add bluetooth back to device manager

Robert Arnold 0 Reputation points
2026-06-30T18:54:57.3066667+00:00

Bluetooth stopped working at all or even offered no on/off option, and reinstalling the driver did not work. So...how do I know put it back into the Device Manager?

Moved from: System Center Service Manager

Windows for home | Other | Devices and drivers
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  1. DaveM121 936.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-07-01T06:10:56.0666667+00:00

    1

    Open the Settings App (gear icon on your Start Menu)

    Go to Update and Security - Troubleshoot

    Click 'Show Additional Troubleshooters'

    Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter from the resulting page

    Check if Bluetooth is then working

    2

    If not, open Device Manager (accessible by right clicking your Start Button)

    At the top of Device Manager, choose View - Show Hidden Devices

    Does that show hidden Bluetooth device(s)

    if so, right click and uninstall that

    Restart your PC

    Check if Bluetooth is then working

    3

    If Bluetooth is still not working, please provide a screenshot of the Device Manager window with the Bluetooth section open and Hidden Devices showing.

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  2. Clary-N 16,555 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-06-30T23:49:13.25+00:00

    Hi Robert Arnold,

    Thank you for the information.

    If you have not already done so, I would recommend giving the AI Answer suggestions a try first and noting the outcome of each step, particularly whether the Bluetooth adapter reappears in Device Manager or whether the Bluetooth toggle returns in Settings.

    Besides, to help me better understand the issue, could you also let me know when the problem first started? For example, did it begin after a Windows update, driver update, BIOS update or any other system change?

    Additionally, please share your Windows version and build number by pressing Windows + R, typing winver and selecting OK. A screenshot of the About Windows window would be helpful.

    If Bluetooth is still missing after following the AI Answer guidance, please check whether the Bluetooth Support Service is running. Press Windows + R, type services.msc and press Enter. Locate Bluetooth Support Service, ensure its Startup type is set to Automatic and start the service if it is not already running.

    You may also want to check Device Manager for any Unknown devices or devices with a yellow warning icon, as the Bluetooth adapter can sometimes appear there instead of under the Bluetooth category.

    Once you've had a chance to try these steps, please share the results along with your winver information and I'll be glad to assist further.

    If you have additional questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

    Note: If you want to receive email notifications about this thread, follow the steps in our documentation to enable email notifications.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-06-30T18:55:11.7533333+00:00

    To get Bluetooth back into Device Manager and working again, use these steps focused on drivers and adapter reinstall.

    1. Check for the Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager (including hidden devices)
      • Open Device Manager (select Start, type Device Manager, and select it).
      • On the menu, select View > Show hidden devices.
      • Look under Bluetooth and Other devices for any Bluetooth adapter entries (often include the word "radio").
    2. Update the Bluetooth driver (if the adapter is visible)
      • In Device Manager, expand Bluetooth.
      • Right‑click the Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver.
      • Choose Search automatically for drivers (or Search automatically for updated driver software).
      • Follow the prompts, then restart the PC and check if Bluetooth returns in Settings and Device Manager.
    3. Uninstall and reinstall the Bluetooth adapter (if it is visible)
      • In Device Manager, expand Bluetooth.
      • Right‑click the Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device > Uninstall.
      • Shut down the PC completely: Start > Power > Shut down.
      • Wait a few seconds, then power it back on. Windows will try to reinstall the Bluetooth driver automatically.
      • If it does not reinstall: open Device Manager, select Action > Scan for hardware changes to force detection.
    4. Install the latest Bluetooth driver from the PC manufacturer (if Windows cannot find one)
      • Go to the PC manufacturer’s support website.
      • Search using the exact device model number.
      • Download and install the latest Bluetooth driver for the version of Windows in use (Windows 10 or 11).
      • If the download is an .exe, run it directly to install.
      • If the download contains .inf and .sys files:
        • In Device Manager, select Bluetooth (or Other devices) > the Bluetooth adapter.
        • Right‑click and select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers.
        • Select Browse, choose the folder containing the driver files, then OK > Next and complete installation.
      • Restart the PC and confirm the Bluetooth category and adapter now appear in Device Manager.
    5. If Bluetooth disappeared after a Windows update
      • Make sure Windows is fully updated: Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, install all available updates, then restart.
      • Then repeat steps 2–4 to ensure the Bluetooth driver is current and compatible.

    If the adapter still does not appear in Device Manager after scanning for hardware changes and installing manufacturer drivers, the issue may be hardware‑related (Bluetooth module or USB dongle) rather than software.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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