How to fix missing Bluetooth on your computer

Several years ago, technology involved lots of cables linking with each other. Eventually, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi untethered our gadgets and their succeeding innovations.

That’s one of the biggest reasons tech is more convenient than ever. Still, these tools can have errors. 

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If your computer has a missing Bluetooth function or button, try these methods for PC and Mac.

How to fix missing Bluetooth on a PC

The official Microsoft support page recommends opening the Bluetooth troubleshooter by clicking the Start menu.

Select Settings, System, Troubleshoot, and then Other Troubleshooters. Then, choose Bluetooth, hit Run, and follow the on-screen instructions.

You might also need to update your Bluetooth drivers. Right-click on the Start icon and select Device Manager.

Expand the Bluetooth section and right-click on the Bluetooth adapter. Next, select Update driver and click Search automatically for drivers.

If you still need a Bluetooth feature, try these other methods:

1. Run the troubleshooters

MakeUseOf recommends using the Windows Troubleshooter with these steps:

1. Press the Windows key and the “I” key simultaneously to launch the Settings app. Alternatively, select it from the Start menu.
2. Next, click Troubleshoot in the System tab.
3. Choose Other troubleshooters.
4. Afterward, click the Run button next to Bluetooth. 

That will cause Windows to scan issues in your computer. Moreover, you may try the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic in the Open field and press Enter.
3. Click Next in the Hardware and Devices window.
4. Then, follow the on-screen instructions. 

2. Run a Power Cycle

You may also try a Power Cycle to restore the missing Bluetooth feature:

1. Turn off your computer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Press and hold the power button for 30 to 60 seconds to drain all the power left on your device.
3. Next, leave your computer idle for a few minutes.
4. Link your computer to its power supply and switch it on.

3. Try the Quick Settings Panel

Clicking the lower-right of your desktop will reveal the Quick Settings Panel. You might have removed the Bluetooth toggle accidentally, so restore it with these steps:

1. Press Win + A to open Quick Settings or use the method above.
2. Next, click the pencil icon to edit the panel.
3. Click on Add, select Bluetooth, and then add it to the panel.

4. Check Bluetooth Settings

If you want your missing Bluetooth icon in the Windows taskbar, use these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
2. Next, open Bluetooth & devices, Devices, and then More Bluetooth Settings.
3. Tick the box for “Show the Bluetooth icon in the notification area.”
4. Then, select Apply and then OK.

5. Configure the Bluetooth Support Device

Bluetooth Support Device is a built-in background program that enables Bluetooth functionality. You may need to restart it to fix your Bluetooth:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Next, type “services.msc” in the text field and press Enter.
3. Double-click on Bluetooth Support Service to open the properties. 
4. Select Automatic in the Startup type drop-down menu.
5. Afterwards, click Apply to save changes. 

How to fix missing Bluetooth on a Mac

Different software will require different troubleshooting methods, but one often works for all programs – turning it off and on again.

Restarting your Mac might fix the issue. If not, MakeUseOf says you may try disabling and re-enabling Bluetooth by heading to System Preferences. 

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Open the Bluetooth option and click Turn Bluetooth on.” Also, check your Bluetooth device’s settings or pair it with your Mac again.

If your menu bar still has a missing Bluetooth button, reset your Apple computer’s Bluetooth Module with these steps:

1. Head to System Preferences.
2. Then, open Bluetooth and check Show Bluetooth in the menu bar.
3. Press Shift + Option and click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar.
4. Next, select Debug and then click Reset the Bluetooth module.
5. Re-establish a connection between your Bluetooth device and your Mac.