Turn off Airplane mode, toggle Bluetooth, restart the PC and accessory, then run the Bluetooth troubleshooter and update the adapter driver. Remove and re-pair only the affected accessory before reinstalling drivers. If the Bluetooth switch is missing from Settings, check Device Manager for an adapter with a warning mark.
What this covers
- Windows 11 PCs with built-in or supported USB Bluetooth adapters
What it does not cover
- ×Computers whose hardware specifications do not include Bluetooth
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedCheck Airplane mode and Bluetooth
ReversibleOpen Quick Settings, turn Airplane mode off, then toggle Bluetooth off and on in Settings › Bluetooth & devices.
Restart the PC and accessory
ReversiblePower-cycle both endpoints and put the accessory back into discovery mode.
Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter
ReversibleOpen the Get Help app and run its Bluetooth diagnostic before manually replacing drivers.
Update the Bluetooth driver
ReversibleIn Device Manager, expand Bluetooth, right-click the adapter, choose Update driver and restart after installation.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions about “Bluetooth is missing or not working in Windows 11”
Why is Bluetooth missing?+
The driver may have stopped, the radio may be turned off or the hardware is disabled.
Is it hardware?+
If the device is gone from Device Manager, the adapter may need service.
Could Fast Startup matter?+
Yes, try a full shutdown.
Is Bluetooth showing in the Settings app?+
If Bluetooth is missing from Settings, open Device Manager and look for a Bluetooth section. If it is absent, the adapter may be disabled or the driver removed, and reinstalling or updating the driver often brings it back.
Could Fast Startup be the reason?+
Fast Startup can leave the Bluetooth radio in a stuck state. Do a full restart rather than shut down and turn on, and check whether Bluetooth returns.
Should I check the Bluetooth support service?+
Open Services and make sure the Bluetooth Support Service is running and set to automatic. If it is stopped, start it and test the connection again.
What if the Bluetooth toggle is grayed out?+
A grayed toggle usually means the radio is switched off by a hardware key or airplane mode, or the driver has failed. Check for a function key for wireless, turn airplane mode off and reinstall the driver if it stays grayed.
Should I uninstall the driver instead of just updating it?+
Try the update first, since it is faster and reversible; uninstalling and letting Windows reinstall a fresh copy is the stronger fix worth trying next if an update alone does not bring Bluetooth back, because it clears a corrupted driver state that a simple update over the top can leave in place.