Of late, a number of PC users have reported that the Bluetooth button is missing from the Action Center in Windows 11. This issue occurs due to many factors, such as software glitches and wrong configurations. Thankfully, there are some viable tips and tricks to resolve the issue and restore the missing Bluetooth button in the Windows 11 Action Center. Read on to…
Fix Missing Bluetooth Button in Windows 11 Action Center
Considering how useful Bluetooth is, having it readily available right in the Action Center is great. That’s the reason why we can’t deal with its sudden disappearance from the AC. As to what causes its button to disappear, there are several culprits you need to be wary of.
- Bluetooth driver issues
- Disabled Bluetooth settings
- Corrupted system files
- Outdated Windows version
- Hidden Quick Settings
- Disabled Bluetooth service
- Background app restrictions
- Recent Windows update bugs
- Hardware connectivity issues
- Bluetooth adapter malfunction
From eliminating the corrupted Bluetooth drivers to fixing the wrongly configured Bluetooth settings, to running the Bluetooth troubleshooter, this guide consists of a variety of solutions to sort out the problem.
1. Restart Your PC
It’s no secret that restarting your PC can troubleshoot minor software glitches that might cause the Bluetooth button to disappear from the Action Center. A fresh reboot can reset background processes and restore missing system features.
- To get it done, click the Start button > Select Power > Restart.
- After that, check if the Bluetooth icon reappears in the Action Center.
2. Check Airplane Mode
If Airplane Mode is active on your PC, it will disable all wireless communication, including Bluetooth, causing the icon to vanish. Therefore, disabling it will help restore the Bluetooth functionality.
- To do so, launch the Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode.
- Turn off Airplane mode if it’s enabled.
- Check the Action Center for the Bluetooth icon.
3. Enable Bluetooth in Settings
If Bluetooth is turned off, it won’t appear in the Action Center. Enabling it manually through Settings ensures the system recognizes and activates the feature.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Turn on the Bluetooth toggle.
- Check the Action Center to see if the Bluetooth icon returns.
4. Add the Bluetooth Icon to the Action Center
Sometimes, the Bluetooth icon is hidden due to changes in quick action settings. Manually adding it back ensures it appears in the Action Center.
- Go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions.
- Click Edit your quick actions > Add > Bluetooth.
- Confirm the selection and check the Action Center.
5. Restart Bluetooth Service in Windows 11
One of the common reasons for Bluetooth issues, including the missing Bluetooth button in the Action Center, is that the Bluetooth service may have stopped running. Hence, restarting this service may resolve the problem.
- To get going, press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services Manager.
- Scroll down and find Bluetooth Support Service.
- Right-click on Bluetooth Support Service and select Restart.
- Double-click the service to open its Properties window.
- Set Startup type to Automatic and click Apply, then OK.
- Close the Services window and check if the Bluetooth button is back in the Action Center.
6. Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter
Windows’ Bluetooth troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix common Bluetooth issues that hide the Action Center icon. Running it refreshes your Bluetooth settings.
- Dive into the Settings app on your Windows 11 device > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.
- Up next, select Bluetooth and click Run the troubleshooter.
- Follow the instructions to detect and fix the issue.
7. Check Device Manager for Bluetooth
If your Bluetooth adapter is disabled in Device Manager, it won’t function properly, hiding the button from the Action Center. Re-enabling it restores functionality.
- To get it one, press Windows + X and choose Device Manager.
- Expand Bluetooth, right-click your adapter, and select Enable device.
- Restart your PC and check the Action Center.
8. Update Bluetooth Drivers
Outdated or corrupted Bluetooth drivers can prevent the Bluetooth function from working correctly, leading to a missing icon. Updating the drivers may fix the issue.
- Simply, open the Device Manager > Navigate to Bluetooth and expand it.
- Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow any prompts.
9. Uninstall and Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers
Sometimes, reinstalling Bluetooth drivers helps resolve deeper driver issues that hide the Bluetooth button. This process refreshes the driver configuration.
- To get it done, launch the Device Manager on your device and expand Bluetooth.
- Now, right-click your adapter and select Uninstall device.
- Next, be sure to restart your PC to automatically reinstall the driver.
10. Check Bluetooth Support Service
The Bluetooth Support Service manages Bluetooth connections. If it’s stopped or disabled, Bluetooth features won’t function, and the icon might disappear.
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Find Bluetooth Support Service, right-click it, and select Start.
- Set the Startup type to Automatic.
11. Update Windows
An outdated Windows version might cause compatibility issues with Bluetooth settings, hiding the icon. Updating your system ensures bug fixes and feature updates.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
- Then, restart your PC and check the Action Center.
12. Check for Hidden Icons
Sometimes, the Bluetooth icon is simply hidden in the overflow section of the Action Center. You can drag it back to the visible tray.
- Click the Up arrow in the system tray to view hidden icons.
- If you see the Bluetooth icon, drag it back to the visible taskbar.
13. Disable Fast Startup
Fast Startup can cause some Bluetooth drivers to malfunction after a shutdown, hiding the Bluetooth button. Disabling it may fix this issue.
- Open Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options.
- Select Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Uncheck Turn on fast startup, click Save changes, and restart your PC.
14. Check Bluetooth Hardware
If your Bluetooth hardware is faulty or disconnected, the system won’t detect it, causing the icon to vanish. Checking hardware connections helps diagnose the issue.
- Ensure your Bluetooth adapter is properly connected.
- If using a USB Bluetooth dongle, unplug it and reinsert it into a different port.
15. Reset Bluetooth Settings
Resetting Bluetooth settings clears any conflicting settings and restores the default configuration, which may bring back the missing button.
- On your PC, head over to Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
- Remove paired devices, toggle Bluetooth off and back on, and restart your PC.
16. Perform a System Restore
Did the Bluetooth button disappear after a recent update or software change? Performing a system restore can be helpful in reverting your PC to a working state.
- To do so, open the Control Panel on your PC > System > System Protection.
- Next, click System Restore.
- Next up, select a restore point, and go through the prompts to restore your system.
- After rebooting, check if the Bluetooth icon is back.
Signing off…
There you have it! By following these effective solutions, you should be able to restore the missing Bluetooth button in the Action Center on your PC. So, which one of these has worked in bringing life back to this handy button?
