If Bluetooth is missing from both Device Manager and the notification area, use this Windows troubleshooting path:
- Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter.
- Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Bluetooth > Run.
- Windows 10: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Bluetooth > Run the troubleshooter.
- Check Device Manager for the adapter and update the driver.
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Bluetooth.
- Right-click the Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Restart if prompted.
- If Bluetooth appears in Device Manager but the icon is still missing, uninstall and reinstall the adapter.
- In Device Manager, expand Bluetooth.
- Right-click the Bluetooth adapter name and select Uninstall device.
- Shut down the PC.
- Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
- Windows will try to reinstall the driver automatically.
- If it does not, open Device Manager and select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
- If Windows cannot find a newer driver, install the latest Bluetooth driver from the PC manufacturer.
- Download the latest Bluetooth driver from the manufacturer website.
- If it is an .exe, run it.
- If it is a manual driver package, in Device Manager select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers, choose the folder, and complete the installation.
- If Bluetooth still does not appear in Device Manager, check Other devices in Device Manager for unknown hardware and then install the correct Bluetooth driver from the PC manufacturer.
An outdated or incompatible driver is one of the most common causes of Bluetooth connection problems.