Windows 11 Bluetooth disappears fixes (2023)

3/24 Note: What's also reported to work lately is the fix in the Comments section below from md zaid. There are other fixes to try in the Comments section if the numbered fixes below don't help.

1) Try these fixes for Bluetooth disappearing in Windows 11:


https://windowsreport.com/bluetooth-missing-device-manager-windows-11/ (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)


https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-missing-bluetooth/


https://www.guidingtech.com/ways-to-fix-bluetooth-missing-from-device-manager-in-windows-11/


https://thegeekpage.com/fix-windows-10-bluetooth-missing-solved/


https://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/fix-windows-11-10-bluetooth-missing/


https://pureinfotech.com/fix-missing-bluetooth-settings-windows-11/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrHmXuX2_uk


2) Reinstall the Bluetooth driver from the PC maker's Support Downloads webpage for your exact model. While there make sure that you also have the latest chipset, BIOS, display, network, bluetooth, USB and all other drivers, compared to the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. Some of these other drivers like Chipset and BIOS enable the Bluetooth driver.


Right click Start button to access Device Manager, locate Bluetooth device (if necessary from View tab Show Hidden Devices), on Driver tab see if Roll Back is available, if not try Update Driver, first automatically, then Browse, then Let Me Pick to try all previously installed Drivers.


If these fail Uninstall the Driver, restart PC to reinstall. If the BT driver is not there, access the View tab in Device Manager to "Show Hidden Devices."

Disable and then re-enable USB Root Hub (USB 3.0) in Device Manager (Courtesy Case Bell in Comments section 1/25/24)


3) See if you can System Restore to a point before the problem started: https://itechhacks.com/system-restore-windows-11/


System Restore is your first line of defense and can take you back to a point before a problem began like a time machine. If it doesn't help then you can undo it. Read about it first in the tutorial above and then try restoring to just before this started. If System Restore is not enabled on C drive do that now so it's available in the future.


If the problem repeats or System Restore doesn't work then check which Windows Updates were installed at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Update History, uninstall them there or System Restore again, then immediately check for and block the Updates with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.droidwin.com/how-to-stop-only-a-specific-update-from-installing-in-windows-11/


4) If you think the BT adapter has failed, you can replace it easily with a USB nano adapter like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/ZEXMTE-Bluetooth-Receiver-Transfer-Wireless/dp/B0775YF36R/ref=bmx_1/144-8846981-0178846?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0775YF36R&pd_rd_r=fc7fb64f-ee89-4d01-949a-cce053b97603&pd_rd_w=re3cN&pd_rd_wg=I4GXx&pf_rd_p=806524e0-5994-4c0d-9d36-11f6132400bc&pf_rd_r=56PQ4YAVKHETB3GJY6BH&psc=1&refRID=56PQ4YAVKHETB3GJY6BH


5) If none of those help go over Windows 11 with this Performance Checklist to try to find and fix problems: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_11-performance/windows-11-performance-and-install-inegrity/4f020fd1-f08c-45a3-8a30-c112f1a0b29f


If you were referred here from another thread, please post back results in that thread. Otherwise you can ask questions and share information in the Comments section below, including any broken links.


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Thank a lot.. it fixed my problem as well. Great job!!!

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In device manager, under usb driver I saw an error in one of them, so I disable that one and then enable that and surprisingly bluetooth came back ... don't know how long it will stay but atleast got a way to fix bluetooth without restarting or power flush

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Make sure your drivers are all updated to the latest from the manufacturer's Support Downloads webpage for your model PC or adapter.

Also install all Windows Updates including Optional which often queues drivers and other important enabling software for them.

Windows MVP 2010-2020 (ret).
Millions helped via my tutorials and personally in forums for 14 years.
Please notify me in my articles' Comments if a tutorial link is outdated or ads intrude.

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Exact same situation here! You are my savior thank you

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I have no ideia what is this error about, but I also had it and when I did what you said my problem was solved. Thanks for sharing!

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THis worked, but I will mention in case relevant for others. I had to disable and then re-enable USB Root Hub (USB 3.0) in my Device Manager. That specifically made my bluetooth re-appear and start working

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Thank you so much. This fixed my problem also. Greatly appreciate your help.

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Over 1300 people have reported a very specific issue with this Bluetooth 5.3 chipset only working by defaulting to a much older compatible standard, massively slowing it down. Not much can be done to fix it unless either Microsoft incorporates the 5.3 profile fully into the Windows 10/11 drivers or the chip vendor releases its own (like Realtek does).

There are at least five manufacturers of Bluetooth dongles using the ATS2851 chip who are in the same boat - until MS updates the Windows generic Bluetooth drivers and/or the chip manufacturer does it, the dongle's features are crippled on Windows.

Tim Staddon

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Tim, please report this in the Feedback Hub in Start Menu, as developers will not even see it here, but they are required to show they process all feedback, and may respond with request for more information or telemetry.

Others with the problem can search for it in Feedback Hub and vote it up to get the priority increased for it to be fixed.

Unfortunately this is the necessary procedure for Windows bugs and other issues, due to having billions of users.

Windows MVP 2010-2020 (ret).
Millions helped via my tutorials and personally in forums for 14 years.
Please notify me in my articles' Comments if a tutorial link is outdated or ads intrude.

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9 times out of 10 swapping out the WiFi card for a new model usually solves problems

802.11ax cards for mini PCI and PCIe slots are available for refurbishing laptop problems

white lists on on my radar for litigation as blocking repair is illegal

new 802.11be cards are likely to be available by 2024 so a new wave of refits is lots of fun

generally 802.11ac cards are fairly good and rare have they been problematic

some machines I have came with real trash for WiFi and they were stuck on 2.4GHz bands, both Intel and Realtek cards have been non-compliant

Computers are useless, all they have are answers - Pablo Picasso

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Last updated May 16, 2024 Views 69,045 Applies to: