Bluetooth is missing or not working

Establish the scope

Separate a missing Windows Bluetooth control from one accessory that refuses to pair. If the control and radio are present, compare another accessory; if the radio is absent or has a Device Manager warning, record that status and whether Wi-Fi disappeared at the same time.

Apply the safer fix first

Expand Bluetooth and Network adapters, including hidden devices. Enable the radio and run the Bluetooth troubleshooter if available.

Investigate the cause

If the radio remains missing or reports a driver fault, use the supported wireless package from the PC maker. Follow that model’s documented power-cycle procedure if recommended; do not assume a generic shutdown resets every embedded radio.

Protect the recovery path

Keep wired input available before radio changes if the keyboard or mouse uses Bluetooth. Do not remove unrelated hidden devices merely because they look inactive.

Verification

• Confirm the Bluetooth control and current radio entry are available after restart.
• Pair or reconnect a known compatible accessory and test its actual function, not only its saved-device listing.

When to stop

Do not continue with broader resets when the adapter stays absent or Wi-Fi and Bluetooth repeatedly vanish together. Preserve the observations already collected and use the device maker, network administrator, Microsoft support, a qualified repair technician, or data-recovery help according to the evidence.

Review the safe troubleshooting workflow before any broader recovery step.