How To Fix Bluetooth Missing From Device Manager Windows 10 Steps

Bluetooth is an essential feature on Windows 10 that allows you to connect wireless devices, such as headphones, keyboards, and speakers, to your computer. However, sometimes the Bluetooth option may go missing from the device manager, making it impossible to use Bluetooth devices. In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to fix Bluetooth missing from device manager on Windows 10.

Step 1: Check If Your Computer Has a Bluetooth Radio

Before trying any other solutions, you need to make sure that your computer has a Bluetooth radio. Not all computers have a built-in Bluetooth radio, and you may need to use an external Bluetooth adapter. You can check if your computer has a Bluetooth radio by following these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter to open the Device Manager.
  3. Look for the “Bluetooth” option in the list of devices. If you don’t see it, your computer doesn’t have a built-in Bluetooth radio.

Step 2: Enable Bluetooth Using the Settings App

If you have a Bluetooth radio on your computer but the Bluetooth option is missing from the device manager, you can try enabling it using the Settings app. Here’s how:

  1. Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on “Devices”.
  3. Click on “Bluetooth & other devices”.
  4. Toggle the “Bluetooth” switch to the On position.

Step 3: Restart the Bluetooth Support Service

If the Bluetooth option is still missing from the device manager, you can try restarting the Bluetooth support service. Here’s how:

  1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type “services.msc” and press Enter to open the Services window.
  3. Look for the “Bluetooth Support Service” in the list of services. If it’s not running, right-click on it and select “Start”.
  4. If it is running, right-click on it and select “Restart”.

Step 4: Update Bluetooth Drivers

If the Bluetooth option is still missing from the device manager, you may need to update your Bluetooth drivers. Here’s how:

  1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Device Manager”.
  2. Expand the “Bluetooth” category.
  3. Right-click on your Bluetooth device and select “Update driver”.
  4. Select “Search automatically for updated driver software”.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest driver updates.

Step 5: Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers

If updating the drivers didn’t work, you can try reinstalling them. Here’s how:

  1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Device Manager”.
  2. Expand the “Bluetooth” category.
  3. Right-click on your Bluetooth device and select “Uninstall device”.
  4. Restart your computer.
  5. Windows will automatically reinstall the Bluetooth drivers. Check if the Bluetooth option is now available in the device manager.

Step 6: Perform a System Restore

If none of the above solutions worked, you can try performing a system restore to a previous point in time when Bluetooth was working correctly. Here’s how:

  1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type “rstrui.exe” and press Enter to open the System Restore window.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and restore your system to that point in time.

FAQs

Q: Why is the Bluetooth option missing from the device manager?

A: The Bluetooth option may be missing from the device manager due to various reasons, such as outdated drivers, corrupted system files, or disabled Bluetooth support service.

Q: How do I know if my computer has a built-in Bluetooth radio?

A: You can check if your computer has a built-in Bluetooth radio by opening the device manager and looking for the “Bluetooth” option in the list of devices. If you don’t see it, your computer doesn’t have a built-in Bluetooth radio.

Q: Can I use an external Bluetooth adapter if my computer doesn’t have a built-in Bluetooth radio?

A: Yes, you can use an external Bluetooth adapter to add Bluetooth functionality to your computer.

ProblemSolution
Bluetooth option missing from device managerCheck if your computer has a Bluetooth radio, enable Bluetooth using the Settings app, restart the Bluetooth support service, update Bluetooth drivers, reinstall Bluetooth drivers, perform a system restore
Bluetooth device not connectingMake sure the device is turned on and in range, remove and re-pair the device, update Bluetooth drivers, restart the Bluetooth support service

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