If Bluetooth is missing from Settings, not showing in Device Manager, or your Bluetooth devices are not connecting, the main reason is a missing, disabled, or outdated driver. This guide will help you restore Bluetooth on any Windows 11 or Windows 10 laptop or PC using simple step-by-step methods. Follow all methods in order until Bluetooth starts working.
Method 1: Show Hidden Devices, Enable Bluetooth, Scan for Hardware Changes
This method helps when Bluetooth is installed but hidden or disabled.
Open Device Manager
Click View → Show hidden devices
Look for Bluetooth category
If you see a grey Bluetooth device
Right-click the Bluetooth device → Click Enable device
If Bluetooth category is missing
Click Action → Scan for hardware changes
Wait a few seconds and check if Bluetooth appears
Method 2: Set Bluetooth Support Service to Automatic
Bluetooth will not work if its service is stopped.
Press Windows + R
Type services.msc → Press Enter
Find Bluetooth Support Service
Double-click it → Set Startup type = Automatic
Click Start → Click Apply → Click OK
Restart your PC and check Bluetooth again
Method 3: Run Windows Bluetooth Troubleshooter
Windows can automatically detect and fix common Bluetooth issues.
Open Settings
Go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
Find Bluetooth → Click Run
Wait for the scan to complete and apply recommended fixes
Restart your PC
Method 4: Update Bluetooth Driver from Device Manager
If the driver is outdated or corrupted, updating it will fix the problem.
Open Device Manager
Expand Bluetooth
Right-click your Bluetooth device
Click Update driver
Click Search automatically for drivers
Wait for Windows to install the latest driver
Restart your PC
If Bluetooth is missing in Device Manager
Check Other devices for Unknown device
Right-click it → Click Update driver → Search automatically
Method 5: Manually Install Bluetooth Driver
This is the most effective method when Bluetooth driver is completely missing.
Open Device Manager
Expand Network adapters
Note your WiFi adapter name (Intel / Realtek / Qualcomm)
Go to your laptop manufacturer website
Download the Bluetooth driver for your exact model and Windows version
Install the driver → Restart your PC
After restart, Bluetooth will appear in Settings and Device Manager
Method 6: Update Windows
Windows updates can automatically install missing Bluetooth drivers.
Open Settings
Go to Windows Update
Click Check for updates
Install all available updates including Optional updates
Restart your PC and check Bluetooth
Final Check
After applying the methods:
Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Turn Bluetooth ON
Open Device Manager → Confirm Bluetooth category is visible
Try connecting your Bluetooth device again
If Bluetooth is still not showing, your PC may have a hardware issue or Bluetooth may be disabled in BIOS. In that case, using a USB Bluetooth adapter will instantly fix the problem.
