Check the Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager, then update or reinstall its driver because the troubleshooter has already failed.
1. Check whether Windows detects the Bluetooth adapter
- Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Expand Bluetooth.
- If Bluetooth is absent, select View > Show hidden devices and also check Other devices.
- Continue with the matching case below.
2. If the Bluetooth adapter is listed
- Right-click the Bluetooth adapter—its name might include Bluetooth, Wireless, or Radio.
- Select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
- Restart the computer after installation.
If Windows says the best driver is already installed but Bluetooth still does not work:
- In Device Manager, right-click the Bluetooth adapter.
- Select Uninstall device > Uninstall.
- Restart the computer. Windows should reinstall the adapter automatically.
- If it does not return, open Device Manager and select Action > Scan for hardware changes. Microsoft documents both driver update and automatic-reinstallation procedures for Windows 10 and Windows 11.^1^
3. If Bluetooth is missing from Device Manager
Perform a complete power-off rather than a normal restart:
- Hold Shift.
- While holding it, select Start > Power > Shut down.
- Wait one minute after the PC turns off.
- Turn it on and check Device Manager again.
If Bluetooth remains missing:
- Find the exact model number printed on the computer or under Settings > System > About.
- Open the computer manufacturer’s official support site.
- Search for that model and download its Bluetooth or combined wireless/Bluetooth driver for your Windows version.
- Install it and restart.
- On Windows 11, also check Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates for Bluetooth, firmware, BIOS, or UEFI updates.^2^
Do not install a Bluetooth driver intended for a different computer model.
4. If the adapter works but one accessory will not connect
On Windows 11:
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
- Under Bluetooth devices discovery, select Advanced.
- Remove the affected device using More options > Remove device > Yes.
- Put the accessory into pairing mode and add it again.
- Ensure Airplane mode is off and that the accessory is charged and close to the computer.^3^
If no Bluetooth adapter appears even after installing the exact manufacturer driver, confirm from the PC specifications that the model includes Bluetooth. If it does, contact the computer manufacturer because the adapter or its firmware may require model-specific repair.
References
- [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/bluetooth/update-bluetooth-drivers-in-windows)
- [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/bluetooth/fix-bluetooth-disappeared-in-windows#solution-2-install-the-latest-bluetooth-drivers)
- [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/bluetooth/fix-bluetooth-problems-in-windows#general-bluetooth-troubleshooting-in-windows-10)