This is one of the issues that leave users perplexed. While they had it running until some time ago, it suddenly disappeared and users cannot connect any of their previously connected devices to the computer. In the following sections, we will take up this particular issue in detail, listing its causes, and walk you through the most effective fixes if Bluetooth disappeared in Device Manager in Windows 11.

Why is Bluetooth missing in Device Manager in Windows 11?

The very first thing you have to identify is whether your computer has a built-in Bluetooth feature or if it was an external adapter that you had been using. If it’s the latter, make sure it’s properly plugged in, and the USB port works fine. Other than that, it could also be conflicting applications, issues with the driver, misconfigured settings, among other issues. But, most of them are easily fixable, given you quickly identify the underlying cause. If you cannot pinpoint a particular issue, execute the methods listed here to fix the Bluetooth missing in Device Manager in Windows 11 error.

How do I fix Bluetooth that is missing in Device Manager in Windows 11?

1. Perform some basic checks

As stated earlier, if you are using an external Bluetooth adapter, unplug it and then reconnect it to another USB port on the compuer, since there’s a chance that the port it’s currently plugged into is malfunctioning. Also, ensure that Airplane mode is disabled via the action center or settings. However, it shouldn’t be the reason behind the Bluetooth missing in Device Manager in Windows 11, checking it does no harm. Besides, some computers have a physical button to enable/disable Bluetooth. It could be a key on the keyboard or one located separately. Look for it and make sure that it’s not disabled. If none of these fix your problem, head to the methods listed next.

2. Boot Windows 11 into Safe Mode and then back into normal mode

In some cases, it’s a process or service that’s leading to problems installing the driver, but when you boot Windows into Safe Mode, the driver can be easily installed without of the conflicting process. After following these steps, check if Bluetooth missing in Device Manager in Windows 11 problem is resolved.

3. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

4. Check if Bluetooth is listed under hidden devices and update its driver

Most often than not, it’s an outdated driver that causes issues and leads to Bluetooth missing in Device Manager in Windows 11. If that’s the case, updating the driver should fix the error. The Device Manager method listed here only scans for updates that have already been downloaded to the system. In case this doesn’t work, you can try other methods to update the driver.

5. Run Bluetooth Support Service

6. Update Windows 11

If you are running an older version of Windows, chances are that it might cause some errors. Therefore, it’s recommended that you keep up-to-date with the latest version. Disclaimer: this program needs to be upgraded from the free version in order to perform some specific actions. SPONSORED After updating the OS, make sure to restart the OS for the changes to fully come into effect, and then check if the Bluetooth is missing in Device Manager in Windows 11 error is fixed.

7. Run SFC and DISM scan

If the methods listed above have not worked, it could be corrupt system files behind the error. And, running the DISM tool and SFC scan are the best ways to eliminate these. An SFC (System File Checker) scan looks for corrupt system files, and if any are found, replaces them with their cached copy stored on the computer. The DISM tool looks for problems with the Windows image and can modify the Windows installation media to fix any issues.

8. Perform a system restore

If none of the fixes listed above have worked, it could be another problem. But no matter what it is, performing a system restore should help easily eliminate it. When you restore the system, what exactly happens is that the system is taken back to a previous point. This is achieved by reconfiguring the settings, removing the recently installed applications, and undoing certain other changes. So, if you have a restore point created before the error was first encountered, selecting it should get the problem resolved. In case things don’t turn out as expected, you can always undo a system restore. Besides, if performing a restore doesn’t work, you can reset Windows 11 to its factory settings. This will surely get things up and running, and the Bluetooth missing in Device Manager in Windows 11 error would be fixed.

Why is my laptop not showing Bluetooth?

Here are a few common reasons why Bluetooth isn’t showing up on your laptop.

The driver is outdated. The Bluetooth drivers are not installed. There is a system-related file missing. Bluetooth support service is facing some issues. If you are using a Bluetooth adapter, check if the port is working on your laptop or not. Your PC is infected with viruses or malware.

How to add a Bluetooth device in Windows 11?

Once done, both the devices should now be connected. Also, this is a one-time process, and the devices will automatically be connected when they are in range the next time onwards, given that Bluetooth is enabled on both. That’s all there’s to Bluetooth missing in Device Manager in Windows 11 error, and the most relevant fixes for it. Also, you now know how to connect any device to your computer via Bluetooth. Besides, remember that there are multiple ways to turn on Bluetooth in Windows 11, and a proper understanding of each will help you quickly enable it, no matter the state of the system. Tell us which fix worked and your experience of Windows 11 thus far, in the comments section below.

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