One of three things can be going on with Windows 11 if the Settings app does not provide the Bluetooth option. It’s possible that the computer has turned off the Bluetooth adapter, that there is a driver issue preventing the system from recognizing the adapter, or that the device lacks Bluetooth hardware.
Whatever the cause, a solution exists. To enable the adapter or verify whether the computer has a Bluetooth adapter, you could use Device Manager. To resolve the issue, you can also update or reinstall the Bluetooth driver.
This tutorial will show you how to fix the Bluetooth adapter so that Windows 11’s Settings app can access the feature.
Fix missing Bluetooth on Windows 11
Follow these procedures to resolve the Bluetooth option in Windows 11’s Settings app:
Launch Windows 11.
To launch the app, search for Device Manager and select the top result.
Make the Bluetooth branch larger.
Choose the “Enable device” option when you right-click the Bluetooth adapter.
The Settings app will provide the Bluetooth option when you’ve finished the steps.
Resolve Bluetooth driver problems
The driver may be the cause of the issue if the Bluetooth option is absent from the Settings app but the adapter is visible in Device Manager.
In this instance, the issue with Windows 11 might be fixed by reinstalling or updating the device driver. However, the adapter you have will determine which driver you require. For instance, the hardware may be a stand-alone adapter, such as USB Bluetooth adapters, or it may be integrated into the wireless hardware on motherboards or laptops.
Follow these procedures to reinstall the Windows 11 Bluetooth driver:
LaunchStart.
To launch the app, search for Device Manager and select the top result.
Make the Bluetooth branch larger.
Choose the Uninstall device option with a right-click on the adapter.
To uninstall, click the button.
Give your machine a restart.
Following the instructions, Windows 11 will attempt to automatically reinstall the device driver, resolving any Bluetooth problems. The Settings app should provide the option.
You must download the package from the manufacturer’s support website and follow the installation instructions if you need to update the driver. To upgrade the device driver, though, you can alternatively follow the instructions below.
Follow these procedures to upgrade the Bluetooth driver:
LaunchStart.
To launch the app, search for Device Manager and select the top result.
Make the Bluetooth branch larger.
Choose the “Update driver” option when you right-click the adapter.
Select the option to “Browse my computer for drivers.”
To browse, click the button.
Choose the folder where the Bluetooth driver is located.
Press the “Next” button.
Press the “Close” button.
The Settings app should display the option to add Bluetooth devices when you’ve finished the instructions.