After updating Windows, especially Windows 11 or Windows 10, some users might find their Bluetooth suddenly missing. This means you can’t see the Bluetooth turn on/off button and Bluetooth devices or adapters in the device manager. It’s a big headache if you rely on Bluetooth for your daily activities. If you’ve already tried fixing it with the troubleshooting tool or played around with the service settings but got nowhere, don’t worry. We’re going to walk you through several steps that have worked for others in getting their Bluetooth back after a Windows Update.
Also see: How to reinstall Bluetooth driver in Windows 11
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How to fix Bluetooth disappearing after a Windows update
Here are six steps you can try to get your Bluetooth working again. It’s best to try them one by one, starting with the most likely solutions to save time and effort.
Solution 1: Power cycle your computer
Power cycling means turning off your device completely and then turning it back on. Here’s what to do for a computer:
- Shut down your computer completely: You’ll want to do more than just the normal shutdown. Hold down the Shift key and click “Shutdown” to ensure a full shutdown, not just a hybrid one that Windows often does.
- Disconnect power: After your computer is completely off, unplug it from power. If you have a laptop, try taking out the battery too. If the battery doesn’t come out, skip this step.
- Press the power button a few times: This won’t turn your computer on, but it helps get rid of any leftover power.
- Plug it back in and start up: After plugging your computer back into power, turn it on and check if Bluetooth is back.
This might seem too simple, but it’s surprisingly effective for solving various hardware issues after updates.
Similar problem: Bluetooth not detecting devices in Windows 11
Solution 2: Fix driver problems
Driver issues are a common reason for missing hardware functions after updates. Here’s how to tackle them:
- Go to Device Manager: Click the Start button, type “Device Manager”, and open it from the search results.
- Show hidden devices: In Device Manager, click “View” then “Show Hidden Devices” to see devices not currently active.
- Uninstall the device: If you see your Bluetooth device but it’s hidden, right-click it and choose “Uninstall Device”. Make sure to also tick “Attempt to remove the driver for this device”.
- Reconnect or scan for changes: If you use a Bluetooth dongle, unplug it and plug it back in. Otherwise, click “Action” in Device Manager and choose “Scan for hardware changes”.
- Update your driver: Go to Settings, find “Windows Updates”, then “Check for updates”. Look for “Optional updates” and “Driver updates” to see if there’s an update for Bluetooth.
- Check the manufacturer’s website: Sometimes, the best drivers are on the device maker’s site. Look there for the most suitable drivers for your Bluetooth device.
Linked issue: Can’t completely uninstall a driver in Windows 11 (Fix)
Solution 3: Remove bad USB drivers
A messed-up USB driver might be the problem. Here’s a fix:
- Open Device Manager again and look for any failed USB drive or devices with a yellow warning.
- Delete any problem USB drive by right-clicking and choosing “Uninstall Device”.
- Restart your computer. This often brings Bluetooth back.
Related resource: Bluetooth remove failed in Windows 11/10
Solution 4: Use Windows System Restore
Windows System Restore lets you go back in time on your computer to when everything was working right. Here’s how:
- Find System Restore: Click Start, type “Create a restore point”, and open it.
- Start System Restore: In the window that opens, click “System Restore…”.
- Pick a restore point from before the problem started.
Learn more: How to System Restore Windows 11/10 to a previous date
System Restore won’t mess with your files, but it might uninstall recent apps and drivers.
Solution 5: Manually reinstall Bluetooth drivers
If you’re still stuck, try installing the Bluetooth driver yourself:
- Find your device on the maker’s website to get the right Bluetooth driver.
- Download and install the driver from there.
- Restart your computer to see if Bluetooth is back.
Solution 6: Check BIOS/UEFI settings
Last resort: Check the BIOS/UEFI settings. Be careful, as changing these settings can affect how your computer works. Here’s what to do:
- Restart your computer and press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI (it’s usually “F2”, “F10”, “F12”, “DEL”, or “ESC”).
- Find the “Integrated Peripherals” section and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Save your changes and restart.
A quick recap
Getting Bluetooth back after a Windows update can be a bit of a puzzle, but with these solutions, you stand a good chance of fixing it. Always make sure to download any software or drivers from safe and official sources. And if nothing works, it might be time to ask for professional help or contact support.
