bluetooth icon keeps disappearing

Hi Raffaele,

Have you already tried the Q&A Assist suggestions? In addition, please try the following.

Since the Bluetooth icon keeps disappearing even after reinstalling drivers, please check whether the Bluetooth support service is stopping unexpectedly:

1. Press Windows + R, type “services.msc”, then press Enter.
2. Locate “Bluetooth Support Service”.
3. Double‑click it and check:
   • Startup type is set to “Automatic”
   • Service status shows “Running”
4. If it’s stopped, click Start, then Apply > OK.
5. Restart the PC and check whether the Bluetooth icon stays visible.

This step specifically helps in cases where Bluetooth hardware is detected but the UI toggle/icon intermittently disappears.

If the issue continues, please share:

1. Does Bluetooth disappear after sleep / restart, or randomly while Windows is running?
2. When the icon disappears, does Bluetooth still appear under “Device Manager” > “Network adapters” or “Bluetooth” (with “Show hidden devices” enabled)?

Looking forward to your update so we can continue from there

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1

Open the Settings App.

Go to System - Troubleshoot

Click 'Other Troubleshooters'

Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter from the resulting page

Check if Bluetooth is then working

2

If not, when the Bluetooth disappears.

Open Device Manager (accessible by right clicking your Start Button)

At the top of Device Manager, choose View - Show Hidden Devices

Expand the Bluetooth section.

Please provide a screenshot of that Device Manager window,

Try these steps in order on Windows 11 to stop the Bluetooth icon from disappearing:

1. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter
   • Open the Get Help app and run the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter using the Bluetooth scenario. It will diagnose and attempt to fix missing Bluetooth toggle/icon issues.
2. Reinstall or update the Bluetooth driver
   • Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
   • Expand Bluetooth.
   • Right-click the Bluetooth adapter (may include the word “radio”).
   • First try Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software, then restart when prompted and check the icon.
   • If that does not help, uninstall and let Windows reinstall:
     1. In Device Manager, right-click the Bluetooth adapter and select Uninstall device.
     2. Confirm Uninstall.
     3. Shut down the PC completely (not just restart). Wait a few seconds, then power it back on so Windows attempts to reinstall the driver.
     4. If Windows does not reinstall automatically, in Device Manager select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
   • If the driver still misbehaves, download the latest Bluetooth driver from the PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website and install it manually.
3. Make sure Airplane mode is off
   • Press Windows + A to open Quick Settings.
   • Ensure Airplane mode is turned off; when it is on, Bluetooth can be disabled and the icon/toggle may disappear or be grayed out.
4. Install Windows Updates
   • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update.
   • Select Check for updates and install all available updates, then restart.
5. Full power drain if Bluetooth disappears after an update
   • If the issue started after a recent Windows update and Device Manager shows Bluetooth but it does not work or keeps vanishing, perform a full power drain:
     • Shut down the PC.
     • Turn off the PSU switch or unplug power (for laptops, shut down and disconnect power; if possible, also disconnect removable battery) and wait several minutes, or hold the power button for about 30 seconds while unplugged.
     • Reconnect power and boot. This can restore Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi hardware that stopped responding after an update.

If Bluetooth is visible and stays on but accessories fail to connect, also check the accessory manufacturer’s site for device-specific troubleshooting.

References:

• Fix Bluetooth disappeared in Windows
• Use a screen reader to fix Bluetooth problems in Windows
• KB5077181 broke Bluetooth - Microsoft Q&A