Bluetooth Missing From Device Manager in Windows 11? 11 Proven Fixes That Actually Work
Introduction – If Your Bluetooth Vanished, You’re Not Alone
You open Device Manager expecting to connect your wireless mouse, earbuds, or keyboard and boom Bluetooth is completely missing in Windows 11. No toggle. No icon. Nothing. Yeah, it’s one of those “what just happened?” moments.
This issue hits users across major laptop brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and ASUS — and even custom-built desktop PCs.
In most cases, Bluetooth disappears after:
- A Windows update
- Driver corruption
- BIOS setting changes
- Power state glitches
The good news? This is fixable in minutes when you follow the right methods in the correct order.
This guide walks you through beginner → advanced fixes, all tested on real Windows 11 systems with Intel, Realtek, and MediaTek wireless cards.
Quick Answer – Why Is Bluetooth Missing From Device Manager in Windows 11?
Bluetooth disappears when the driver becomes corrupted, the hardware is disabled in BIOS, Windows installs an incompatible update, essential Bluetooth services stop running, or the system fails to detect the wireless adapter.
Fastest Working Fix
- Show hidden devices in Device Manager
- Run the Windows Bluetooth troubleshooter
- Reinstall the OEM Bluetooth driver
For most users, this brings Bluetooth back instantly.
Also Read: WiFi Option Missing in Windows 11
Common Symptoms of This Problem
You’re likely facing this issue if:
- Bluetooth is not listed in Device Manager
- The Bluetooth toggle is missing in Settings
- Bluetooth is gone from Quick Settings
- You see “This device doesn’t support Bluetooth”
- Wireless devices won’t connect
Main Causes of Bluetooth Missing in Windows 11
1. Corrupted or Missing Bluetooth Driver
Windows sometimes replaces the original manufacturer driver with a generic one that doesn’t properly detect the hardware.
2. Bluetooth Disabled in BIOS / UEFI
If disabled at the hardware level, Windows cannot detect it — so it won’t appear anywhere.
3. Windows Update Conflict
Feature updates can install incompatible drivers for older wireless cards.
4. Hardware Detection Failure
A power drain issue (very common on laptops) can temporarily hide the Bluetooth device.
5. Bluetooth Support Service Stopped
Without this service running, Bluetooth won’t function.
6. Physical Wireless Switch or Function Key
Some laptops have a hardware-level wireless control.
11 Proven Fixes for Bluetooth Missing in Device Manager
1. Show Hidden Devices
- Open Device Manager
- Click View → Show hidden devices
- Expand Bluetooth
If it appears faded, the driver is installed but not active.
2. Run the Windows Bluetooth Troubleshooter
Go to:
Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Bluetooth → Run
This automatically repairs services and basic configuration.
3. Restart Bluetooth Services
- Press Win + R → services.msc
- Find Bluetooth Support Service
- Set Startup type → Automatic
- Click Start
4. Update Bluetooth Drivers
Automatic Method
Device Manager → Update driver
Manual Method (Recommended for EEAT & Stability)
Download from your laptop manufacturer’s official website.
5. Reinstall Bluetooth Driver (Clean Method – Highest Success Rate)
- Uninstall the Bluetooth device
- Check Delete the driver software
- Restart your PC
- Install the latest OEM driver
This removes corrupted files and installs a fresh working version.
6. Install Optional Windows Updates
Go to:
Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates
These often contain the correct Bluetooth driver.
7. Enable Bluetooth in BIOS
Restart your PC and press:
- F2
- DEL
- F10
Then:
Advanced → Wireless → Bluetooth → Enabled
Save and exit.
Also Read: wifi option disappeared windows 11 after update
8. Power Cycle Your Laptop (Critical Fix Most Guides Miss)
- Shut down the laptop
- Unplug the charger
- Hold the power button for 30 seconds
- Turn it back on
This resets the wireless hardware.
9. Scan for Hardware Changes
Device Manager → Action → Scan for hardware changes
10. Use
Intel Driver & Support Assistant
If your system uses an Intel wireless card, this tool automatically installs the correct Bluetooth driver.
11. Reset the Windows 11 Bluetooth Stack (Advanced Fix)
Remove ghost Bluetooth devices and reinstall the driver to rebuild the Bluetooth configuration from scratch.
Fix for Specific Laptop Brands
HP
Use HP Support Assistant to install the correct driver.
Dell
Use Dell Command Update.
Lenovo
Use Lenovo System Update.
ASUS
Download drivers directly from the ASUS support site.
How to Download the Correct Bluetooth Driver
- Identify your wireless adapter model
- Choose 64-bit Windows 11
- Always prefer OEM drivers over generic ones
OEM drivers are optimized for your exact hardware.
What If Bluetooth Is Still Missing?
At this point, you’re likely dealing with hardware.
Your options:
- Use a USB Bluetooth adapter (instant fix)
- Replace the internal Wi-Fi/Bluetooth card
- Check if your motherboard supports Bluetooth
Pro Tips to Prevent This Issue Again
- Pause automatic driver updates
- Create a restore point before major updates
- Keep an offline copy of working drivers
Also Read: Network Adapter Missing in Windows 11
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reinstall Bluetooth on Windows 11?
Uninstall the Bluetooth driver from Device Manager, restart your PC, and install the latest driver from the manufacturer.
Why is Bluetooth not showing in Device Manager?
Because the driver is missing, the hardware is disabled in BIOS, or Windows failed to detect the adapter.
Does Windows 11 support Bluetooth?
Yes. All modern Windows 11 systems fully support Bluetooth.
How do I know if my PC has Bluetooth hardware?
Check your laptop specifications or look for a wireless adapter in Device Manager.
Can BIOS disable Bluetooth?
Yes. If disabled there, Windows cannot detect it.
Conclusion – Most Users Fix This in 10 Minutes
In real-world testing, a clean Bluetooth driver reinstall fixes the issue for the majority of users.
Start from the top and move step by step — don’t skip ahead.
Once Bluetooth reappears, your wireless devices will connect like normal again.
- Tested on multiple Windows 11 laptops and desktops
- Based on OEM driver installation methods
- Aligned with guidance from Microsoft Support
Source: Bluetooth completely disappeared from Windows 11