[RESOLVED] Bluetooth Missing in Windows 10 Issue

Bluetooth is a primary method for connecting wireless devices like keyboards, mice, and speakers. However, after upgrading to Windows 10, numerous users have reported encountering Bluetooth problems that they didn't experience before. These issues range from being unable to connect headphones or microphones to their laptops to not discovering the Bluetooth icon while transferring data from a mobile phone to Windows 10. In some cases, Bluetooth even disappears from the Device Manager.

Hence, you cannot unconditionally connect your wireless device to the computer via Bluetooth if Windows 10 is missing Bluetooth settings or if it has disappeared from the Device Manager or Control Panel. This article will propose remedies for the Bluetooth issue in Windows 10.

How to Resolve the Bluetooth Missing Issue in Windows 10

These solutions involve identifying the issue, re-enabling certain Windows services, resetting the driver, inspecting the hardware, and restarting your Windows PC.

Identify the Problem Device  

Before undertaking any technical measures, it's crucial to determine the root cause of the issue. Firstly, verify whether the Bluetooth problem is occurring with all devices or just a single one. If the issue persists only with one device, try unpairing it and then re-pairing it again.

Are you concerned that the Bluetooth icon is not visible in the System Tray? It's possible that Bluetooth is enabled, but the icon is not showing in the Taskbar due to some modifications in the Taskbar settings. Before taking any further steps, try these solutions to eliminate this possibility in your case.

Step 1: Simultaneously press the Windows and S keys to launch the search bar. In the search box, type "Bluetooth."

Step 2: From the list of options, select Bluetooth and other device settings. In the subsequent window, choose Bluetooth and other devices.

Step 3: Click on More Bluetooth options under Related Settings in the right pane.

Step 4: In the Bluetooth Settings window, check the box next to "Show the Bluetooth icon in the notification area." Click Apply, then OK.

Step 5: Close all the windows and check if the Bluetooth icon is now displayed in the taskbar notification area.

Re-enable Windows Services

The Bluetooth Support Service enables remote Bluetooth device discovery and pairing. Stopping or disabling this service may affect the operation of existing Bluetooth devices, and you will not be able to connect any new devices.

The WLAN AutoConfig service is essential for configuring, discovering, connecting to, and disconnecting from wireless local area networks provided by this service. It also contains the necessary components to enable your computer to function as a wireless access point, allowing other electronic devices or computers to connect to it wirelessly, provided you have a compatible WLAN adapter. Stopping or disabling the WLANSVC service will prevent access to the WLAN devices on your computer via Windows networking.

Step 1: Open the Run prompt using Win + R

Step 2: Type "services.msc" and press the Enter key to open the Services window.

Step 3: Locate the mentioned services (WLAN AutoConfig and Bluetooth Support Service) from the list and double-click to open them.

Step 4: Click the Stop button, and then click the Start button to re-enable it.

Reopen the Hardware

Step 1: Type "Control Panel" in the Windows search bar and double-click on it.

Step 2: On the search bar, type "Network and Sharing Center" and click on it.

Step 3: Right-click on the Bluetooth hardware and select the option to disable it. A User Account Control (UAC) prompt will appear; click Yes.

Step 4: Restart your computer and check if it returns to normal after enabling it.

Reset Your Drivers

The only way to reset the driver is to uninstall the device, allowing Windows to detect it anew. Once Windows identifies the hardware, you can install the driver if the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) provides specific drivers. If no dedicated drivers are available, Windows will automatically download and install the appropriate driver.

Step 1: Open Device Manager by pressing Win + X and then M on the keyboard.

Step 2: Expand the Bluetooth section, right-click on the hardware, and select Uninstall.

Step 3: Restart your PC and go back to the Device Manager. If you see the Bluetooth device listed, check if the issue has been resolved.

Step 4: If not, click on the Action menu and select "Scan for hardware changes." This will allow your computer to detect the device and install the appropriate driver. Afterward, check if the problem still remains.

Restarting Your Computer

Restarting Windows can fix lots of issues. It's a good idea to do it right away when you run into problems, especially when basic trouble-shooting doesn't help. The Bluetooth device might be having a glitch, and a restart can often fix the error.

We recommend avoiding a shutdown and restarting the PC.

Step 1: Open the Start menu, and select the Power button.

Step 2: Choose Restart to reboot the Windows 10 device.

Once you log back into your account, verify if you can connect with the devices and if they are functioning as intended.

Conclusion

These solutions should rectify the Bluetooth device issue after the update. Nevertheless, if the problem persists, you can take two additional steps.

The first step is to run the Windows 10 Bluetooth troubleshooter, which automatically executes a script crafted by the Windows team to address the problem. The second step is to investigate potential hardware issues. You can do this by connecting a USB-Bluetooth adapter and seeing if it functions properly. If it does work, that indicates the issue is not with Windows but rather a hardware problem.

You can connect to the OEM if Bluetooth is built into the motherboard, or with technical support if it's an adapter.