If the Bluetooth option is missing, use this order to try the fastest fixes:
- Check whether Bluetooth is turned on
- In Windows 10: Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and make sure Bluetooth is on.
- Also check the taskbar Action center. If Bluetooth is hidden, select Expand and turn it on.
- Make sure Airplane mode is off
- Windows 11: select the Network, Sound, or Battery icons on the taskbar and confirm Airplane mode is off.
- Windows 10: Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode and turn it off.
- Restart Bluetooth and re-pair the device
- Windows 11: Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices. Turn Bluetooth off, wait a few seconds, then turn it on again.
- If a device was previously paired, go to Bluetooth & devices > Devices, select More options for that device, then Remove device > Yes, and pair it again.
- Windows 10: Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, turn Bluetooth off and on, then remove and add the device again.
- Check the Bluetooth device itself
- Make sure the Bluetooth accessory is turned on, charged, and close to the laptop.
- Turn the accessory off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
- If it is near a USB 3.0 device, move it farther away because unshielded USB devices can interfere with Bluetooth.
- If the Bluetooth icon is missing but Bluetooth appears in Device Manager, reinstall the adapter
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Bluetooth.
- Right-click the Bluetooth adapter name and select Uninstall device.
- Shut down the laptop.
- Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
- Windows will try to reinstall the driver.
- If it does not, open Device Manager > Action > Scan for hardware changes.
- Update the Bluetooth driver
- In Device Manager, expand Bluetooth.
- Right-click the Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
- If needed, get the latest Bluetooth driver from the laptop manufacturer.
- If using Windows 10, run the Bluetooth troubleshooter
- Start the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
If Bluetooth is completely missing from both Settings and Device Manager, first confirm the laptop model supports Bluetooth.
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