Are you here because the Bluetooth option has disappeared from your taskbar? Missing Bluetooth option in Windows 11 is a common problem that bothers several users on a regular basis. The issue usually appears when the Bluetooth driver is faulty or requires an update. However, that is not the only factor. Several other issues such as glitch in the memory registers, system file errors, OS related issues etc. can cause your Bluetooth option to disappear on Windows.
The error majorly appears on Windows 11. In case you too have faced the same, do not worry as you have reached just the right place. Keep on reading as we discuss a bunch of fixes that may help you bring back the Bluetooth option.
5 Ways to Fix Missing Bluetooth Option in Windows
Before we begin with the fixes, it is really important to figure out a few preliminary steps that you must take to check if it is just a temporary glitch on your PC, or something has actually happened.
The first thing you should do is restart your PC. This refreshes the memory registers on your PC and removes any temporary error that you may be facing. If it is the first time that you can’t find the Bluetooth option on your PC, a quick restart might do the trick for you. In case the issue keeps appearing again and again, try the following fixes!
Fix 1 – Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter on Windows
Step 1 – Go to the Start Menu and use the search bar to look up Bluetooth troubleshooting. You may find an option by the Control panel to fix errors with the Bluetooth device, click on the same to open.
Step 2 – After the Troubleshooter is launched, use the next button to initiate the process.
Step 3 – Now this troubleshooter will start looking for any issues related to both, your connected devices as well as your Bluetooth errors.
Step 4 – Once the scan is over, it will show you the exact issue that may be causing the error. The troubleshooter usually fixes the error automatically and shows you only the culprit.
Step 5 – After it has worked, restart your computer and check if the option has appeared again or not.
In case this does not work for you, you can use the direct way of running the latest troubleshooter. For that, you have to –
Step 1 – Press Win+I to open system settings
Step 2 – In system settings, scroll down to find Troubleshoot.
Step 3 – In Troubleshoot options, select Other Troubleshooters to find direct options.
Step 4 – In the opened list, you may find Bluetooth as an option. Click on the Run button corresponding to the same.
Step 5 – After opening the Troubleshooter, follow the instructions on your screen and interact with the same accordingly.
You can try both the methods as currently both of them work. Though the older troubleshooter is soon to be retired, you may only find this one available on your PC. Make sure you restart your PC after running the troubleshooting for all the changes to register.
Fix 2 – Ensure the Bluetooth Option was Not Removed
Sometimes, the missing Bluetooth option in Windows is not an error but a mistake by the user. The Quick access menu can be edited and options can be removed and added instantly. If someone else has used your PC after which you are unable to find the option, make sure that it has not been removed. Or better, try adding the missing option manually to the quick access menu.
Step 1 – Press Win+A to open the quick access menu.
Step 2 – Click on the edit icon in the bottom that appears as a pencil.
Step 3 – Click on Add to find the Bluetooth listed in the available options.
In case you can see the Bluetooth option is available to add, use the same. If not, move to the next fix.
Fix 3 – Check Bluetooth Settings
Sometimes, the Bluetooth setting may be the reason why you are not seeing the Bluetooth option on your Windows 11. The best way you handle that situation is to re-configure the same.
Step 1 – Press Win+I to open System Settings and navigate to Bluetooth settings. If you cannot find the same in the settings menu, you can also use the Start menu and look for Bluetooth and Other Devices.
Step 2 – Scroll down in the opened option and click on More Bluetooth settings.
Step 3 – From the settings menu, ensure that the configuration is set to Show Bluetooth Icon in Notification area.
Check if the option is already enabled or not. If not, manually do it and if it is already fixed, try the next option.
Fix 4 – Update Bluetooth Driver on Your PC
In case you have come across the missing Bluetooth option in Windows 11 recently after updating your PC, it may be because the drivers for the Bluetooth have not been upgraded in a while or are not compatible with the latest version of your OS. Either ways, we recommend you should regularly check for updates for system drivers as when they malfunction, you may come across some serious issues.
But manually updating drivers is not an easy task. You must be familiar with the whereabouts of the Device Manager to identify the core reasons behind the same. Not to mention you must have all the information related to your manufacturer to find the appropriate drivers for your particular device. All of it is too much of an effort, which is why users avoid updating the drivers manually.
So what is the best way to update drivers you ask? Well, we recommend you download and install the Advanced Driver Updater. It can get the job done for you in just 3 steps!
Step 1 – Download and install the application on your PC.
Step 2 – Run the application and use the Start Scan Now button to identify the current outdated drivers. If the Bluetooth drivers are outdated, you will see the same in the outcome of the scan.
Step 3 – Click on the Update All button on the scanned results screen to start the process of updating the drivers.
The application will automatically find, fetch, and install the updates for your Bluetooth drivers and other outdated drivers too! Yes, it is that simple! Download the app today and fix the missing bluetooth option error in minutes!
Fix 5 – Run SFC Scan for System File Errors
In case update was not the issue, you must check System Files to finish the error. You can use the internal system utility, SFC for the same. All you have to do is –
Step 1 – Open the Start menu and launch command prompt as administrator.
Step 2 – Use the command SFC/Scannow and hit enter.
Step 3 – The scan runs, finds the errors, and fixes them automatically.
After the scan is over, restart your computer and check if the missing Bluetooth option has appeared again or not.
Other than these fixes, you can also try booting your PC into safe mode to check if the error lies with the internet or an external application. Try uninstalling the last installed application after which your Bluetooth option is missing.
All the mentioned solutions are tried and tested, hence should be able to fix your issues easily. In case you still have problems with your Bluetooth, you must get it checked physically for adapter related issues. In case you find any problems while using the above mentioned steps, feel free to drop a comment and we will help you out.
That will be all for this post. Thanks for reading. Good luck!
