Sometimes, you may face a weird problem when trying to update, roll back, disable, or uninstall a driver using Device Manager. Specifically, in Windows 11, you may notice Bluetooth Not Showing in Device Manager issue. This issue often stems from outdated or incompatible drivers, disabled services, hardware malfunctions, or incomplete Windows updates. Common symptoms of this error include the inability to detect or pair Bluetooth devices.
Here, we will cover all the possible methods to resolve the Bluetooth not showing problem on your Windows 11. This will include basic troubleshooting methods to complex and critical solutions to ensure you have the issue solved. Make sure to apply the steps carefully provided here to avoid any inconvenience or additional errors.
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Bluetooth not showing in Device Manager in Windows 11
Here is how to fix Bluetooth not showing in Device Manager on Windows 11:
Trick: Disable and then re-enable USB Root Hub (USB 3.0) in Device Manager
This is a trick that helped several users to make Bluetooth reappear in the Device Manager:
- Press “Windows + R” and type “devmgmt.msc”.
- Hit enter and once Device Manager opens, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- Right click on “USB Root Hub (USB 3.0)” and select “Disable device”.
- Select “Yes” on the confirmation box.
- Again right-click on USB Root Hub (USB 3.0) and choose Enable device.
- Confirm the prompt and see as Bluetooth should reappear in the Device Managger.
See: How to Fix Bluetooth not Working in Windows 11 Problem (Solved!!)
Check Hidden Devices & Update Bluetooth Driver
The most common reason for creating this flaw is the outdated Bluetooth driver which you should be taking into account before applying any other method.
Before checking the update, make sure that Bluetooth is listed under hidden devices. When you are facing this Bluetooth not showing problem, follow the below steps to check hidden devices and update the driver:
- Press “Windows+S” and type “Device Manager” in the search box.
- Click on the search result to open Device Manager.
- Then, go to the “View” menu and choose “Show hidden devices”.
- If you see the “Bluetooth” here, right-click and choose “Update driver”.
- Then, select “Search automatically for drivers”.
Your operating system will automatically install the latest Bluetooth driver update if available. It should solve the problem for you, if not, move to the next method.
Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter
Let’s now allow your operating system’s built-in tool, Bluetooth troubleshooter, to identify why Bluetooth is not showing in Device Manager glitch.
Furthermore, it will recommend the possible methods to resolve the issue on Windows 11. Here is how you can run Windows Bluetooth Troubleshooter:
- Press “Windows+I” to open Windows Settings,
- Now, select “Troubleshoot” from your “System” tab.
- Then, hit “Other troubleshooters”.
- Find the “Bluetooth troubleshooter” and click on “Run” to initiate the process.
When you get the results, you will have the cause and possible solutions on your screen. Follow the instructions provide and respond appropriately to complete troubleshooting. If the problem persists, follow the next troubleshooting method.
Reconnect Bluetooth Adapter
If Bluetooth settings are not visible when using the Bluetooth adapter, disconnect it, restart the computer, and reconnect the adapter.
Consider the possibility of a corrupted USB port; try alternative USB ports on the PC to establish a connection with the Bluetooth adapter.
Check Quick Settings Panel
The Quick Settings panel in Windows 11 offers convenient access to frequently used functions which include Bluetooth as well.
If the Bluetooth toggle is removed from the device manager, the following steps can guide you in restoring it.
- Open the “Quick Settings” panel by pressing “Win+A”.
- Click the “pencil icon” to edit it.
- Now, select “Add” and choose “Bluetooth” from the list.
Update Your Window 11
Outdated Windows may contribute to the Bluetooth not showing in Device Manager problem on Windows 11. Updating your system can often resolve Bluetooth-related issues and improve overall functionality.
So, make sure your Windows is up to date and free of any malfunctions by applying the below steps:
- Press “Windows+I” to open Settings.
- Choose “Windows Update”.
- Now, click “Check for updates”.
- If newer versions appear for your Windows 11, select Download & install them and check whether the issue is gone.
Restart Your Bluetooth Services
The Bluetooth service typically initiates automatically during natural computer startup. If any issue occurs here, that might trigger the Bluetooth missing from Device Manager on your Windows.
However, in the event of an anomaly causing its current disablement, you can manually restart the service by navigating to the Windows services settings. Here is the process to restart your Bluetooth services and resolve the issue:
- Press “Windows+R” for the Run dialog.
- Type “services.msc” and press “Enter”.
- Now, locate “Bluetooth Support Service” and right-click on the application.
- Then, select “Restart” from the menu.
- A dialog box will appear to confirm the initiation of the process, accept it by clicking “Yes”.
- Close all tabs and restart your PC.
