If the Bluetooth Icon is missing on your computer, the problem could simply be due to Bluetooth not being enabled or accidentally being disabled on your computer.
This issue can also be caused due to a temporary glitch, outdated/corrupted Bluetooth drivers and problem with Bluetooth related services on the computer.
Bluetooth Icon Missing in Windows 11/10
In general, you should be able to access Bluetooth on a Windows computer by clicking on the Bluetooth Icon located in the Taskbar.
If Bluetooth Icon is missing on the Taskbar, it could be hiding in the System Tray. Hence, make sure that you check the System Tray before going ahead with other troubleshooting steps.
Click on System Tray Icon, located at bottom-right corner of the screen and click on the Bluetooth Icon. Move to the next steps, if you cannot find Bluetooth Icon in the System Try.
1. Enable Bluetooth in Settings
The most common reason for Bluetooth Icon not being displayed on the Taskbar and missing in System Tray is due to Bluetooth not being enabled on the computer.
1. Click on Start button > Settings Icon.
2. On the Settings screen, select Bluetooth & Devices in the left-pane and move the slider next to Bluetooth to ON position.
Windows 10: Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices (left-pane) > Enable Bluetooth in the right-pane.
Once Bluetooth is enabled, you should find Bluetooth Icon appearing on the Taskbar or being present in the System Tray.
2. Disable Fight Mode
If you were recently traveling, it is likely that your laptop is still in Airplane mode (which also disables Bluetooth).
1. Click on Start button > Settings Icon.
2. On the Settings screen, select Network & Internet in the left-pane and move the slider next to Flight Mode to OFF position.
Windows 10: Go Settings > Network & Internet > select Airplane Mode (left-pane) > make sure Airplane Mode is turned OFF.
3. Enable Display of Bluetooth Icon
It is possible that the appearance of Bluetooth Icon has been disabled on your computer. This option can be enabled by accessing the Bluetooth Settings screen.
1. Click on Start button > Settings Icon.
2. Select Bluetooth & Devices in the left-pane > In the right-pane, scroll down to “Related Settings” and click on More Bluetooth Settings tab.
2. On Bluetooth Settings screen, switch to Options tab and select Show the Bluetooth icon in the Notification area option.
3. Click on Apply and OK to save this Settings for Bluetooth on your computer.
4. Update Bluetooth Drivers
The problem could be due to the Bluetooth drivers on your computer not being up-to-date with the latest version.
1. Right-click on Taskbar and select Device Manager in the menu that appears.
2. On Device Manager Screen, open the Bluetooth entry > right-click on Bluetooth Adapter and select Update Driver option.
3. On the next screen, select Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software option.
4. Wait for Windows to search for updated Bluetooth Drivers and install them on your computer.
5. Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter
Run the built-in Bluetooth Troubleshooter as available in Windows and see if this helps in fixing the problem.
1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.
2. On the next screen, locate Bluetooth and click on the Run button.
Windows 10: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters > select Bluetooth and click on Run the Troubleshooter button.
3. Wait for Windows to find and fix Bluetooth connectivity problems on your computer.
6. Check Status of Bluetooth Services
As mentioned above, the problem could be due to Bluetooth related System Services not running or not being set to start automatically.
1. Open Run Command (Win + R keys) > type services.msc and click on OK.
2. On the next screen, make sure Bluetooth Support, Bluetooth Handsfree and other Bluetooth related Services are running.
Note: If any Bluetooth Service is disabled, double-click on the disabled service.
3. On the next screen, set the Startup type to Automatic and click on the Start button.
4. Make sure you click on Apply and OK to save this change to the Bluetooth Services on your computer.