9 Ways to Fix a Missing Bluetooth Option in Windows 11

Run the Appropriate Windows Troubleshooters

When faced with Bluetooth conundrums, the first port of call is the suite of troubleshooters that Windows provides. These nifty tools can pinpoint and sometimes resolve issues without much user intervention. To deploy the Bluetooth troubleshooter:

1. Press Win + I to summon the Settings app.
2. Navigate to the System tab and select Troubleshoot.
3. Choose Other troubleshooters.
4. Hit the Run button beside the Bluetooth option to initiate the troubleshooter.

If the problem persists, the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter is another resourceful tool at your disposal:

1. Invoke the Run dialog with Win + R.
2. Input msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter.
3. In the ensuing window, select Next and follow the on-screen instructions.

Perform a Power Cycle

At times, the simplest actions yield the greatest results. A full power cycle can work wonders for your system, clearing out any transient glitches that may be plaguing it. Here’s the lowdown:

1. Power down your computer and disconnect it from its power source.
2. Hold down the power button for half a minute to a minute to purge residual power.
3. Allow your computer some downtime for a few minutes.
4. Reconnect the power and boot up your system.

Check the Quick Settings Panel

The Quick Settings panel in Windows 11 is akin to a command center for your most frequently needed settings, Bluetooth included. If the Bluetooth toggle is absent, it’s possible it was accidentally removed. Fear not; it’s easily restored:

1. Open the Quick Settings with Win + A.
2. Click the pencil icon to tweak the Quick Settings.
3. Choose Add and select Bluetooth to reinstate it to the panel.

Check Bluetooth Settings

If the Bluetooth icon has vanished from your taskbar or system tray, it might be that it was previously un-pinned. Here’s how to re-anchor the Bluetooth icon:

1. Launch the Start menu, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
2. Jump to Devices and select More Bluetooth Settings.
3. Check the option for Show the Bluetooth icon in the notification area.
4. Click Apply, then OK.

Configure the Bluetooth Support Service

The Bluetooth Support Service is the invisible workhorse that enables Bluetooth operations on your Windows system. If it’s not running, that could be the source of your Bluetooth blues. To adjust it:

1. Open the Run dialog with Win + R.
2. Type services.msc and hit Enter.
3. Double-click Bluetooth Support Service to view its properties.
4. Change the Startup type to Automatic.
5. Click Apply to cement the changes.

After another reboot, check if the Bluetooth option has decided to reappear.

Update or Reinstall Your Bluetooth Drivers

Defective or outdated Bluetooth drivers can wreak havoc on your system’s wireless connectivity. Refreshing these drivers might be just the ticket:

1. Right-click the Start menu and pick Device Manager.
2. Unfold the Bluetooth section, right-click your Bluetooth adapter, and choose Update driver.
3. Select Search automatically for drivers and let Windows do the rest.

If the Device Manager has amnesia regarding your Bluetooth adapter, visit the manufacturer’s website for a manual driver download and installation.

Should updating not do the trick, you might need to uninstall and then reinstall the Bluetooth drivers:

1. Back in Device Manager, right-click the Bluetooth driver and select Uninstall device.
2. Reboot your PC. Windows should reinstall the Bluetooth driver on startup, hopefully bringing back the Bluetooth functionality.

Disable and Re-Enable the Problematic USB Driver

In some instances, users have found that toggling their USB drivers can miraculously restore Bluetooth functionality. To try your luck:

1. Access Device Manager via the search function.
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
3. Identify any drivers with a caution sign, right-click, and select Disable device, then confirm.
4. Right-click the same USB driver and choose Enable device.

Run SFC and DISM Scans

Corrupted or missing system files can sometimes be the culprits behind Bluetooth issues. Windows comes equipped with tools to restore these files:

1. Use Win + X to bring up the power user menu and select Terminal (Admin).
2. Give the nod to the UAC prompt.
3. Enter the command below and let the System File Checker do its magic:

sfc /scannow

Next up, deploy the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool with:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Once the dust settles, restart your machine and check for Bluetooth functionality.

Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode boots Windows with the bare essentials, making it a great diagnostic environment to ascertain if a third-party application or driver is the troublemaker. There are multiple ways to reach Safe Mode in Windows 11, so choose whichever you fancy.

If Bluetooth makes a comeback in Safe Mode, a recent software addition could be the antagonist. Eliminating any new software suspects should help restore order.