Are you facing a frustrating issue where the Bluetooth on/off toggle is missing from the Windows Settings? This common problem can occur due to various reasons such as disabled services, driver issues, or even faulty hardware.
In this guide, you’ll learn several effective methods to restore the Bluetooth toggle and get Bluetooth working again on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.
🔍 Common Symptoms
- No option to turn Bluetooth On or Off in settings.
- Cannot add new Bluetooth devices.
- Bluetooth section is missing from Device Manager.
- Bluetooth file transfer tools (like fsquirt.exe) fail to work.
Let’s walk through multiple proven solutions to resolve this issue.
✅ Method 1: Check Airplane Mode
Sometimes, Airplane Mode disables Bluetooth. Ensure it’s turned off.
- Click the Network/Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar.
- Make sure Airplane Mode is disabled.
- On Windows 10, you can also check this in the Action Center (
Windows + A).
✅ Method 2: Start Bluetooth Support Services
- Press
Windows + S, type services, and open Services. - Locate Bluetooth Support Service.
- Right-click → Start (if not already running).
- Right-click again → Properties.
- Set Startup type to Automatic.
- Click Apply and OK.
Also ensure other Bluetooth-related services (like Bluetooth Audio Gateway or Bluetooth User Support Service) are not disabled.
✅ Method 3: Check Device Manager for Bluetooth Hardware
- Right-click the Start button → Device Manager.
- Look for the Bluetooth section.
- If missing, go to the Action menu → Scan for hardware changes.
- If still missing, your Bluetooth adapter might be disabled or disconnected.
- If Bluetooth is listed but disabled:
- Right-click the Bluetooth adapter.
- Select Enable device.
Restart your PC and check if the Bluetooth toggle reappears.
✅ Method 4: Use Fsquirt.exe as a Workaround
This method is a temporary workaround to send or receive files via Bluetooth.
- Navigate to
C:\Windows\System32. - Search for fsquirt.exe (shows Bluetooth logo).
- Copy it to your Desktop.
- Double-click to run Bluetooth file transfer wizard.
⚠️ Note: If Bluetooth drivers or hardware are not functioning, this method may not work.
✅ Method 5: Update or Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers
Update Drivers
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click your Bluetooth Adapter → Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
If no updates are found, try the next method.
Restart Bluetooth Device
- Right-click the Bluetooth adapter → Disable device.
- Wait a few seconds.
- Right-click again → Enable device.
Reinstall Driver
- Right-click the Bluetooth adapter → Uninstall device.
- Do not check “Remove driver for this device”.
- Click Uninstall.
- Restart your PC and Windows will reinstall the driver.
✅ Method 6: Install Latest Intel Bluetooth Driver
If your PC uses Intel Bluetooth hardware, follow these steps:
- Visit the Intel Wireless Bluetooth Driver Download Page.
- Download the latest version compatible with your Windows.
- Install it and follow on-screen instructions.
- Restart your PC.
If you use AMD or another brand, skip this step and proceed to the manufacturer website.
✅ Method 7: Download Drivers from Laptop/PC Manufacturer Website
Sometimes the generic drivers don’t work. Instead:
- Visit the official website of your laptop or PC brand (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS).
- Go to the Support or Drivers section.
- Search using your model number.
- Download the latest Bluetooth driver.
- Install and reboot your system.
✅ Method 8: Use an External Bluetooth Dongle
If none of the above solutions work, your internal Bluetooth hardware may be faulty.
- Purchase a USB Bluetooth dongle.
- Plug it in—most are plug-and-play.
- Your PC should now have Bluetooth functionality.
🛡️ Disclaimer:
This article is intended for educational and troubleshooting purposes only. Always back up your system before making significant driver or service changes. If you’re unsure about any steps, consult a professional technician.
🔗 Useful Links
🏷️ Tags:
Bluetooth missing toggle, Bluetooth not working, Windows 11 Bluetooth fix, Device Manager Bluetooth missing, Intel Bluetooth driver, Fsquirt workaround, Windows Services, Windows troubleshooting, Bluetooth drivers update, Bluetooth support service fix
📢 Hashtags:
#BluetoothFix #Windows11 #Windows10 #DeviceManager #BluetoothToggleMissing #IntelBluetooth #PCFix #TechSupport #WindowsTroubleshooting #BluetoothDrivers
