8 Ways to Fix Bluetooth Not Showing in Device Manager on Windows

If Bluetooth suddenly disappears from Device Manager, you won’t be able to update drivers, connect devices, or manage adapters. This problem usually happens due to disabled services, corrupted drivers, hidden device entries, or system file errors.

1. Enable & Disable Airplane Mode

Toggling Airplane Mode refreshes wireless services like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which can help Bluetooth reappear in Device Manager.

Steps:

• Press Windows Key + A to open Quick Settings.
• Click Airplane Mode to turn it ON, wait 5 seconds, then turn it OFF

2. Add Bluetooth Driver Manually

If Windows fails to detect your Bluetooth adapter automatically, you can add it via Device Manager using the legacy hardware wizard.

Step 1: Open device manager

Step 2: Click Action > Add legacy hardware.

Step 3: Select Search for and install the hardware automatically and click Next.

Step 4: Under Common hardware types, select Bluetooth.

• If missing, select Network Adapter → Next.

Step 5: Choose Intel > Bluetooth Adapter.

Step 6: Restart Your Pc.

If Bluetooth driver is not up, then check How to Fix Bluetooth Drivers in Windows 10?

3. Restart Bluetooth Support Service

This service manages detection and pairing of Bluetooth devices. If it’s stopped, Bluetooth hardware may not appear.

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter.

• Find Bluetooth Support Service.
• Right-click → Restart.

4. Reinstall USB Drivers

Bluetooth adapters often connect internally via USB. Faulty USB drivers can prevent Windows from detecting Bluetooth hardware.

Also check: What are the Security Risks of USB drives? - GeeksforGeeks

• Open Device Manager.
• Expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
• Right-click each USB adapter → Uninstall device.
• Restart your PC.
• Open Device Manager again → Action > Scan for hardware changes.

5. Show Hidden Devices

Bluetooth entries may be hidden, especially after a driver crash or update failure.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Click View > Show hidden devices.
3. Check if Bluetooth appears under:
   • Bluetooth
   • Network adapters
   • Other devices

6. Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter

The built-in troubleshooter can detect and fix configuration issues automatically.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Click Run next to Bluetooth.
3. Restart your PC.

7. Run SFC And DISM Scans

Corrupted system files can prevent Windows from loading Bluetooth drivers. These scans restore them.

• Search CMD, select Run as administrator.

• Run the commands one by one:

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

8. Boot Into Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads minimal drivers. If Bluetooth appears here, a third-party app or service is interfering.

Steps:

• Click Start > Power.
• Hold Shift → click Restart.

• Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
• Press F4 to boot into Safe Mode.

Also Read:

• How to Increase Bluetooth Range on Windows?
• How To Increase the Internet Speed For Free?
• How to Fix Bluetooth Connection Issues in Windows 11?