Bluetooth is a wireless technology that has become integral to our lives. It enables us to connect devices like phones, laptops, and other gadgets. However, Bluetooth can sometimes stop working or you can find that it just disappeared in Windows 11.
When this happens, it can cause a lot of frustration and inconvenience. This article will discuss the possible causes of Bluetooth disappearing in Windows 11 and the best solutions. We will also discuss some tips to help you prevent the issue from happening again.
How do I get Bluetooth back on Windows 11?
1. Run Bluetooth troubleshooter
- Press the Window + I hotkeys to open the Settings menu.
- Then click System.
- Now you should select Troubleshoot.
- Afterward, select Other troubleshooters.
- Click Bluetooth, select Run, and follow the instructions.
2. Update Bluetooth driver
- Firstly, press the Windows + I keys together to open Settings or open by clicking the Windows icon on the Taskbar.
- Then click the Windows Update option and the Check for updates button to find new updates.
- Now click on Advanced Options.
- Then click on the Optional updates section.
- Finally, select the Driver Updates section and Download and Install all the available updates.
- The driver will start to download. Allow the process to complete.
- Finally, restart your PC.
3. Update Windows
- Firstly, press the Windows + I keys together to open Settings or open by clicking the Windows icon on the Taskbar.
- Then click the Windows Update option and the Check for updates button to find new updates.
- If Windows has the latest update, it will automatically detect it. Follow the instructions to update Windows.
- Finally, restart your computer.
4. Use Bluetooth Support Service
- Press the Windows + R keys to open the RUN window.
- Then in the Run window, enter the following code and click Enter.
services.msc
- When the Services window opens, navigate Bluetooth Support Service. Right-click on the Bluetooth Support Service and click Properties.
- In the next window, select Automatic from the drop-down list of Startup type, then click Start and Ok.
5. Troubleshoot via Run dialog
- Press the Windows + R together to open the Run dialog, enter
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
in the text field, press either the Enter key or OK button. - Once the Hardware and Devices window, click the Next button and follow the on-screen instructions complete troubleshooting.
6. Update Bluetooth drivers with third-party app
- Firstly, go to Driver Easy website on your browser (our case-study app).
- Then download and install the program.
- Then run the Driver Easy app and click the Scan Now button to scan your PC and detect faulty drivers.
- Finally, click on the Update All button to run the update accordingly.
- Let the process complete, and then restart your device.
7. Perform system restore
- Firstly, press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog on your PC and type
rstrui
. Press Enter after to open it. - Click on Choose a different restore point when the System Restore wizard opens.
- Then click on the Next button to continue.
- On the next window, choose your restore point and click Next.
- Allow the process to run and complete.
- Finally, click Finish when the restore is complete.
8. Confirm that airplane mode is disabled
- Begin by pressing the Windows + I keys together to launch the Settings app.
- Then choose the Network & Internet option from the tabs on the left pane.
- After that, find Airplane mode and toggle it Off if On.
9. Toggle airplane mode on and off
- Firstly, click the Action Center icon on the Taskbar or press Windows + A keys together to view the Quick Settings.
- Secondly, click on the Airplane mode icon to enable it to change the tile color to blue.
- Now wait briefly and click on it to turn it off again.
10. Troubleshoot with Startup Repairs
- Click the Power icon on the login screen, hold Shift, and select Restart.
- Then, choose Troubleshoot from the next menu options.
- Under Troubleshoot, select Advanced options.
- Under Advanced options, click Startup Repair.
- Select an administrator account and enter the password, if required.
- Click Continue to run the Startup Repair tool.
11. Perform system file checker scan
- Start by clicking the Search icon on the taskbar and enter command prompt in the text entry.
- Now, right-click on Command prompt and select Run as administrator.
- To continue, click on Yes on the next prompt.
- When the Command Prompt opens, you should enter the following command and press the Enter key to run an SFC scan:
sfc /scannow
- After that, you will enter the command below and press the Enter key:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- Finally, it would be best to restart your computer to implement repairs.
12. Uninstall and Reinstall Bluetooth driver
- Press the Windows and X keys simultaneously to open the Quick Link menu.
- Then, click on Device Manager or press the M key.
- When Device Manager opens, find Bluetooth and expand it.
- Then, right-click on the Bluetooth device and click Uninstall device on the option.
- Finally, follow the on-screen instruction to complete the process.
- Restart the PC. When the PC is on and connected to the available network, it will automatically find the suitable Bluetooth driver for your Windows 11 OS and reinstall it.
Why did my Bluetooth disappear on Windows 11?
Bluetooth can disappear on your Windows 11 computer for a variety of reasons. Some of them may include:
- Outdated Driver: The Bluetooth driver may be out-of-date, leading to the disappearance of the Bluetooth device.
- Bluetooth Settings: Unknowingly disabling the Bluetooth feature in Windows can also be a reason.
- Hardware Issues: If the Bluetooth device is faulty, it may disappear from the device list. .
- System Corruption: When the Windows system is corrupt, it can lead to the Bluetooth device disappearing.
- Bluetooth turned off: When you don’t turn on your Windows 11 Bluetooth, it can also cause the Bluetooth to disappear. Some laptops have a physical switch that you can use to turn Bluetooth on or off.
- Bluetooth Disabled in Device Manager: Disabling the Bluetooth in the Device Manager can also be a factor. You may discover that the Bluetooth disappeared from Device Manager.
- Conflict with Other Wireless Devices: The Bluetooth connection disruption can occur due to interference from other wireless devices in the area.
- Physical Damage: Physical damage to the Bluetooth device may also cause it to disappear.
Any of the above reasons may easily explain why Bluetooth disappeared on your Windows 11 computer. There is no cause for alarm, though, as they can be dealt with, and your Bluetooth can be restored to normalcy.
When you discover that your Bluetooth has disappeared on your Windows 11 computer, studiously applying the solutions in this guide will solve the issue for you. This guide is also a go-to for related problems that you may face in the future.