards, mice, and headphones will not be able to connect to your PC.

Try the following troubleshooting solutions to resolve the issue:

Solution 1: Power your PC off and then back on

1. Hold the Shift key on your keyboard.
2. While holding Shift, select Start > Power > Shut down .
3. Once your PC turns off, wait for 1 minute.
4. Turn your PC back on, and check to see if Bluetooth functionality has been restored.

Solution 2: Install the latest Bluetooth drivers

Check for updated drivers:

1. Right-click Start  > Device Manager.
2. In the Device Manager window, select Bluetooth, and then locate your Bluetooth adapter (its name may include the word "Bluetooth" or "Radio").
3. Press and hold (or right-click) the Bluetooth adapter, and then select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
4. Follow on-screen instructions to install any available updates, then select Close.
5. If prompted, restart your PC. After the restart, check whether Bluetooth functionality has been restored.

Solution 3: Install optional firmware updates from your PC manufacturer

Some Bluetooth issues can be caused by firmware problems. Your PC manufacturer may provide optional BIOS or UEFI updates that improve hardware stability and help the system recover from unresponsive Bluetooth devices.

1. Select Start  > Settings > Windows Update.
2. Select Advanced options > Optional updates.
3. If there are any optional updates available for your PC, check the box and select Download & install.
4. After the installation is complete, select Restart now.
5. Once Windows has restarted, check whether Bluetooth functionality has been restored.

Solution 4: Verify Airplane Mode is Off

Airplane mode can disable Bluetooth. Ensure it is turned off.

1. Press Windows + A to open quick settings.
2. Make sure Airplane mode is turned off. 

Solution 5: Run the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter

If you are using a Windows 11 device, start by running the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix this Bluetooth problem.

The Bluetooth icon or toggle may be missing or appear grayed out in Settings or Action Center if Windows cannot detect or enable the Bluetooth hardware. When this happens, Bluetooth options may not appear, or you may not be able to turn Bluetooth on or off. This issue can occur for several reasons, including incorrect Bluetooth settings, outdated or incompatible drivers, stopped system services, hardware malfunctions, or problems by recent Windows updates.
 

Try the following troubleshooting solutions to resolve the issue.
 

Solution 1: Run the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter

If you are using a Windows 10 device, start by running the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix this Bluetooth problem.

Solution 2: Install the latest Bluetooth drivers

If you recently upgraded to Windows 10 or installed updates, your current Bluetooth driver may not be compatible. Check for updated drivers.

1. Select Start, type Device Manager, and select it from the results.
2. In Device Manager, select Bluetooth, and then select the Bluetooth adapter name, which may include the word “radio.”
3. Press and hold (or right-click) the Bluetooth adapter, and then select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software. Follow the steps, then select Close.
4. If you're prompted to restart after installing the driver, select Restart.

Solution 3: Verify Airplane Mode is Off

Airplane mode disables Bluetooth. Ensure it is turned off.

1. Press Windows + A to open quick settings.
2. Make sure Airplane mode is turned off.

Solution 4: Check for Windows Updates

Some Bluetooth drivers are delivered via Windows Update. 

1. Select Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates. Let it download and install any available updates.

Solution 5: Restart your PC

Restarting helps resolve temporary system issues affecting Bluetooth.

• Select Start > Power > Restart.