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. 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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