My bluetooth button is missing and I cannot turn it on or off

aqua batics 0 Reputation points
2026-11-12T16:59:21.0366667+00:00

The bluetooth icon is no longer in my taskbar and the settings page doesn't have an on/off button. I cannot pair any devices. My driver says it's up to date and I have installed all recent updates so my computer has restarted. Airplane mode is off.

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Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings
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  1. Thomas4-N 23,670 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-11-14T08:14:56.3233333+00:00

    Hello aqua batics,

    I noticed your screenshot shows Windows 11 build 26300, which belongs to the Windows Insider Experimental branch. Since Device Manager reports Code 45, Windows currently isn't detecting your MediaTek Bluetooth adapter.

    Did Bluetooth disappear after a recent Windows Insider update, or was it working normally on this build before?

    Also, since you're using an ASUS Vivobook M1502QA, you can check the official ASUS support page for model-specific Bluetooth drivers and firmware.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-12T16:59:37.3066667+00:00

    The screenshots show the Bluetooth adapter is not currently detected by Windows (Code 45). When that happens, the Bluetooth toggle and taskbar icon can disappear.

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Fully power off the PC, then turn it back on
      • Hold Shift.
      • Select Start > Power > Shut down.
      • Wait 1 minute.
      • Turn the PC back on.
      • This is important because Shut down, not Restart, completely powers off the Bluetooth hardware.
    2. Check Airplane mode
      • Press Windows + A to open Quick settings.
      • Make sure Airplane mode is Off.
    3. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter
      • Open Settings.
      • Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • Find Bluetooth and select Run.
    4. Update the Bluetooth driver
      • Right-click Start > Device Manager.
      • Expand Bluetooth.
      • Right-click the Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver.
      • Select Search automatically for drivers.
      • Restart the PC if prompted.
    5. If the adapter still appears in Device Manager but Bluetooth is still missing, uninstall and let Windows reinstall it
      • In Device Manager, expand Bluetooth.
      • Right-click the Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device.
      • Shut down the PC.
      • Turn it back on so Windows can try to reinstall the driver automatically.
      • If Windows does not reinstall it, scan for hardware changes in Device Manager.
    6. Install optional updates
      • Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
      • Install any available optional updates.
      • Restart the PC.
    7. Install the latest Bluetooth, BIOS, or firmware updates from ASUS
      • Bluetooth hardware errors are often caused by the PC manufacturer’s drivers or firmware.
      • Since the device shown is an ASUS Vivobook, check ASUS support for the latest Bluetooth driver and any BIOS/firmware updates for that model.

    If the Bluetooth setting is still missing after these steps, Windows may still not be detecting the Bluetooth hardware. In that case, manufacturer-specific troubleshooting is the recommended path.

    References:

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