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I can't enable/disable Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth(R)?

Katarina Crystal 40 Reputation points
2026-03-25T19:45:47.5366667+00:00

The button to turn on/off Bluetooth on my Windows 10 is gone and I'm following several tutorials to get it fixed. This happened once before and I managed to fix it but right now I'm a little lost. The tutorials led me to update my drives and stuff so I installed latest driver for Bluetooth and apparently I can't enable it on Device Manager?

Screenshot_2360

As seen above it's not connected, but when I right-click it to enable, there's no option for it when it normally should. It only shows "Update Driver", "Uninstall Device", "Scan for Hardware Change", and "Properties". I feel like this may be the problem. How can I fix it?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers
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Answer accepted by question author

Jobelle ann Candelaria 495 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-03-25T20:28:41.09+00:00

Hi Katarina,

Thanks for posting your question here. This happens because Windows can’t see the Bluetooth hardware at all, usually due to a power‑state or firmware glitch.To fix this, please follow the steps below:

Perform a full power reset (shut down, unplug the device, hold the power button for 20–30 seconds, then restart), ensure Bluetooth and wireless are enabled in BIOS, restart Bluetooth Support Services, uninstall both the Intel Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth drivers in Device Manager, then reinstall the correct drivers from your PC manufacturer’s website (Wi‑Fi first, Bluetooth second). Also disable Fast Startup and turn off power‑saving options for the Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth adapters to prevent the issue from recurring.

You may also refer to this link: Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows

Let me know if you have more questions, I'm here to help.

Thanks,

Jobelle C.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-03-25T19:46:08.6966667+00:00

    The missing on/off toggle and the lack of an Enable option in Device Manager indicate Windows is not detecting a working Bluetooth adapter, not just a disabled one. Use these steps in order:

    1. Run the built‑in Bluetooth troubleshooter
      • On Windows 10, open the Get Help app and run the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter. It will diagnose and attempt to repair common issues with the Bluetooth stack and drivers.
    2. Update or reinstall the Bluetooth driver
      • Open Start > Device Manager.
      • Expand Bluetooth.
      • Right‑click the Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth(R) adapter and select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.
      • If that does not help, uninstall and let Windows reinstall the driver:
        • In Device Manager, right‑click the Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth(R) adapter and select Uninstall device.
        • Confirm the uninstall.
        • Restart the PC. Windows will attempt to reinstall the Bluetooth driver automatically. If it does not, use Action > Scan for hardware changes in Device Manager.
    3. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in Settings
      • Go to Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
      • Turn on the Bluetooth toggle if it appears.
    4. Check Airplane mode
      • Press Windows + A to open quick settings.
      • Ensure Airplane mode is turned off, because it disables Bluetooth.
    5. Install all Windows Updates
      • Go to Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Update.
      • Select Check for updates and install everything offered, including optional driver updates.
    6. Power‑cycle the PC to reinitialize hardware
      • Shut the PC down completely.
      • If it is a desktop, turn off the power supply and disconnect power for several minutes, then reconnect and boot.
      • If it is a laptop, fully power it off, wait a few minutes, then power it back on.
      • This can restore Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi when the wireless module has become unresponsive at the hardware level.

    If, after these steps, the Bluetooth adapter still shows as not connected or the toggle is still missing, the issue is likely hardware‑related (for example, a failing wireless/Bluetooth module), and the device manufacturer’s support should be contacted for further diagnostics or repair.

    References:

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