Run Bluetooth Support Service
Running the Bluetooth Support Service can resolve the issue of Bluetooth is not available in Device Manager on Windows 11.
Follow the below steps to run it:
- Press Windows+R to open Windows “Run” dialog.
- Type “services.msc” and hit “Enter”.
- Now, find “Bluetooth Support Service” and right-click on it to choose “Properties”.
- Select “Automatic” from the “Startup type” menu.
- If you find that the service is not running, make sure that you click “Start” and wait a bit to click “OK”.
- Finally, “Restart” your PC and check whether the Bluetooth appears in your Device Manager.
Run SFC & DISM
SFC and DISM scanning often help rectify system-related inconsistencies and improve Bluetooth functionality.
So, engaging in SFC and DISM scans to address and resolve the Bluetooth not showing in the Device Manager issue on Windows 11 can come in handy for you. Apply the below steps to run those scans:
- Press “Windows+S”, type “Windows Terminal”, and run it as an administrator.
- You will get a pop-up to confirm UAC prompt with “Yes”.
- Now, hit the downward-facing arrow and choose “Command Prompt”.
- When the command prompt opens, paste each of the below commands one by one and hit “Enter” after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth- Then, paste this command and hit “Enter” again:
sfc /scannow. - In the end, restart your device.
Reinstall Your Bluetooth Drivers
The USB port to which the Bluetooth adapter is connected may be experiencing corruption which may trigger the Bluetooth unavailable in Device Manager error on your Windows. That is where reinstalling the USB drivers can be handy to resolve this issue.
Additionally, conducting a hardware scan can address existing problems and automatically reinstall the necessary USB drivers to ensure proper functionality. Here is how you can reinstall your Bluetooth drivers:
- Type “Device Manager” in the Windows search box and open the application.
- Go to “Universal Serial Bus Controllers” and expand to access more functions.
- Now, right-click on “Intel USB 3.1 eXtensible Host Controller”.
- Choose “Uninstall Driver” and confirm it when you see a pop-up.
- Then, scroll to reach your computer name and right-click on it to choose “Scan for Hardware Changes”.
- Your computer system will initiate scans now to install the USB drivers that are required.
- Finally, “Restart” your PC and check whether the Bluetooth not showing issue is resolved.
Read: How to Reinstall Bluetooth Driver in Windows 11 or 10
Try Startup Repair
When proven methods are not bringing the solution for Bluetooth not showing in Device Manager problem on your Windows, here is a critical method to apply.
You can simply run the Start Repair tool to identify and solve the Bluetooth error by following the below steps:
- Click on the “Start” menu and select the power button.
- Hold the “Shift” key and choose “Restart”.
- Now, go to “Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair”.
- Choose an admin account to proceed which may require you to enter your password.
- Finally, click on “Continue” to run Startup Repair and find the solution for your problem.
Turn Off Fast Startup
While enabling Fast Startup may expedite boot times, it can occasionally impede the proper loading of Windows programs and features including Bluetooth.
Therefore, it is advisable to disable Fast Startup if the Bluetooth option persists in being absent from your device manager. Here is how you can do it in Windows 11:
- Open the Windows search bar with “Win+S”.
- Type ‘control panel’ and open it.
- Access “Power Options”.
- Now, click the “Choose what the power buttons do” option.
- Then, select “Change settings that are currently unavailable”.
- You will see “Shutdown settings” from where uncheck the “Turn on fast startup (recommended)” option.
- Click on “Save changes”.
- Finally, restart your computer and check for the Bluetooth option in Device Manager.
Boot Your Windows into Safe Mode
Many users have reported that the Bluetooth not showing in Device Manager issue was gone when they went to boot their Windows into safe mode.
You can easily boot your Windows in Safe Mode by following the below steps:
- Press “Windows+S”, search for “System Configuration”, and click on the application.
- Go to the “Boot” tab.
- Choose “Safe Mode”.
- Now, tick the “Minimal” checkbox and hit “OK”.
- You will see a pop-up then, click on “Restart” from here.
- After reboot, reopen System Configuration after a few minutes of rest period.
- Now, untick “Safe Mode” and restart your computer again.
Initiate a System Restore
If all the above methods have gone in vain, that means, your computer is facing a critical issue that has triggered the Bluetooth Not Showing in Device Manager problem.
If that is the case, here is the final method to resolve the Bluetooth not showing mistake. Follow the below steps carefully for a system restore:
- Press “Windows+R”, paste ‘rstrui’ and hit “Enter”.
- It will launch “System Restore” for you.
- Now, click “Next”.
- Then, choose your desired restore point and hit “Next”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions that you will see to complete the System Restore process.
That’s all!!